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SRI LANKA

MANOHARAN RAMANATHAN

PEP Facilitator in Sri Lanka

Manoharan Ramathan

The government of Sri Lanka had offered us to do this Peace Education for the ex-combatants. The government are interested in getting the reconciliation part of it done on a national level—and the UN is supporting them.

Onscreen text:

SELVANAYAKI SEBASTIAMPILLAL

Ex-Combatant – Sri Lanka

Selvanayaki Sebastiampillal: [female, translated]

This is very essential for our life. I realized instead of searching for peace here and there, that there is peace within me and there is a way to feel the peace.

Manoharan Ramathan:

We are also having these events in Jaffna University. Initially there was a question mark in the Jaffna University students. They thought, “Peace, it must be a boring subject,” you know?

And once they completed, they became so happy about it—and they start telling the other students about this Peace Education. And the second batch, we had 285 who completed the ten classes of Peace Education.

Onscreen text:

SAPNA BANUN

Student – University of Jaffna

Sapna Banun:

Without looking outside to find who we are, we must find answers within ourselves. Then only we can be successful and that is the message given here. When we understand this properly, our self-confidence and peace can be found easily.

Onscreen text:

Video content courtesy of The Prem Rawat Foundation

Onscreen text:

NEWS 1st Interview

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA

SONALI WANIGABADUGE NEWS ANCHOR

Interviewer:

Good evening and welcome. Our guest today is a gentleman who has addressed over five million people in over fifty countries. I’m happy to introduce Mr. Prem Rawat, global Peace Ambassador—good evening and welcome. It’s fantastic having you here in Sri Lanka.

Prem Rawat:

Thank you for having me here; it’s a pleasure.

Interviewer:

Mr. Rawat, for our Sri Lankan audiences watching us right now, could you elaborate on this term, “global Peace Ambassador,” since peace is really of the essence, especially in the current context in the world?

Onscreen text:

PREM RAWAT GLOBAL PEACE AMBASSADOR

Prem Rawat:

Well, a lot of people, of course, refer to me as the “Peace Ambassador”; I refer to everybody else as a Peace Ambassador. Because, in this world, in these circumstances that we live in today, peace is incredibly important—and peace has always been important, but the necessity of peace is more and more being recognized by people around the world.

Because people don’t want to be torn apart; people don’t want to be in a situation where they’re constantly worried about “how things are going to be tomorrow.” But they want to be content; they want progress; they want to become successful. And peace is something that is within inside of them.

So, for me, the context of peace is not utopia, but something very practical, something very real for every human being on the face of this earth. One, we have to understand that peace is possible—and two, we have to understand that peace is within inside of us. We don’t have to go and push buttons to try to create it.

Peace isn’t the absence of war—but peace is the absence of war within inside of us. Peace isn’t the end of conflict outside, but peace is the end of conflict on the inside. Because so far we have the conflict on the inside, it doesn’t really matter—and sooner or later that conflict will manifest itself on the outside.

So that’s what peace means to me—and being an ambassador, I think everybody is an ambassador because everybody carries peace inside of them.

Interviewer:

Across the world, we see, especially in the West, how xenophobia is raising its head once again—racism, hatred. How does one go about ensuring that peace prevails over all this negativity and toxicity?

Prem Rawat:

If you have a hole in the boat and you want to plug it up, isn’t it important to know where that hole is? [Interviewer: Sure.]

So, let’s understand, where does all this stuff come from? Does it come from the sky? Does it come from a tree? Does it come from a particular frog; does it come from a particular crab? Or does it come from inside of people—because of misunderstanding of who we are?

We’re all human beings. We’re all the same.

You see, the way I look at it—all of us have a little twang, a little silly thing which is that “I want to feel important. And if I can feel important, that’s good.”

It goes even to when you’re parking your car. If you got there a second before the other person and you were able to park your car, that makes you feel good. If you’re standing in a line waiting for a ticket for the movie theater—and all of a sudden you are allowed to go, “front,” that makes you feel good. It’s like, “This is cool; this is good.”

When a person feels inferior, they want to feel superior. And this is at the root of racism: “I want to feel better than these people. I want to feel better than this person; I want to feel better....” This is where bullying comes from. This is where gangs get created; one gang has to be better than the other gang.... It’s going on around—it, there’s no limit to it.

But the problem is, we’re all number one—and the tragedy is we don’t know it. We’re all number one. There is something so special about us that we don’t understand.

Interviewer:

How does one go about tapping into this potential? Because across the world, we see racism; we see bullying; we see negativity. There is so much of negativity around us—and so little psychosocial care, for example. We see this in schools; we see this in universities; we see this at the workplace. We see this in parliaments across the world! [PR: Yes.]

How does one go about releasing one’s potential, in your opinion?

Prem Rawat:

It’s very simple. We have to go back a long ways, at the time of Socrates—and he said something very, very beautiful and very simple, very profound: “Know thy self.” All of this is all happening—all the negative stuff that is happening is because we really don’t know who we are.

What does it mean to be a human being? We don’t know that. We think we are a robot: “We have to get up in the morning; we have to do this; we have to do this; we have to do this; we have to do this; we have to do this.”

And we judge our day by how much we accomplished—and we judge our burdens on our shoulder by what we didn’t accomplish. Because that bears down on us, “I have still, still to do this; I have to still do this....” We go to sleep at night—what do we dream about? We dream about all the terrible things we still have to do, all our responsibilities. That’s not a human being.

A human being is somebody who carries in them, not the darkness, but light—who carries in them caring. Not, not caring; caring—who carries in them, joy, who carries in them, clarity, not doubt. But somehow, when we don’t understand who we are, then this was what happens.

There was an experiment done by this photographer in Africa—and what he did is he put a big stainless steel mirror in the jungle. And this gorilla comes—and he does not know that’s him. And so he assumes that’s his enemy.

