आनन्द सिंधु मध्य तव वासा । जाने बिनु कत मरत पियासा ।।
The Ocean of Joy Within
If a person is asked that his residence in the ocean of joy, he is not going to believe it. Instead, he will ask you: then why do I feel sad, why do I feel miserable often?
If you come across a person carrying a pitcher full of water on his head and feeling thirsty at the same time, what will be your sane advice to that person: drink from what you are carrying. Here the person advising knows the thirst-quenching capability of water.
Guru Nanak says the same thing: merely carrying a bundle of breads (chapatis) on the head will not satisfy your hunger. Kabir is also of the same opinion when he says: पानी में मीन पियासी, मोहें सुन-सुन आवे हांसी। Paani mein meen piyasi, mohe sun sun aave hansi. Fish is thirsty in water, hearing this makes me laugh. This very fact has been told by saints and seers time and again: what you look for is within you.
The Need for Peace
Now the million-dollar question is: do we really need peace? Do we really need joy? Or we are satisfied with the situation that goes up and down with regard to peace and we feel okay. Very tricky question.
In my opinion, if I am looking for something and I have got its address, half of the problem is solved. I have a definite address. I can go there and get it. And the address is absolutely clear: within you.
See Also: The Thirst for Peace: Finding Solace in the Ocean Within
The Path to Peace
Now the next point is: how to reach over there. Even after the address is clear if efforts are not made to reach over there, we cannot find it. If a person knows how to swim, he can teach it. If the person you approach knows only the theory about swimming, he cannot teach you how to swim. There is a lot of difference between these two: theory and practical.
This is what is happening in this world nowadays: people are teaching what they do not know. Otherwise, how it is possible that there are lots of people talking about peace having lots of followers, why it is that peace is not a happening thing? In comparison to some 50 years ago, there are more people who are teaching this subject now and there are lot many of their disciples with them and the problems of this world are not abating. They are going up by and by. Where lies the problem?
Today, we need a teacher or guide who can say: if you are really searching for peace, I can show it to you.
Saints and seers who knew it and realized it came up with this fact: the joy you are looking for is within you. The peace you are looking for is within you. And for this, you will have to go to a person who knows it, who has realized it, and who is capable enough to show it to you, reveal it to you.
Today the need for peace is more than at any time in the past. The situation we see in this world is very critical. A human being has no respect for another human being and they do not have respect for the mother nature that sustains us. They are hell-bent on cutting the same branch they are sitting on.
See Also: Beyond Wealth: The Quest for True Knowledge and Human Prosperity
Conclusion
In such a situation, it is our duty to seek and know how we reside in the ocean of joy. Once known, it has to be realized to the full. When a person is in peace, certain good qualities such as love and compassion automatically flow from him. These are the basic traits of humanity. When we love each other humanity flourishes. When we love our mother nature and care it, it flourishes. This is real prosperity. The prosperity we are hankering after deprives many and enriches some. But the progress of humanity deprives none.
See what Sant Kabir says about this:
साईं इतना दीजिए जामे कुटुम्ब समाया ।
मैं भी भूखा ना रहूं, साधु न भूखा जाय ।।
Saain itna dijiye jame kutaumb samay
Main bhi bhukha na rahun sadhu na bhookha jay.
Meaning: O God, give me that much which suffices for my family – neither I am hungry nor the visitor to my home goes hungry.
Really, nature does have the capability to fulfill everyone’s needs, but it cannot fulfill the greed of the people.
When we are in peace and joy within, when are in touch with the ocean of joy within then these human qualities automatically flow. We feel responsibility for human beings and nature and fulfill it. And definitely, humanity grows and flourishes.