By: Chirya Risely
Source: The Daily Guardian https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/05/08/e-paper-today-delhi-09-may-2026/
Dated: May 9th, 2026

“People are searching for a renewed purpose. There is no higher purpose than awakening to your true identity of being a soul and experiencing God's love."  
- BK. Mohini

Non-violence does not mean that we remain indifferent to a problem, but instead remain fully engaged in a way that benefits us and the interests of others. On the path of non-violence, in spite of injustices, we remain calm, happy, peaceful, healthy, strong, and continue to be joyful. Non-violence, therefore, is not merely the absence of violence; it involves an active sense of compassion and caring. All religions advocate love, compassion, and forgiveness.

‘I believe that every human being has an innate desire for happiness and does not want to suffer. I believe each of us has the same potential to develop inner peace and thereby achieve happiness and joy. If one has a positive mental attitude, then even when surrounded by hostility, one will not lack inner peace.’  - Dalai Lama

When we face problems, we most often look at them from our own point of view and deliberately ignore other aspects of the situation. We look at the situation in terms of how much harm or inconvenience it will cause us, and forget to look at the bigger picture. This invariably leads to negative consequences. If we respond to a situation with anger and hatred, it causes more harm to us than to the person we consider responsible for our problem. We must develop a greater perspective and look at situations from all angles. We forget to acknowledge that we are all so interdependent. We need to arrive at solutions through dialogue when faced with problems or disagreements, that bring maximum benefit to all involved.

However, when faced with people deliberately wishing us harm, we can see it as an opportunity to develop patience and tolerance. Tolerance and patience are signs of strength, not weakness. Challenges from people or situations become our teachers if we are wise enough to understand. In this sense, obstacles are beneficial, a blessing to empower us.

It is through the power of silence that we are able to develop the mental and spiritual powers needed to tackle negative situations successfully. In silence we can access the true values of the soul, such as peace, love, purity, joy, and wisdom. These values become the powers that we need. Silence is not the absence of thoughts; it is a state in which the mind is engaged in pure, elevated thoughts that nurture these inner values. The way to silence is meditation. When we have the deep awareness that we are a being of peace, peace will become our personality. Stop, take a minute, and listen to the silence within you.

Chirya Risely is a Rajyoga meditation teacher 
based at the Brahma Kumaris Peace Village Retreat Center, USA.