And he starts beating his chest and making bad faces and screaming at him; it’s like, “Get away; go away; this is my territory....” He doesn’t understand that’s him. Chimpanzees do the same thing—after a little while, the chimpanzees get it, “That’s me.”

That’s the trick. When you don’t know who you are, you become your own enemy. (Because that gorilla was becoming his own enemy; he was thinking that’s his enemy—but it was really him!)

We become our own enemy; we cannot get along together; we don’t understand “who you are, that you are just like me. You are capable of suffering pain; I am capable of suffering pain,” but most importantly, “you are capable of experiencing joy and I am capable of experiencing joy.” And that the joy doesn’t come from outside; it comes from within you.

These are the subtle understandings. When we start to see that we don’t have to be reliant on others, that we need to be reliant on us, then we begin to understand what Socrates actually said when he said “Know thyself”: you are the treasure.

You want wealth—you want wealth, but where is your wealth? Is your wealth buried in a cave? Or is your wealth buried inside of you?

Interviewer:

How does one go about seeking the guidance in this respect? Because people are so busy with their day-to-day lives—across the world we see it; people don’t have time for themselves, Mr. Rawat. That’s the reality....

Prem Rawat:

I know. I know; I, I know that; I know that. So we want tea; we push a button. On the tea kettle, we push a button. We want to do something; we push a button. We want to take a shower; we turn a knob. And this is what people think—that they, “Give me a quick way, push a button and I can have peace.” No button for peace—because it’s already inside of you.

So now, how do you go—the question is, “How do you go searching for something that you already have?” So, you can’t use your hands—so you can’t go, “Oh, where is it; where is it; where is it; where is it?” How do you go searching for something you already have?

So, you have eyes; you see. You see everybody’s eyes; you see everybody’s face; you see everybody’s eyes—but do you know that your eyes can’t see your own eyes, themselves—that your eyes cannot see your face? You see everybody else’s face—but not yours.

Not until you have a mirror in front of you. To see you, you need a mirror. To see anybody else, you don’t need a mirror.

So, how do you search for something you already have? The search isn’t “search”—be ready to witness. Big difference. Be ready to witness who you are—when you look in that mirror, don’t be surprised what you see, because it is you.

In the same way, we are in the mode, one, “Peace is not inside of us; we will find it somewhere else.” So that’s what we do. We go to different countries; we go to the holy places; we go to this temple; we go to that—“That’s where peace is; that’s where peace is.” But peace is inside of us.

So, can you accept the fact that peace is inside of you? Not so easily. This.... Why not, first, that “Yes, peace is inside of me”? Understanding that is the first step.

“I do not need to search. It is already here” is the first step, the beginning step to peace.

Interviewer:

We see so many rich, successful individuals who are so unhappy—and this is not a phenomenon that is limited to a particular geographical location. So many successful individuals are so unhappy. What’s the cause for this?

Prem Rawat:

Because they were handed a formula: “Make a lot of money—and you will be happy.” Well, they made a lot of money—and they’re still not happy—but nobody is doing the report card. Nobody is sitting down in their life ever and saying, “What works for me and what doesn’t work for me?” Nobody does that. “Is this working?” No, people just go and go and go and go.

And yesterday, when I was coming—after I arrived at the airport, I was driving and I am seeing, everybody is trying to catch the bus to go home. And they’re just running after the bus and—and they do this on Mondays and Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

And they know the routine; they know this is what they have to do, “This is what’s going on; this is what’s happening.” But nobody says, “Is this what my life is all about?”

And when you do, the answer is very simple: “Take care of your responsibilities—but not as they will be the source of your happiness,” no. The source of your happiness you have to find inside of you....

Taking care of your responsibilities so you can have a roof over your head, that you can be sheltered during the rain; you can be sheltered when it’s cold; you can have some food to eat? Then it’s fine. Then it’s okay. But you have to understand, “What is the main drive?”

What drives you? I asked people—I was just in Malaysia—I asked people: “You’re all here because you want to be happy. Let me ask you a question: ‘Why? Why do you want to be happy? Have you asked yourself, why do you want to be happy? Why do you want to be content? Why? What is so outrageous about happiness—that you like?’”

I’m not saying that they shouldn’t—but I’m just asking, “Did you ever wonder, ‘Why do you want to be happy?’” You, of course, know why you don’t want to be sad, because that makes you feel terrible. So, if happiness makes you feel good, what are you doing in your life to truly strive for that?

You know, you look at a crab; he goes around—he’s not, he doesn’t have GPS; he doesn’t have technology. But he has enough of a technology, he needs to eat. He eats. That’s, a little crab knows that. How come we have forgotten it?

You know, the crab knows there is no value in him wearing an expensive watch and this and this—and I’m not saying you shouldn’t wear an expensive watch. I’m not saying you shouldn’t have fancy cars; I’m not saying you shouldn’t have fancy homes. But don’t look at those as the source of your happiness. The source of your happiness is inside of you.

Interviewer:

We’re speaking about peace and its capacity for development in an individual.

You’ve said “Know thyself” is what we all need to really go back to. However, peace seems to be, today, a theoretical construct. Practically, there are too many complex implications for the effective practicality. So, how do you suppose countries need to incorporate this theory of peace into practical implementation, in terms of methodology?

Prem Rawat:

Well, we have to first begin with understanding what peace is. Because most of the world, in my traveling, I have understood, has no idea what peace is. For most people, peace is a utopia. It’s this world.... And yet they don’t understand how utopia came to be, (the word “utopia”).

There was a novel of the same name that was written—and the author, for the first time, introduced this word “utopia.” So, basically, the word actually means “no place like this”—utopia. And yet, we have created in our imagination, this scene....

Oh, and what is utopia? It is the exact opposite of our problems. In utopia, we don’t have to work. In utopia, everybody is happy. I mean, it is exactly a reverse of the world that we live in, that we don’t like.

