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Peace
United Communities of Spirit
Peace is one of the most desirable fruits of salvation in all the
world's religions. We begin with passages describing the fruit of inner
peace. The peace that comes with reaching Ultimate Reality brings
tranquillity to the heart and clarity to the mind. It is the absence of
passions, desires, anxieties, and wandering thoughts; the heart becomes
cool and content. Nirvana is often translated 'Peace.' Islam and
Christianity both praise the peace and tranquillity that come to the soul
that is firm in faith. The soul of the saint has been likened to a deep
pond whose surface remains undisturbed by waves despite the many currents
or streams that flow into it.
A second group of passages describe the peace of God that brings
harmony among people and nations. Outward peace is emphasized in the
Abrahamic faiths, for whom the work of God has a social and historical
dimension. The love of God breaks down the walls of hostility between
people, and thus becomes the foundation for their lasting peace. Yet
peace in this social and political sense is not only given by God; it must
also be built by the efforts of human beings. Those who are blessed with
inner peace have the responsibility to become peacemakers, reconciling
conflict.
Interfaith passages at: http://origin.org/ucs/ws/theme074.cfm
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