Real peace comes in meditation
to the one who is free of debt and desire.
"AUM in the Himalayas"
by Pieter Weltevrede
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Although everybody experiences some relaxation sometimes, real Shanta or Peace exists only in samadhi, a state of super-consciousness that is the final stage of any yoga. For true Peace, body, mind, ego, and intellect must become perfectly still.
For a long time, Shanta was not even regarded as a Rasa by the Indian tradition because it is without emotion, ni-rasa.
Everybody longs for real peace of mind, some calmness, though only a few saints really attain it. Today, many people regard saints as people who are simply doing nothing. What they do not understand is how difficult and rewarding doing nothing really is.
Mastering Peace
Even if we feel that we are not enlightened, we can always give it our best shot. The main way to induce Peace is through meditation practices, combined with keeping a balance between needs and desires.
Double-click on this video link to watch a free teaching clip on Emotions and Meditation
(more rasas teaching clips)
This is supported by following one's dharma, the code of conduct that best suits one's place in society and one's path to liberation. Following one's dharma first of all means to pay one's debts. The Indian tradition categorizes these debts into three kinds: debts to ancestors (paid by raising children), debts to the universe (through selfless service), and debts to the teacher (through teaching).
Another aspect of following dharma is to fulfill those desires that bring one to a higher state of being. It may be necessary even to fulfill some rather selfish desires in order to feel satisfied. As long as they do not become addictions, this is a very natural process of spiritual evolution in which desires are exhausted through fulfillment.
