Peace in Asia

 Hari Aum.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

This is a post that I must admit I had hoped that I would never have to write. Those of you who follow the news would be aware that there is currently is a major escalation of hostility between the governments of India and Pakistan.

The situation there is complicated and messy-- there has been simmering discontent for decades. However, the current escalation seems to be one of the worst in recent times. It is one thing to have clashes between two militaries. It is quite another for armed individuals or terrorists to attack unarmed civilians as in this case. 

Terrorism has many shades and has increasingly spread all over the world. The recent terrorist attack in Kashmir, India is heartbreaking, especially because it occurred at a time when there had been a de-escalation of tensions and an increase in peace and prosperity in the region. Sadly, all the progress that had been made in recent years now appears to be threatened as a result of this heinous incident.

I have close family and friends in India with whom I am regularly in touch. And, while it may not be particularly popular to admit this at present, I do have friends in Pakistan (whom I met years ago in Europe). I do therefore feel a sense of deep concern for people in both nations. 

There may be some significant differences, but I do know that the people of India and Pakistan also have much in common-- especially food, music, movies, sports and many other things that bring us joy. 

This makes it all the more tragic that peace eludes us. Why must there be this needless death and destruction? Let us not allow the terrorists to create hatred between our people-- because that will grant them victory. This hatred is exactly what they want; they revel in bloodshed and violence. Let us refuse to give this to them. 

Let there be no division in the country due to this tragedy-- let people remain united. I would specifically like to request avoiding the burning of any flags, joining violent protests or engaging in any act of civilian violence. This is completely counterproductive. Let us not sink to the level of others but stick to our own spiritual principles.

I know the pain in India today is great (and I feel this myself)-- not only because of this appalling and horrific incident, but because of the decades, and even centuries, of violence that has been experienced. There is a feeling that this is the last straw, that this cannot be allowed to continue.

However, the response needs to be sensible and measured (and I am hopeful that it will be as the current leadership has shown maturity over the years). War will only cause more pain. And we know, that violence only begets further violence. 

It is absolutely right for countries all over the world to take steps to protect their citizens and to respond appropriately when there is a terrorist attack. I hope and pray that the response in this case will be a measured and reasonable one. And that a full-fledged war in Asia with suffering on both sides can be avoided.

I feel a sense of fatigue in saying this but I will say it nonetheless-- please can we continue to pray for peace. Hopeless though it seems sometimes, and helpless though we may feel, this is the advice of our Gurus. We must trust and obey them-- this is our duty as spiritual seekers (and it is not as though we have many other options at present). And let us always remember that spiritual forces are much more powerful than material ones.

I particularly want to recommend the recitation of mantras (such as the ashtakshara of Narayana and the Navarna of the Goddess) and deity 'kavachas' (or 'shields') for our armed forces as they prepare to act for justice -- may the Divine inspire them to act with restraint, with maturity and grant them protection. 

May good people on both sides of this unfortunate conflict be protected by the Divine. May war-mongering and wicked forces on both sides be controlled and defeated. May God bless all of us and our planet with peace.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Om Sri Durgayai Namah.

Om Namah Shivaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

P.S. I have today heard a very sad account of the impact of this tragedy on the family of one of the victims of this horrific attack (as they are known to a close relative of mine in India). It is utterly devastating. There can never be any justification for attacks on civilians in any country. We must pray and recite mantras daily for peace on our planet in accordance with the advice of our Gurus.

Om Namo Narayanaya.