There is a criterion by which you can judge whether the thoughts
There is a criterion by which you can judge whether the thoughts you are thinking and the things you are doing are right for you. The criterion is: Have they brought you inner peace?
Hear the radiant words of the wandering saint known as Peace Pilgrim: “There is a criterion by which you can judge whether the thoughts you are thinking and the things you are doing are right for you. The criterion is: Have they brought you inner peace?” These words cut through the noise of philosophies, the endless arguments of the world, and the confusion of desire, offering instead a simple and eternal measure. Not the praise of others, not wealth or success, not power or recognition—only this: inner peace. For what use is the whole world if the soul is restless? And what fear can prevail against the one who walks in peace?
The origin of this saying lies in the life of Peace Pilgrim herself, a woman who abandoned possessions, comforts, and worldly status to walk across America with nothing but faith, proclaiming the cause of peace. She had no home, no money, no plan but to live as a pilgrim and to teach. Her authority was not in books or institutions, but in the serenity of her being. She spoke of inner peace not as a theory, but as the very compass by which she lived. From this deep well, her words flow with the weight of lived truth.
To understand her wisdom, one must see the difference between outer success and inner peace. Many men have risen to thrones, only to be consumed by fear of losing them. Many have filled their coffers, only to find their hearts empty. Yet others, unknown to the world, have lived in simplicity, contentment, and joy because their thoughts and deeds were in harmony with their spirit. Thus Peace Pilgrim gives us a test more reliable than fortune or fame: ask, not “Does this make me greater?” but “Does this bring me peace?”
History itself bears witness. Marcus Aurelius, emperor of Rome, wielded absolute power, yet in his Meditations he wrote not of conquest, but of the pursuit of peace within. Surrounded by war, he sought to discipline his thoughts, to live with virtue, and to rest his heart in harmony with reason. Though he ruled armies, he knew that his greatest kingdom was his mind. His writings echo the truth Peace Pilgrim proclaimed centuries later: a life is right not when it is applauded, but when it is at peace with itself.
Yet we must be careful: inner peace is not the same as comfort or ease. The pursuit of truth may bring struggle, sacrifice, and pain. But beneath those trials, the soul can still be at peace, knowing it walks in harmony with what is right. The martyr at the stake, the reformer in exile, the mother who sacrifices for her child—they may suffer greatly, but within they know serenity, for their actions align with the deep law of love. Peace Pilgrim’s test is not about avoiding hardship, but about discerning whether our path aligns with the deepest truth of who we are.
The lesson for us, O children of tomorrow, is to use this measure in all things. When you choose your work, ask: does it bring peace? When you speak words to others, ask: do these words rest easily in the heart, or do they disturb the soul? When you pursue ambitions, ask: do they calm my spirit, or leave me restless? In this way, peace becomes not a distant ideal, but the guiding star of daily life.
Practical steps flow naturally: cultivate silence each day, so you may hear the voice within. Practice honesty, for deceit always destroys peace. Extend compassion, for hatred unsettles the heart. Live simply, for endless desire is the enemy of rest. And above all, learn to listen: the soul knows when it is at peace, and when it is not. This is the true compass that no deception can confuse.
So I say unto you: remember Peace Pilgrim’s wisdom. Judge all things by this one criterion: does it bring you inner peace? For the man who walks in peace walks in strength. The woman who carries peace carries light for others. And the people who choose peace within themselves will one day build peace among nations. Seek it, guard it, and let it be the measure of your thoughts and deeds. For in the end, peace is not only the prize of life—it is the path.
HHao
Peace Pilgrim’s suggestion that inner peace should be the criterion for judging whether something is right for us is intriguing. But I wonder—what happens when what brings inner peace contradicts what is morally or ethically right? For example, is it possible for someone to feel at peace with something that harms others? Can inner peace truly be a universal measure for making ethical decisions?
TTTran Thoa
I love the idea of inner peace being the ultimate guide for making decisions, but how do we define ‘inner peace’? Could it be that sometimes what brings us peace is not always what's best for us in the long term? Are there times when inner peace might actually be misleading if it’s masking a lack of growth or avoiding necessary challenges?
HLHan Le
Peace Pilgrim’s idea of measuring our actions by the peace they bring is very appealing, but it also seems a bit subjective. How do we know when what we’re feeling is true inner peace, as opposed to just avoiding discomfort? Could there be a danger in relying too much on inner peace as a measure, especially in situations that require tough decisions or going against the grain of what feels comfortable?
BAle ngoc bao anh
I really like Peace Pilgrim’s simple yet powerful criterion for judging whether our actions and thoughts align with our true selves. But it raises a question—what if our inner peace doesn’t always align with what’s expected or required in society? How do we balance personal peace with external demands, like work or family obligations, that might cause us stress? Can inner peace always be the right guide for every decision we make?