Remember, for a peaceful person, being alone is pleasurable while a disturbed person feels lonely in a similar situation. What will you want to be, asks Ajit Kumar Bishnoi

The natural question which arises from the title is: Why should we try to be peacefulIJ Because being peaceful has many advantages, and this is an understatement. If one is not peaceful, he has real trouble in store for him. But for that we must learn to enjoy peace.

Everyone is trying to enjoy in his own ways. We look for the tastiest food but if we are not careful in what we eat, we end up with health problems, not enjoyment. What about drinking merrily in search of happinessIJ Not only is this route very expensive but one ends up with many problems, and some of them can be quite serious. People spend a good percentage of their savings in travelling for fun. It is nice but how long does it lastIJ

One will not easily get agitated. What do we see every dayIJ Violence is becoming a norm, not an exception. Never mind terrorists, who are wrecking havoc; even a common man loses temper quite easily. One will not get depressed easily. WHO is predicting a 60 per cent rate of depression by 2050. Is that not a scary prospectIJ One will enjoy health benefits by being peaceful rather than get suffering trying to enjoy life in the wrong ways.

The quality of life will be high. Ultimately, our success should be judged by this factor alone. Poor quality of life means that we have failed. A peaceful person is well placed to do quality work, which helps one advance in life. Peacefulness rubs on others as misery affects those near. One is unlikely to make costly mistakes. And one is in a good position to connect with God, which guarantees God’s help in whatever we need and what we need to protect.

Now let us see how people in different walks of life are seeking enjoyment besides what has been mentioned earlier. I will take the first example of a businessman. He is seeking profit in order to enjoy life. Does it pan out like thisIJ No, to begin with making profit is not that easy, and even if one manages it, this only whets one’s appetite for more profit in a never-ending search. In both cases, ie in case of making loss and diversifying the business, there is no peace.

The next example is of a careerist. like the businessman, he is focused on advancing his career. Now a good percentage in the private industry are job-hopping like in the West. And every new job has its own challenges. Where does peace get a chanceIJ The third example is of a sportsperson, who like the careerist sees nothing except excelling in his chosen field. His mind is forever seeking ideas which could make him better. And sky is the limit as far as ambition goes. Very few wish to retire even after they have gone past their prime. WhyIJ They cannot imagine that life can be enjoyable outside sports.

The fourth example is that of a politician. This one has no place for peace in his life. Till death, most politicians are trying to advance themselves. Yes, a few retire gracefully and enjoy life. Doctors are no better. They are wedded to practising till death, if health permits.

I could go on but I am sure readers have grasped what I am trying to convey. By the way, becoming peaceful is not such an impossibility. Just sit in a park and soak in the scenery. Nature is beautiful if one cares to look at it. lie in the bed and think of all the pleasant things which have happened in your life, especially those which you did not expect. Sit in a train and marvel at the varieties nature has in store. Dream of a nice future, which of course should be based on real possibilities rather than on fantasy. Think how you can help someone in need. And put some food in a designated place for birds and peacefully enjoy their chirping. I enjoy peace by looking at a photo of God surrounded by flowers.

Remember, for a peaceful person being alone is pleasurable while a disturbed person feels lonely in a similar situation. What will you want to beIJ Aren’t we all forced into situations where we have to spend time alone, and sometime quite long hoursIJ Why condemn yourself by not trying to enjoy peaceIJ

Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com