If peace takes on the manifestation of utopia, (understanding what utopia means, “no place”), it’s never going to happen. It’s too impractical. To try to create in this world, an exact opposite world would be impossible!

But if peace is understood to be something that is already inside of you—peace is the experience, is the experience of the joy that is inside of you. Peace is the experience of clarity that is inside of you. Peace is the experience of that beauty that is inside of you. Peace is the experience of the light that is inside of you.

Interviewer:

Your final words to the people watching us right now?

Prem Rawat:

You are very fortunate; you are alive. The greatest of gifts has been given to you, the coming and going of this breath. This life is the most amazing thing you have.

You were born one day; one day you have to go. There’s no “and, ifs and buts” about it. What you have—is not the wall that you came through when you were born, or the wall you’re going to go through when you die. But in between those is life.

Life is dancing; life is calling your name. Life is calling you for joy, for happiness. And that is the reason why you like to be happy. Do it! Understand yourself; see yourself. See and awaken within you.

Don’t wait for other things to happen—what needs to happen for you has already taken place: you are alive. And there’s no better news than that.

Interviewer:

Thank you very much; this was fantastic. Mr. Prem Rawat, global Peace Ambassador, speaking to News 1st. Thank you very much.

Prem Rawat:

Thank you. Pleasure.

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Road sign:

N17 (N1) Pretoria

N17 Soweto

Prem Rawat:

I’m here today in a free South Africa.

Inscription:

NELSON MANDELA SQUARE

Prem Rawat:

But we have to make sure that the freedom is not only outside, but the freedom is also on the inside. Because without the freedom that is inside, freedom outside really doesn’t matter.

Onscreen text:

Kabelo Padi

Peace Education Program Facilitator

Kabelo Moses Padi:

We see that people are thirsty for this kind of message to come to them.

Onscreen, banner:

UDF – OUR STRUGGLE FOR LIBERATION IS A STRUGGLE FOR PEACE

Kabelo Moses Padi:

Because especially here in Soweto—Soweto, it’s a township in which most of the apartheid activities have occurred. And I think the message will really educate our local communities to say, “Peace begins with you—your inner peace.”

Onscreen text:

Ernest Leketi

Youth Development Coordinator

City of Joburg Department of Social Development

Ernest Leketi:

Before and after I attended the Peace Education Program, it’s different. Because before, I never had a clear understanding of peace—but it was only the general peace, which is the social peace. After I got the message which was shared by His Excellency Prem Rawat, I got the understanding of inner peace.

Onscreen text:

PEP

Peace Education

Blossoming in South Africa

Narrator:

PEP continues to blossom in South Africa, as a growing number of NGOs, schools and training centers have integrated the workshops into their programs. Ernest Leketi and the passionate team of volunteers in Soweto have played a key role in expanding the reach of programs in that historic township and beyond.

Ernest Leketi:

When we engage communities, you find young people who lost hope. But once they’re introduced to the Peace Education Program, they now start to respect themselves to take themselves very seriously.

Onscreen text:

HITTENDRA NAGIN

PEP Support Team South Africa

Hittendra Nagin:

It doesn’t point to their problems; it points to them as a source of hope, as a source of energy to take things forward.

Onscreen text:

MATSHIDISO MAIBIBA

PEP Participant

Matshidiso Maibiba:

It taught me to love, not to have grudges and to forgive people who have hurt me.

Tholoana Chalatse:

I was a person full of anger—even a simple thing, I would snap. But through the program, it taught me to be chilled, not to take things abruptly or act in a manner which I might be ashamed of tomorrow. So, there was transformation because I’ve got to learn new things, new techniques on how to avoid situations which might lead me into trouble.

PEP Participant: [female]

For me, this whole program has just, it basically introduced me to me. And it showed me that, in order to be good with other people, I’d have to start with me first.

Onscreen text:

A Formula for Peace

Prem Rawat in Soweto, South Africa

Prem Rawat:

You have to remember one thing—and one thing that you have to remember is, you are not your problems.

Whatever the problems may be, whatever the problems may come and go, you are not your problem. You are a human being; you have a certain power; you have a certain strength. And problems are like clouds—they come; they go; sometimes they are big; sometimes they’re small; sometimes they’re not there—and sometimes they’re there, everywhere!

But the mountain that sits on the ground does not move with the clouds, doesn’t become bigger or smaller with the clouds. You are the mountain; clouds are your problems. So, here is the story.

One day, there was a man who had never seen elephants—he had never seen an elephant. So he decided that he wanted to go see an elephant, so he inquired—and he was told that there is a village in Africa where they have big elephants. So the man made his journey to Africa—he went and he saw very big elephants. And never having seen the elephants, he was really surprised.

And then he looked and he saw that the elephants were tied with a very small thin rope around their feet—and that was it. So, he was surprised: “Such a big elephant, only being held in place by a small little rope?”

So he went to the chief—and he said, “Chief, these elephants, they’re strong, aren’t they?” And the chief goes, “Oh, yes, they’re very, very strong.” He said, “Chief, I have a question. How can such a big animal, so strong, so powerful, be held back with just this tiny little rope?”

And the chief said, “Oh-ho, let me explain. When they were babies, we used to tie them with this rope. And they tried to move but they couldn’t move. And we kept them like that.

“And now that they have grown big and strong, they stopped trying. And they think that this tiny rope can still hold them in place. Of course, if they tried, this rope cannot hold back such a powerful animal—but the elephants have given up trying.”

So, why did I tell this story—because in a way, this is what is happening. Who we are, who you are is much bigger than the sum of your problems. But these problems come and they’re holding you back—and you do not realize your own power. You don’t realize your own strength—that as a human being you have the strength in you to go beyond these barriers.

If you dream of a clear day, it is possible. If you dream of a country that gives you opportunity and hope, it is possible. And who is going to do it—you have to do it.

We, the people of this planet Earth, are the people responsible for its destiny. We look towards leaders to solve our problems. These so-called “leaders” have been failing us year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year—and we just sit there; go, “Yes, fix it.” How?!

