The Path to World Peace through Meditation : หน้า 19/50

To create world peace by allowing one's mind to reach inner happiness first, according to the practice called meditation, is what we ought to do. It is what each and every single person should be concerned with. We should not turn down the opportunity to learn about meditation because of the differences in cultures or beliefs. Although we are born into a particular nationality, religion and race, we are all companions sharing the inevitability of suffering from birth to old age, ailment and death. Meditation, too, is universal, a practice that everyone can do, like breathing. It helps practitioners improve the quality of their minds by reaching an inner calm and happiness. Meditation relieves stress, giving practitioners mental clarity to tackle problems wisely and allowing them to lead their lives with happiness. These are just the preliminary benefits. Beyond relaxation, there is a distinct feeling of happiness when our minds are resting at the centre. As we become more skilled, there is purity in knowledge that comes from meditation that will help every human being attain his or her inner happiness. The result is wholesome thought, speech and action. The Most Venerable Phramongkholthepmuni’s (Sodh Candasaro) encouragement to practice meditation that teaches us about the seventh base of the mind, along with our own experiences with meditation, shows us how inner happiness can be attained through meditation. The ‘Peace Position’ is achieved by sitting cross-legged, with the right leg on the left leg, and the right hand on the left hand. While allowing the right index finger to touch the left thumb, sit up straight and maintain awareness.