Peace Is the Universal Message of All Religions
By Dr Shahid Athar
Indiana
All religions call for peace. Assalamulaikum, the Islamic greeting, Shalom the Jewish greeting, and Shanty in Hinduism are all greetings of peace. If we desire peace for ourselves, we should desire the same for others. While religions talks of peace, some of their followers from time to time like to disturb it .We should define the need and objectives of peace that will bring us into peaceful coexistence.
The process of attaining peace starts by being at peace with self, our Creator, our family, co-workers, our neighbors and all fellow humans. As Confucius, the Chinese Philosopher said, “If we have harmony in our beliefs and in our actions, there will be love in our homes. If there is love in our homes there will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation then there will be peace on earth”. Prophet Mohammad once said, “Shall I tell you what is better than prayer, fasting and giving charity to the poor? It is making peace between one another as animosity and quarrels destroy mankind.” Late Dr M.L. King, who was inspired by Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, said, “Peace is not absence of tension but presence of justice. Racial and economical justice is a prerequisite for peace”.
It is reported that two kings in ancient India were on the verge of starting a war. Control over a piece of land was under dispute. Buddha seeing the kings with their armies ready to fight requested them to tell him the cause of their quarrel. Having heard the complaints on both sides, he said “I understand that this land has some value for your people. Does it have any intrinsic value?” The kings said it had no intrinsic value. Then Buddha asked, “Now when you go into battle, is it not certain that many of your men and you the kings too may be killed. They said “yes it is possible. Then Buddha asked, “Does the blood of men have less value than a piece of land?” “No”, the kings answered, “the lives of men and above that the lives of kings, are priceless”. Then Buddha asked, “Are you going to sacrifice that which is priceless for that which has no intrinsic value at all?" The kings realized their mistake and came to a peaceful agreement. We need to engage war mongers in an intellectual discourse to prevent war and instill peace.
We need to win peace over the course of war. Religions should make us better humans and instruments for peace, not of war. Jesus, “the Prince of Peace” as quoted in Gospel of Mathew, went up on the mountain and when he sat down, his disciples came to him and he taught them, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness and they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” The Jewish tradition the Talmud says “More Justice- More peace”.
In these troubled times that we are going through since Sept.11, 2001, I conclude with the prayer for peace as taught by Prophet Mohammad who said, “Lord, You are peace. From You comes peace. Let us live in peace. Let us enter in the house of peace. Blessed are You O Lord, Most High, Most Honorable."
(Dr Shahid Athar, a physician, is past president of Interfaith Alliance of Indiana. E mail sathar3624@aol.com )
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