Our reliance needs to be on us! Not on the leaders—us. Us, bringing hope to each other; us, lighting the way for each other.

One thing that, before I came here, I was having a meeting with some of the people. And I said to them that “Even when you have your problems, even when you have situations that are not good, the good is always there.” The good is always there.

If one morning you wake up and you open your door—and it’s foggy, very hard fog, very dense fog. Does that mean everything has disappeared? It’s still there—you cannot see it, but it is still there. And when the fog lifts, it will come back.

This requires patience. This requires patience. But if you only have patience and you are doing nothing else, it’s not going to work. You cannot just sit there and go, “Okay, okay, what can I do; what can I do; what can I do; what can I do?”

Do whatever it takes. Do whatever it takes—and people will say, “Well, what can you do about the fog?” Move! Move to a place where they don’t have fog. You don’t like fog; move to a place where you don’t have fog.

But people sit there and go, “Oh, yeah, I’ve got terrible problems. I have got....” Because we like to complain. We love to complain.

If we had nothing to complain—and two people met each other on the street, I don’t know what they would say to each other. They would be like.... “I don’t know what to say.”

But we love to complain; we love to complain about God: “Look what....” And just recently I saw an article where somebody said, “Oh, God is terrible; God is this; God is this.” Why are you complaining? God made you; you made your problems—why are you blaming God? God made you—and you are the god of your problems. You created your problems.

And are you more important in your world—are you more important than your problems? No. Problems come to eat you and you go, “Here, which hand would you like to eat first? Would you like my leg first; would you like my head first? What?”

This is not strength. This is weakness. This is not clarity. This is doubt. This is not your life; this is not who you are. You are that powerful elephant—who has forgotten who he is, who she is.

So, four things: I will give you a formula to be in peace, to be happy—and here it is, four things. (It’s really good. It’s easy.) One: (And I’m writing a book on this.) One: “Know yourself.” You don’t know yourself? You’re going to be a ping-pong, just bouncing off this wall, bouncing off that wall, bouncing off that wall.... This is what you’re going to be.

Two—“Have gratitude in your life. Be thankful.” Because gratitude will bring you appreciation—and appreciation will bring you gratitude. Appreciate what you have.

The problem of greed in this world? One thing a greedy person cannot do, and you know what that is? Appreciate. As soon as a greedy person starts appreciating, greed stops. That’s what they cannot do.

There are people in this world who, every day, want to make “more money, more money, more money, more money, more money.” If they started appreciating the money they have, they would stop making it. So, they want to make more money—and so they don’t appreciate what they have; they just want more and more and more. So, the second thing is gratitude.

Third thing—very important for you; pay attention—third thing. (All these are very important.) Third thing: “If you fail—if you fail, don’t accept failure. Separate failing and failure.”

What do you think? Do you understand what I’m saying? (Fail and failure?) Let me give you an example. And here is the example—you have all done this. You have all experienced in your life that you failed but you did not accept failure. Do you know that?

When you were a tiny baby and you were learning how to walk, you failed. You got up—and you went, “Yeah-aaaah, bonk!” You failed! Right? But you did not accept failure. You got up again—and you went.... And you failed again! But you did not accept failure. You got up again.

Today, when you fail, what happens? What happens to you when you fail today? Finished: depression, “Oh my God, what’s going to happen to me; I failed?”

You think the little baby does that? “I’m depressed. I failed....” And this failing can go on a whole day, two days, three days, four days, five days, six days, seven days, eight days, nine days, ten days. But because the baby failed but never accepted failure, the baby succeeds. But you fail and immediately accept failure.

So, remember now, “Know yourself”—this will bring you peace. Knowing yourself will bring you peace. “Gratitude, appreciation” will bring you happiness. “Failing but never accepting failure” will bring you hope. Because now, you will look at the whole world a different way. If you fail? “Ha-ha, no problem; try again.” Hope! That’s what hope is.

When you see no door, when you see no path, when you see no road, that is the end of hope. That’s the end of hope. You see no other chance. But if you see another door, another road, another way, another path, hope: “I’ll go that way. I’ll go that way.” And that’s what it is.

And the fourth thing. Ah-ha-ha-hah, I know the fourth thing is going to be shocking to you—because of your culture; I understand your culture. Indian culture is very similar—and it’s because of that. But now, we’re talking about being in peace—and having a happy life, right?

So, the last thing, very important: “Don’t care about what other people think of you.” Don’t. So, you’re sitting there going, “Oh, yeah, I wonder what he’s thinking, and I’m, and I bet he thinks I am crazy and—and, I think he’s thinking that, you know, I’m no good and I, neh-neh, naah....”

As soon as you stop caring about what other people think of you—you empower yourself to be strong. So, I know this is difficult—but here are the four things. If you can take these four things and really take them to heart in your life, I guarantee you a change.

Because these are the things that put us in a box—and we forget who we are, that we are the powerful elephant, and these things that we call “problems,” they can’t keep us. But we have forgotten, and we think these ropes are much stronger than they actually are.

So, I wanted to tell you that—and I hope you think about it. That’s all I want you to do, at least, think about it.

View all released episodes of "Lockdown" under the Series tab.

Saya Pierce-Jones:

When we found out that Prem was going to be in Cape Town, I mean, he’s world-famous for promoting this idea of peace—and specifically in Cape Town and South Africa as well, we’re dealing with quite a few issues at the moment.

Onscreen text:

Saya Pierce-Jones

Smile 90.4FM Radio Presenter

Saya Pierce-Jones:

And having someone like Prem here to talk about peace and what peace really means from a global perspective is something that I think all of us need to hear and need to listen to, in terms of starting to deal with the problems that we’re facing here at home.

[From her interview with Prem Rawat]

Obviously, you know, our nation is a very, very young one at the moment—and post ‘94, that was our initial idea of, “What is peace now?” And at the moment, we are seeing kind of an upsurging of different tensions among different—whether it’s racial groups, whether it’s income groups....

