Shanti

There are many people who are not aware of even the meaning of the word, prasanthi. 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-santhi means, expanding, enlarging, and so prasanthi means that type of shanti. That is to say, the absence of desire and anger greed and hatred.

Prasanthi means success in the elimination of these qualities… Now this shanti is the innate nature of man. Shanti is the force that comes to the aid of those who try to develop viveka (discrimination); vairagya (renunciation), and vichakshana (keenness of Intellect)…

Shanti must be manifested in feeling, word posture, and deed in the same uniform equal measure. Then shanti becomes prasanthi, the real shanti…

Every single sadhaka has the legitimate right to earn this prasanthi; so he must learn the path by which it can be earned.

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 prasanthi. The experience of that stage is 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, despair, shanti is earned and maintained without disturbance.

If the sadhaka is unsuccessful in following one discipline, he has to seek and know the cause of his defeat. This analysis is necessary. He must then see that, in the second stage, the trait is not repeated. He should try his best to guard himself against it. In such matters one must be quick and active—like the squirrel. Agility and vigilance must be combined with sharpness of intelligence, too. All this can be earned only through shanti.

A joyful outlook helps shanti to grow; it should therefore be cultivated by the sadhaka. His nature should be free from pomp and show. He should understand the secret of character and strengthen his will for betterment. If he moves in the world intelligently and with care, he can demonstrate the truth of the statement, “Man is truly of the nature of shanti.” For example, valuable time should not be wasted in worthless talk. Conversation must be pleasant and to the point. Then, it can be kept polite and simple, and shanti will become firm.

So, arise, all ye who aspire to take up the adhyatmic sadhaka [spiritual practices]! Immerse yourselves in actual practice! Strengthen your faith, cultivate it.

Make shanti your secure possession! Saturate your lives with ananda (bliss). Enjoy the vision of atmarama [one who rejoices in the self].  Arise and delay not!

Source: Prasanthi Vahini, P. 1-30