Prashanti
There are many people who are not aware of even the meaning of the word, prashanti. It is as the backbone to each individual, and for the sadhaka (spiritual aspirant) it is as the very breath…. The syllable pra in pra-shanti means, expanding, enlarging, and so prashanti means that type of shanti (peace). That is to say the absence of desire, anger, greed, and hatred.
Shanti must be manifested in feeling, word, posture, and deed—manas, vak, kaya, and karma—in the same uniform equal measure. Then shanti becomes prashanti, the real shanti….
But, man is unable to stand still even for a moment! Absence of mere anger cannot be taken as peace. The winning of a desired object and the satisfaction one gets then, should not be confused with shanti. The shanti that has pervaded the heart must not be shaken subsequently for any reason; that type of shanti alone deserves to be called prashanti. Prashanti has no ups and downs; it cannot be partial in adversity and complete in prosperity. It cannot be one thing today and another tomorrow. Maintaining the same even flow of ananda (bliss) always, that is prashanti.
Shanti is full of spiritual uplift and the wisdom that is the natural accompaniment of bliss. Genuine shanti is won by the control of the senses only. Then it can be called prashanti. The experience of that stage is same as the stream of peace. Calming the mental agitation that surges like waves leveling the swirls and whirls of likes, dislikes, love, hate, sorrow, joy, hope, and despair shanti is earned and maintained without disturbance.
Prasanthi Vahini, Pp. 1-4
Philosophy that cannot be understood, scriptures that are not practiced, the present world is full of such, it is a waste to talk of these. Real change must be made in the daily conduct and behavior of man, for these are within the experience of all, they can be easily practiced, and their purpose can be clearly grasped. It is only when these are transformed that the inner atman, deeper, more mysterious and more essential, can be understood. In every little act, activity, and word one should discriminate and adopt the best; that is the sign of the genuine sadhaka.
Prasanthi Vahini, Pp. 10
The world today is torn into factions and groups that hate and hack each other. No method is considered too cruel if the aim is to destroy one’s enemy. No one is aware of the innate unity, the ever-present current of divinity that animates every single living being on earth. You have the role now of demonstrating that all is not lost, that there are still people who believe in truth, righteousness, peace, and love; that acts of loving service rendered in a spirit of humility and reverence are still making people happy, and that the day when the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God will shine bright and beautiful is dawning and drawing near.
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 13