That idea of peace that we had post ‘94 doesn’t seem to be the same one that we have now. Is that something that interests you as well?

Onscreen text:

Prem Rawat

Global Peace Ambassador

Prem Rawat:

Yes, very much so—because I think, anywhere you go on the face of this earth, people have their formulas of what peace is going to be: “Well, yeah, make me economically more viable, and I’ll be happy for the rest of my life.”

But in reality, peace or happiness is subjective, not objective. And people forget that, that they can’t just follow a list and say, “Yeah, I’m happy now, because I have this and I have this and I have this!”

But first of all, we have to understand ourselves: “Are we the source of our joy and peace or not?” Because if we’re not in the equation, then it doesn’t matter what happens around us; we are never going to be able to enjoy it or feel it.

So it becomes very, very important that we begin with ourselves. It is all about you; you are the one; you have to say, “Yes, I feel peace” or “No, I don’t feel peace,” because whatever the list is and how many things are marked on it has nothing to do with it. Because peace and happiness really are, very much so, subjective, not objective.

And I started speaking about peace to people when I was four years old. When I talk to people—and this is what I keep praying every day—that all I see is people. Not the color, not their suits, not their ties, not their hairdo, not their lipstick, not their faces, but I see people.

And I can look at every person.... And this is something that I really have to hone in on—that I am not looking at people from South Africa; I’m looking at human beings. And when I look at human beings, I see hope. I see a joy; I see a need that is unfulfilled.

We are human beings on this face of this earth; we all began our—mankind started from this continent, Africa. And I always say, “How incredible it would be, that this was the birthplace of mankind—and it would be incredible if this was also the birthplace of peace and hope for mankind.”

Saya Pierce-Jones:

That’s fantastic.

Onscreen text:

In 1950, the apartheid government of South Africa introduced the Group Areas Act. As a result, people of color were forcefully moved to areas known as townships, historically associated with gangsterism, desperate poverty, and horrendous abuse.

Prem Rawat visited a school in one of these most deprived townships—a place stricken with gang warfare and drug-addicted poverty, with little hope for the future.

Prem spoke to children ages seven to thirteen, many of whom have suffered unthinkable abuse.

School sign:

Die Duine Primary School

Onscreen text:

Anthea Adriaanse

Die Duine Primary School Principal

Anthea Adriaanse:

I think you see it as you travel to the school—you sort of look at the housing, and you can see immediately that it’s basically your underdeveloped, lots of poverty....

Onscreen text:

Prem Rawat

Global Peace Ambassador

Prem Rawat:

No matter how ugly the situation becomes, you are not ugly—because in you, there is a profound beautiful beauty. Know and understand that.

Onscreen text:

The Hero In You

Die Duine Primary School

Anthea Adriaanse:

The challenges we face are absent parents, lack of a value system in our homes of learners, single parents, drug abuse by parents and sometimes learners, as well as gangsterism and violence. All of this has a negative impact on the learners—and then ultimately, on the teaching.

Prem Rawat:

That even in the middle of the chaos, you find your strength. That even in the middle of all the things that are wrong—and when there is no light, and when there is darkness, and when there is confusion, that there is a light in your heart.

Ben Caesar: [rap song]

I see you; well, what’s up?

I see you; I see you; I see you; I see you, hey!

Right in front of me, I’m looking at the future of this country,

It’s looking lovely. Oh, yes, yes, give me an up; what’s up with you?

I see you; I see you; I see you....

Prem Rawat:

I would like to talk to you a little bit about something very, very special. And what I want to talk to you about is the Superman in you. You know about Superman? [Audience: Yes, I do.] And he’s strong. Even when things on the outside are not good, he’s still strong.

And the same way, I want to talk to you about your strength. I know that there are problems—there are problems everywhere—but you have a strength. And you need to tap into that strength, because not all days are going to be good. But even when the days are good and even when the days are bad, you have a strength in you.

Let me tell you a story about knowing your self. Would you like to hear a story? [Audience: Yes!] So, one day, there was a lion, and he was in the jungle—and people were afraid to go into that jungle because they knew there was a big, big lion.

But there was also this farmer and he had some sheep, and he would take them grazing. And sometimes they would get a little close, too close to the jungle, and they would hear the roar of the lion and all the sheep would go running.

One day the farmer came across a little baby lion lying on the side of the road. And the lion was almost dead, very weak. So he picked up the baby lion and he took him home—and he put him under a nice blanket, and he gave him some warm milk and he took care of him. In a few days, the baby lion recovered.

And he started bouncing everywhere—you know, the little baby lion is going here, going there, “Aaa-whaa, ah-whaah, ah-whaah, ah-whaah.” So, he thought that the baby lion would tear up his whole house, so he took the baby lion and he put it with the sheep, where all the sheep stayed.

And the baby lion wanted to play with the sheep, and—at first, the sheep were afraid of the baby lion. But then they saw that it was just a baby; that it couldn’t really hurt anybody—so they became friends.

And every day, the farmer would let the sheep out, and the baby lion would go out—and he saw the sheep grazing and so he started grazing. And when the sheep would go, “Baah-hah-hah-hah,” he tried to go, “Baa-hah-hah-hah,” but he couldn’t. And day after day after day, being with the sheep, he too thought that he was a sheep. That’s all he knew.

One day that big lion from the jungle gave a big roar, and stepped out of the jungle towards the farm. And all the sheep, upon hearing this big, ferocious roar, got very afraid. And all the sheep ran to hide. And some went and hid under the barn, and some went and hid behind that tree, and some went and hid behind the bush....

And the baby lion, too—because what did he think he was? [Audience: A sheep.] Because he thought he was a sheep, also went and hid in the trunk of a tree—there was a big hollow and he went, and he’s shaking. All the sheep are shaking; he’s shaking. He’s afraid.

