Shanthi

Baba describes Shanthi as, “the resolution of all the welter (confusion) and conflict of human emotions into the basic attitude of peace.” It is desires that create agitations in the placid waters of the lake of the mind and create unrest. A mind free of desires gets back to the state of peace. Only when one has tranquillity of mind can enlightenment dawn. And only through an enlightened mind (intellect) can the sublimest peace (Prasanthi) be attained and enjoyed. This higher state of peace is bliss / Ananda.

Cultivation of forbearance, taking joys and sorrows in an equal stride without letting them affect the mental poise, cultivation of unwavering faith in the power of the Spirit and in the saving power of the Providence, cultivation of more and more detachment from the world and attachment to the Lord, and daily contemplation and meditation on Him – all these will certainly help one to attain the highest peace.

Love in thought is peace. When man thinks, speaks, and acts along virtuous lines, his conscience will be clear and he will have inner peace. Knowledge is power, it is said; but virtue is peace.

[Source: The Path Divine, Sri Sathya Sai Balvikas, Dharmakshetra, Mumbai]