From One's Heart

For World Peace
….Next to the wonder of seeing my Savior will be,
I think,
The wonder that I made so little use of
The power of prayer……

World events have taken such a drastic turn in recent times that conflict and violence seem to have become the norm, overshadowing any hopes of a peaceful coexistence. Once when Amma was asked why there is so much disharmony in the world and what we could contribute to restore harmony, she replied, "Conflicts have always existed, they still exist, and will continue to exist in the future - that is the nature of this world. But we can do something about it. Pray for the welfare of the world and for peace on earth. Pray that people who are blinded by their own egos and cause untold destruction see the right path. Prayers are not just empty words; they really do have an effect. Prayers for peace will reduce the suffering of people and reduce the magnitude of conflicts in the world."

When we gather in prayer for a common cause with the strength of a pure intent, great things can be accomplished. Groups thus focused in prayer send out strong positive vibrations, weakening the intent of the negative forces that create discord and disarray in the world.

Amma advises us to practice chanting the peace mantra followed by the universal prayer for peace at-least once a day. As Amma's children, each satsang group, family or individual, might like to participate in a small daily ceremony, praying for every heart in need around the world.

Light a candle at 7:00 pm (Pacific Standard Time) every evening.
Sit comfortably and close your eyes, chanting,"Om Lokah Samastah Sukino Bhavantu"
which means, "May all beings in all the worlds be peaceful and happy".
Continue chanting for 10 minutes.
Remain with your eyes closed and imagine the light of the candle as the Divine Light. Imagine the light pervading the whole universe. As the light falls on each being, visualize that they attain peace and become filled with Divine Love. Picture the whole universe filled with peace and love. See yourself as part of that universe, bathed in Divine Love and Light.
At the end of the prayer, chant "Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi" which means, "Peace, Peace, Peace."

"Children, pray for the good of everyone," Amma urges. "We should pray to God to give a pure mind even to those who harm us. One cannot sleep peacefully when there is a thief in the neighborhood. Likewise, when we pray for the well-being of others, it is we who gain peace and quietude."

Video on Amma

Gujarat Video

AIMS Video