And the big lion comes into the farm.... And he sees all the sheep are afraid of him—but then he saw something really curious. He saw this lion—and he was afraid of the lion. And he sees this lion is shaking.

So, the big lion said, “I can understand why all the sheep are afraid, but why are you afraid?” And the little baby lion said, “Oh, please, please don’t eat me.”

“Eat you? Don’t you know you are a lion?” “Oh, yes, anything, anything you say, anything you say, but don’t eat me.”

“So, what’s wrong with you? Don’t you know who you are?” He said, “Oh, I’m just a poor little sheep. I’m just a poor little sheep. Don’t eat me.” And the big lion said, “No, you’re not. Come with me; I’ll show you who you are.”

So he took him by the lake, (still shaking), took him by the lake—and he said, “Look, look at your reflection—and see who you are.” And both the big lion and the little lion looked in the lake—and the little lion saw, he was not a sheep; he was a lion!

And at this, he looked up, looked up at the lion—and without fear, he too gave out a big roar. Not, “Eh-heh-heh-heh,” but a roar. And the big lion roared and the little lion roared. And he said, “Come with me. Come to the jungle, where you can be the king.” So, that’s the story.

We look at our problems; we look at this world; we look at what is going on—and we start to feel a part of it. But in reality, we are not a part of it. We are something else.

First of all, no matter what happens around us, we need to be our own island; we need to be our own strength; we need to be our own understanding.

If you look at this world—and if it was a map, on this map you will see many, many roads, many, many, many, many, many roads—but not all those roads take you to a nice place; not all those roads take you to a good place.

There is one road that does. And you have to go on that road; you have to be on that road. Because knowing yourself is also understanding who you are, what is your nature. Your nature is not anger; your nature is to love. Your nature—your nature is to be in peace. This is who you are.

And this is what makes you that Superman—that even in the middle of the chaos, you find your strength. That even in the middle of all the things that are wrong—and when there is no light, and when there is darkness, and when there is confusion, that there is a light in your heart—and you let that light shine. And there is a hope. When everything is hopeless, there is a hope.

Do you know, when I say Superman, I really mean it. And this is—I’m going to give you another example. Do you know you did something really incredible? You’ve all done something really incredible, but you don’t think about it.

Today—today, if you fail at something, do you become sad? Yes? And sometimes so sad that you give up? But do you know that you have done something where you failed—but you never accepted failure? That’s what Superman does. He fails—many times he fails, but he never accepts failure—and he tries again.

So, all of you, (you’re quite young), but when you even were younger, and you were learning how to walk.... I don’t think you remember that, do you? You do? [Child: Yes, we know this.] Have you seen other babies learning how to walk, maybe your brother, maybe your sister?

And so they get up—right? And they go, “Eeuuhh-ah-ahh....” And then they fall down. Right? Do they get sad? Do they accept failure? [Audience: No.] No, they get right back up.

And you did the same thing; you did exactly the same thing. You failed—but you never accepted failure—and you got up. You got up. Do you remember that? Have you seen that? That is wisdom! That’s genius. That’s Superman in action.

Learning how to walk: failing, but getting up. And one day, because that kept happening again and again and again and again, the baby finally took the steps and did not fall down. And the baby learned to walk.

You know how to walk, right? [Child: Right.] You know who taught you how to walk? Do you remember who taught you how to walk? [Audience: Yes.] Who? You! You taught yourself how to walk—because at that age, nobody could give you a lecture.

And that required courage; that required understanding; that required patience—and most importantly, that required never to accept failure.

Know who you are, because when you do know who you are, you will learn your powers; you will learn your strength; you will learn who you want to be. This will bring you happiness, even when the situation is sad. This will bring you joy. This can make your life, every day of your life a Christmas.

Do you know that every day you are given presents, every day you are given gifts—do you know that? And the most important gift that you are given is the gift of life. Every day, you are given a gift of life. Yours to do with, what you want to do. If you accept it, accept it.

You have something to do; you have a mission—Superman, you have a mission. And your mission is to shape yourself to face the world; be educated, so that you can go out in this world and accomplish what you want to accomplish.

Focus. Practice peace—and you will become good at it. So, if you just remember who you are—you’re not the problem. You’re not the problem. Remember that you have the strength in you. And remember that you are that lion, not the sheep. Also, remember, whatever you do the most, you will become good at it. And that’s how simple it is.

Because, if you understand, think—this is also one of the gifts you have. Know yourself; understand yourself—and with strength, go out into this world. Be the strength; be that power. And that’s what I wanted to come and tell you today.

No matter how ugly the situation becomes, you are not ugly—because in you, there is a profound beautiful beauty. Know and understand that.

So, that’s what I wanted to come and tell you today—it’s great to see you, great to meet you—and I really hope that you take what I have said to heart, so that you can have a beautiful, bright future. You don’t have to be a part of all that is wrong; you can be a part of all that is good, all that is right.

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Onscreen text: Courage in Peace

Narrator: For more than twenty-five years, the small South Asian island of Sri Lanka was devastated by civil war. According to the United Nations, an estimated 80 to 100,000 people were killed and millions more were traumatized.

Since 2009, the nation has embarked on a challenging process of reconciliation—and in recent years, that process has included the Peace Education Program, embraced by the Bureau of Rehabilitation to help former fighters and civilians alike heal and build a culture of peace.

Prem Rawat, founder of the Peace Education Program, was invited by government officials to meet with ex-combatants and rehabilitation officers.

Individual: [male, translated onscreen]

I’m very happy to have seen you. In 1983 I was involved in the war, and I am now rehabilitated. Had I learnt the Peace Education Program before, I would not have got involved. But now I understand the truth inside, and we learnt it through your message.

In my life, even for my children or my grandchildren, if all those millions of people could only learn this. The Peace Education Program, we should learn it from an early age.

