The Christmas season is that time of year when we especially cherish peace and goodwill. Peace in the world, in our communities, in our relationships and in our hearts. Great spiritual teachers tell us that the peace we long for is based upon developing the qualities of respect and tolerance. Cultivating these spiritual qualities mean that more than just being a time or a season, Christmas becomes a state of mind and heart.
“Hatred and conflict are often rooted in differences between people of different races and religions. We all need to respect people of different races as well as people of different faiths and religions. We need to unite by recognising our common desire and need for a harmonious society—a society in which we and our children and families and friends and communities can all live our lives in peace and harmony. Regardless of our race or religion, we all want and need such social harmony… Without respect for people of different races or ethnicities or religions, how can we have a peaceful and harmonious society or world? And without a harmonious society, how can there be the necessary economic development and atmosphere conducive to spiritual happiness and self-realization?” – Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust….Those who live on the level of spirit have the spiritual outlook, and that is life and peace” – Jesus Christ
“Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.”- Lord Buddha
“One who is not in transcendental consciousness can have neither a controlled mind nor steady intelligence, without which there is no possibility of peace. And how can there be any happiness without peace?” – Sri Krishna, Bhagavad Gita