Are We Truly Civilized?

Day-to-day challenges make life interesting. If there were no challenges, life would become boring. Therefore, instead of running away from challenges, we need to face them and change our attitude towards them. This is a meaningful way to live a full life.

Today, humanity is facing new and unexpected problems, including wars and their consequences. We consider ourselves a civilized race because we have education, schools, colleges, universities and religious teachings. Yet, despite all this, we are not necessarily peaceful or happy.

UNESCO has long expressed the thought that wars are born in the minds of men. They do not begin outside; they begin within. Therefore, we need to ask ourselves what we really mean by being civilized. Education can provide information, but is information truly knowledge? People may collect and memorize information, but practical wisdom is often missing.

Real knowledge is light. When a person is truly enlightened, they cannot behave like a beast. War is not a human action; it is a violent action arising under the influence of anger, greed, ego and arrogance. When humanity is ruled by these negative forces, can we really call ourselves civilized?

The Inner Battle

We will become truly civilized when we work on ourselves and remove these negative forces. The darkness of ignorance and negativity has brought many problems into the world. This is not limited to wars between countries. There are wars in the name of religion and nationality, and even conflicts at the family level. The increasing number of divorces is also a kind of war. Violence against others is another expression of this inner conflict.

However, spiritual knowledge and meditation through Rajyoga give me hope. Night cannot remain forever. Darkness will end, but we need to work for that change.

Becoming a Source of Peace

We may be concerned about people suffering because of wars and other difficult situations. Many innocent people are killed, starve, lack water or electricity, and experience misery. We can cooperate and help wherever possible. If we cannot physically do something, we can morally and mentally support them by sending vibrations of peace. But I can do that only when I work on my own inner enemies.

I think of the sun as a simple example. The sun simply shines, and its rays reach everywhere. Whoever wants more benefit comes out and receives the sunlight. I need to become like that sun, maintaining my peaceful state of mind. I do not need to think that I am sending vibrations. If I am peaceful, those vibrations naturally reach others.

My First Step

The first promise I can make to myself is not to become a reason for creating peacelessness or sorrow for anyone. My own inner lack of peace is reflected in the way I speak, think, behave, and respond to situations.

Even a simple habit can affect others. If I do not put things in their proper place, someone who needs them may have to spend time searching. Their thoughts and time are wasted, and they may become peaceless. Therefore, I need to become attentive to my thoughts, words and actions. This is the first and easiest step.

Let Us Light the Lamp

We cannot control everything happening in the world, but we can change what is within us. Every disease begins from something very small, and similarly, everything good or bad begins from a seed. Therefore, let us focus on the seed.

We often watch the news repeatedly and discuss what is happening around the world. Knowing reality is necessary, but constantly thinking and talking about disturbing situations may increase fear, anger, or indifference. Instead, we can ask ourselves what positive thing we can do at that moment.

If there is darkness in a room, repeatedly talking about darkness does not remove it. If we have the possibility, we should light a candle. Instead of cursing the darkness, let us light the lamp.

A simple daily practice is to begin the day with the thought, “I am an ignited light.” Just be light. There will naturally be a smile and a subtle glow, and others may also feel that peace. This is a way of serving, helping, and cooperating with humanity without special expenditure or effort. A simple thought can become a genuine source of peace.

When I transform myself, I become an instrument of peace for others. This inner transformation is the beginning of a peaceful world.

B.K. Sudha
Director, Brahmakumaris, Moscow, Russia