When you look at Sri Lanka now.... Thirty years ago there was war. After the war, now there’s no war in our country, but there are so many people affected by the war. This peace, when we see your video, it must go to everybody. Not only the people who have been involved in the war, it must go to everybody! It must reach everybody.

Prem Rawat: Umm, yeah, well, we are trying; we are trying. And so many schools now, we are starting the Peace Education Program, so people can have an understanding.

You are right: war punishes the innocent. And the first casualty of war is truth.

So, whatever has happened, and what can happen? The most amazing miracle is that the breath is still coming into you—and so far this breath keeps coming into you, you still have an agenda—and the agenda is life. Live it; understand it; feel the joy in your life; feel the clarity in your life. Grow. Be who you are. Understand what is inside of you. And be fulfilled.

Individual: [male, translated onscreen]

Good morning to everybody. I am an officer of the army. I am somebody who is very deeply involved in the rehabilitation process. And after this program, this peace, the peace between people, between races, to develop these, this program became a great resource.

And we are very happy; we have to be happy—that we are able to engage and connect on this occasion. And we wish that the peace in Sri Lanka, peace in the world, and the peace in the universe, to make it happen. We pray that you will have the strength and the courage to make it happen, now and in the future.

Prem Rawat: Thank you; thank you.

Onscreen text: What is Peace?

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Prem Rawat: As I travel the world and I say to people, “peace”—and people have no idea what peace is, no idea. For most people, escaping from their problems is peace.

You see, let me ask you a question, “Why do you want peace? Why? Why do you want peace?” [Individual: We want peace—because we are human.] Well, so what? You want dahl too. No? Do you like rice? [Individual: Yes, definitely.] Do you like rice? [Individual: Certainly.] So, you like rice too!

But that doesn’t say “rice is possible”; that says, “Peace is Possible.” Why do you want peace? [Individual: To be happy.] Ah, to be happy! Oh, how many of you want peace because it makes you happy? Raise your hand.

So, next question, “Why do you want to be happy?” [Individual: Because it feels good.] It feels good? And that’s why you want to be happy, because it feels good? [Audience: Yes, because it feels good.]

Why do you want to feel good? [Individual: Yeah.... It’s our nature.] Well, you have many natures. You have a nature to itch when it itches—but your parents have told, “Don’t stick your finger up your nose.” And sometimes your nose itches, but it’s not nice, so you resist, right?

You want to resist peace? [Audience: No.] You want to resist feeling good? [Audience: No.] You want to resist being happy? [Individuals: No, that’s what it’s for.]

So the question again becomes, “Why do you want to feel good? Why do you want to be happy? Why do you want peace?”

So, is your happiness not always there? Does happiness fall from the sky? Does happiness grow in the field? What is your happiness? I am asking these questions because I want to engage you. I want you to think! I want you to understand that peace isn’t running away from your problems. Peace isn’t about your problems. Peace isn’t about the good and bad; peace isn’t about the confusion. What is peace?

As human beings—as human beings, we have two parts to us. Why? It’s just a physical rule; you cannot have a one-sided coin. Every coin has two sides; even if you split the coin to get rid of one side, you will still have two sides. Just the law of nature, right?

So, every time you are confused, guess what the other side of that is—clarity, that far away. When you find yourself in darkness, light is that far away. When you find yourself in sorrow—happiness, joy is that far away. That—I’m just being, so you can see. It’s less distance than that, believe me.

And you have two natures in you. You have kindness; you have clarity; this is your nature too. Kindness, clarity, compassion, joy, light is your nature too—and confusion, anger, frustration is also your nature.

So, don’t get, you know, like, “Oh, yeah, yeah. I like that. I like, ‘Light is my nature.’”—no, darkness is your nature too. Darkness is your nature too—but so is light. So is light.

So there is a place in you, the place where that light is, where that joy is, where that clarity is, where that understanding is. And that, experiencing that place will bring you peace. That’s what peace is. That’s what peace is. If you want to call that “the Divine,” feel free. (It doesn’t matter, not to the Divine; it matters to you, not to the Divine. Never has; never will.)

What I tell you today is so that you can benefit in your life—that this life that you have is the most precious thing there is. Nothing will be more precious than this life that you have.

The tragedy—the tragedy is to have this life and not know it, to have the wealth and not recognize it, to have the Divine and never find it. That’s a tragedy. That’s a tragedy. Looking for what you always had and you never found it—because you didn’t need to look; you needed to discover.

This relationship of absence and presence—we don’t understand the presence; the presence is real. Absence is nothing.

What is the presence? The presence is, this breath just came into you; this is the presence. And we forget. We forget—we forget because we are playing the wrong game, not of the presence, but of the absence. And so far we keep this, this is the game, my friends, of ignorance. And what you are looking for—that word “peace” indicates knowledge, not ignorance.

And the world is trying to figure out, in the world of ignorance, “what knowledge means.” “Impossible.” I say, “Impossible. Impossible.” It’ll never figure it out—that’s why the world doesn’t know what peace is. Because we’re playing a game of ignorance with ourselves—and wars that we hate are a result, not of knowledge, but of ignorance.

So, which world do you want to live in? Which world do you want to live in? The world of presence? Or the world of absence?

If you want to live in the world of presence—not beliefs, but knowledge.... That’s what happens; when you live in the world of absence, you have to have beliefs because there’s nothing present. So, belief: “Believe it’s there; believe that’s there. Believe this there; believe this there; believe this there; believe this; gods live just slightly above the clouds....”

I’m a pilot—and I, when I travel around the world, I fly myself. And don’t you think, also being born in India, I keep a lookout? So, you’re climbing above the clouds and you’re going, “Hmm, anybody there; anybody there?”

Because you don’t want to hit a god.... And that will be messy. (Some of those gods go around in their own vessels, you know, and you don’t want—that would be messy.) There’s nothing there. Just clouds, more clouds, more clouds, more clouds, more clouds.

But, you live in the world of beliefs: “They are there.” You live in the world of “present,” in the world of knowledge.... “Where, where, where?” Then the answer is, “Here, here, here, here.”

