The greatest problem all around the world today, whether in

"The greatest problem all around the world today, whether in America, Japan, China, Russia, India or anywhere else in the world, is that people are not in peace. People want peace." These words, spoken by Prem Rawat, echo a truth that reverberates across every corner of human history. Peace, that most coveted of human aspirations, seems ever elusive, despite the fact that every person, in every land, desires it. Rawat’s words remind us of the universal longing for peace that transcends borders, cultures, and creeds. Yet, as he astutely points out, this desire for peace is a paradox—the world longs for peace, yet it remains marred by conflict and suffering, both internal and external. The world is caught in a cycle, continually striving for external peace, yet often forgetting that true peace begins within.

In the ancient world, the great thinkers and philosophers understood that the pursuit of peace is a fundamental aspect of the human condition. Socrates, in his dialogues, often spoke of the need to cultivate inner harmony before peace could exist in society. To him, justice and peace in the world could only arise when individuals first found peace within themselves. Socrates recognized that if the human soul was in turmoil, the society it inhabited would be in chaos as well. This is a lesson that Rawat’s quote underscores—peace cannot be externally imposed; it must be cultivated from within before it can manifest in the world. The inner world must be at peace before the outer world can reflect that peace.

Consider the life of Mahatma Gandhi, whose entire philosophy was built on the principle of inner peace leading to world peace. Gandhi believed that the path to true peace lay not in the mere absence of conflict, but in the active practice of non-violence, or ahimsa, within oneself and in all interactions with others. His personal commitment to peace was not just about opposing British rule in India; it was about transforming the hearts of individuals to live in peace with themselves, their neighbors, and the world. Gandhi understood that only when individuals embraced inner tranquility could they contribute to the peace of a nation. His life was a testament to the fact that peace, when cultivated within, becomes the most powerful force in the world. Prem Rawat’s wisdom aligns with this vision, calling attention to the inner work needed to manifest peace on a global scale.

In the annals of history, we see time and time again how nations and civilizations have sought peace but have found themselves embroiled in conflict. The First and Second World Wars, the Vietnam War, the Cold War—these are just a few examples of the world’s ceaseless pursuit of peace through external means that only resulted in greater violence. Leaders, with all their power, could not bring peace until the people themselves found inner resolution. Consider the example of Nelson Mandela, who, after spending 27 years in prison, emerged not with a thirst for vengeance, but with a call for reconciliation. Mandela’s peace was forged in the crucible of his own soul, where he had come to understand that peace in the world begins with forgiveness and understanding within. Like Gandhi, Mandela recognized that true peace cannot be found through external force, but through personal transformation and spiritual growth. Rawat’s message mirrors these great leaders, emphasizing that peace within is the first step toward achieving peace in the world.

Yet, the struggle for peace remains a constant in our modern world, where conflict seems never-ending, and the desire for peace remains as strong as ever. Wars and violence are as rampant as they have ever been, and yet people still seek peace. This paradoxical state of existence is at the heart of Prem Rawat’s message—that the greatest problem of today’s world is not just the absence of peace, but the inability to recognize that peace begins with each individual. Governments may sign peace treaties, and leaders may speak of diplomatic resolutions, but it is the collective will of individuals to achieve inner peace that will truly transform the world. Peace is not something that can be handed to us by others, nor can it be achieved through power or military might. It must begin in the hearts of every person.

The lesson, then, is clear: peace must begin within. As individuals, we must cultivate inner tranquility, forgiveness, and understanding in our lives. Only then can we contribute to the peace of our families, communities, and nations. We must not wait for the world to change before we take action. We must actively pursue peace within ourselves, knowing that when we do so, we are contributing to a larger global shift. The peace we seek is not far off, nor is it external—it is within us, waiting to be nurtured. And as we embark on this journey, we must also teach others that true peace comes from understanding and compassion, and that the peace we yearn for is possible only when we begin to embody it ourselves.

In practical terms, this means taking time each day to cultivate inner peace through mindfulness, reflection, and meditation. It means forgiving ourselves and others, and choosing to respond with compassion rather than anger or fear. We must educate ourselves about the ways we can contribute to peace in our communities, whether through volunteering, supporting peaceful initiatives, or simply listening to those who are different from us. By working on our inner peace, we can lead by example, and inspire those around us to do the same. Peace is not just an ideal—it is a way of living, a practice that must be developed daily and shared with others. Let us take Prem Rawat’s wisdom to heart, understanding that the peace we seek in the world begins within each of us.