Message from Gurudev Sri Ravi Shankar on the occasion of the United Nations International Peace Day, September 21

“We are all so fortunate that we have been able to find some peace within ourselves. Now, we have a challenge to reach out to all those who are not at peace with themselves as well as to those countries and parts of the world where there is conflict.

We all have the responsibility of bringing peace to every nook and corner of the world. Unless every member of our global family is peaceful, our peace is incomplete and we would like to have complete peace.

Peace is needed at three levels: The first is inner peace, which we should all have in our mind so that we can be dynamic in action and our thoughts are more powerful. The second level is peace in our immediate environment, our family, friends and workplaces. The third level is peace between nations and continents, which is most important.

Today, the arms race between countries has to be put to an end. Nuclear disarmament has to happen so that there is no fear between countries. It is fear that drives countries on the arms race. We must persuade all the governments and institutions in the world to promote peace between nations.

Everyday we should pray and conclude our day with Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti – Let the Divinity bring peace to individuals, immediate family, environment, society and between nations.”