Foreword To Peace Is Possible
by Emilio Colombo
Former President of the European Parliament
Former Prime Minister of Italy
“In our own ways, we all seek to improve the world we live in.
We do this both as individuals and by participating in many different institutions. Unfortunately, this has proved to be easier said than done. We try to use our best capabilities to facilitate the best courses of action in order to provide a standard of living for every human being and for society that allows us to thrive in peace and lead a fulfilled existence. Prem Rawat would probably say “a happy life.”
However, we are often both enticed and limited by our own selfishness and vulnerability. Who is exempt from these traits? We feel helpless, and this is the worst thing that could happen to us. As we try to pursue this vision, we mainly focus our attentionvon society — the world around us and its traditions, governments, international organizations — and all the various means we believe can help bring about peace.
There is, however, a perspective that is not often put forward. This perspective focuses on the human being as the source of peace — every single human being living on earth.
We are reminded of this in the preamble to the UNESCO constitution, which says, “Since wars begin in the minds of human beings, it is in the minds of human beings that the defenses for peace should be built.” There are two definitions for peace that are part of our culture: peace as harmony and peace as justice....
In our culture, we tend to hold a rather pessimistic definition of peace. We tend to say that peace is the interval between wars. Prem Rawat sees peace as much more than a mere absence of war. He looks at peace as a profound feeling within oneself, a seed that has to germinate, grow, and bear fruit within the heart of each human being. His words urge us to reflect deeply, and they deserve to be heard because what they are inviting us to know is Essential.
The word to know is predominant in Prem Rawat’s message. He offers an invitation to ponder, to know, and to express the values that are present within us but that too often are buried like a lost treasure, or even worse, entirely neglected. Prem Rawat invites us to learn the basics of life, to discover what is within us, and then to project it outside and around us.”