Look within; turn within—it’s the most beautiful journey, most incredible journey. That’s the world of knowledge; that’s the world of peace; that’s the world of understanding that we are human beings, that we can all make a difference. And this is the possibility. This is the possibility.

In your life, goodness awaits—the Divine, for you, awaits to be discovered—joy, treasures! Hey, listen, you have no limit for joy. Pain, you do. After a little while, it’s too much; “Aaaah, I want out.” Joy, no limit.

You can be joyful every day for the rest of your life—not a problem. Not a problem. Not a problem. Sadness every day? Ugh, uh-huh, and you will find a big cliff somewhere—“Whsht.” And that’s what people do.

A lot of people think they’re insignificant. Right? “I’m nothing....” Ah! But this is where the Divine lives. This is where the light lives; this is where the goodness lives; this is where compassion lives; this is where kindness lives. What are you talking about, “insignificant”?

The only reason why you would want to pretend to be insignificant is so you can offload your responsibilities. “I’m nothing; I can’t do anything.”

And what is God? Presence or absence? Who are you, presence or absence? Are you beliefs? Because if you do not know yourself, you’re just beliefs—absence, not presence. When there is the possibility to know, you don’t stay in beliefs; you come to knowledge. And Knowledge of the self is the most beautiful knowledge there is.

Socrates said, “Know thyself. Know thyself.” Aristotle said, “To know others is wisdom; to know the self is Knowledge.” Then everything changes. Now you’re not taking a bucket—and trying to fill it with darkness and throw it out the window.

When sadness comes, you go, “Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa, whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa, whoa-whoa, wait-wait-wait-wait, wait-wait-wait-wait, wait-wait, wait.” Sadness comes; you go, “Wait-wait-wait-wait and where is the joy?” It’s like, “Oh, yeah, let me get rid of the sadness here.” No, bring the joy.

Welcome in your life, every day, the Divine—that is not only outside but also inside of you. Find the treasures within; live this life.

When everything is right in your life, there is something that happens—and let me tell you, (this is, again, sixty years talking), something happens—and you know everything is right.... You know how you know everything is right?

When your heart is full of gratitude, then you know—then you know. Not “gratitude to whom,” not “gratitude for what?” No, no, no, no, none of that; just when your heart is full of gratitude, then you know all is well. All is well. Life is blessed.

View all released episodes of "Lockdown" under the Series tab.

The Road To PEACE

Colombia has been in an undeclared civil war for over five decades with victims on both sides.

In recent years, the urgency for finding a path to peace has become evident.

Is Peace Possible?

Medellin, Colombia

Individual 1: [female, translated onscreen]

I’d say, yes, so long as people are more tolerant regarding certain things and situations.

Individual 2: [male, translated onscreen]

Yes, of course. We just have to do our part and maintain responsibility for our actions in everything we do and I think everyone can have their own peace. Definitely.

Individual 3: [male, translated onscreen]

Yes, it’s possible.

Individual 4: [female]

I don’t, no. Because there are lots of problems in society and every time it’s worse, every time ambitions are worse and that’s something I see as difficult. Do I think it can be controlled? Perhaps. But to achieve it one hundred percent? No.

Individual 3: [male]

I think it’s possible if we all coordinate as a community, independently. That will make all the difference.

Onscreen text:

The Colombian government is currently involved in one of the largest peace efforts in history. As part of the 2016 treaty, they will give amnesty to fighters who leave the conflict and complete a reincorporation program.

Prem Rawat:

What an opportunity this is, at least, for me, to be able to come to Colombia. And to be able to talk about this beautiful chance, as Colombia tries to rebuild itself to a point where there can be peace.

Onscreen text:

In 2017, Prem Rawat visited Medellin, Colombia to meet one-on-one with program participants and to give the keynote address at a Peace Forum.

Onscreen text:

Yenifer Quintero

Victim/Student, Institución Educativa Pedro Nel Ospina

Ituango

Yenifer Quintero: [translated]

I wanted to talk to you. I had a chance to do the Peace Education Program. And that helped me a lot, to see you and to hear you. I want to learn a lot of beautiful things. Because I was a direct victim of violence.

And so, over there where I’m from, you see that a lot more. And this has helped me so much in my own personal effort to overcome what I had been subject to. And it’s such a great opportunity to be able to meet you.

Onscreen text:

COLOMBIA

Martha Elena Pineda

PEP Contact for Colombia

Martha Elena Pineda:

Prem Rawat came to Medellín. There he met with the Secretary of Education of the government of Antioquia and signed this agreement to bring PEP to 500 schools of the small towns that surround the big city of Medellín.

The visit from Prem Rawat really helped us spread the PEP program, because when other governors and other Secretaries of Education found out what we did in Antioquia, they wanted to do the same.

Now there are two, one of them is Huila, and the other is Atlántico.

Onscreen text:

ANA ZAPATA

Secretariat of Education – Atlántico, Colombia

Ana Zapata:

This is a very important program. It would have an effect from now on and onwards on the future of our children and adolescents in Colombia.

Onscreen text:

SEBASTIÁN RODRIGUEZ

Student – Atlántico, Colombia

Sebastián Rodriguez: In order for us to have peace in the world we all need to start with ourselves. I would like to thank Mr. Prem Rawat and all the other people that are behind this program. You all have changed our lives with this program; it has helped us become better people every day.

Onscreen text:

ARIANDI MIRANDA MONQUER

Student – Atlántico, Colombia

Ariandi Miranda Monquer: This program has shown me that I’m an important human being, and that I’m a valuable person. I want to say to all of you out there that you are all valuable people, that you should look for your inner peace, beauty, and the light from within, so it can reflect outward.

Onscreen text:

Silvia Gonzalez

Teacher – Atlántico, Colombia

Silvia Gonzalez: Students who have had the opportunity to attend the Peace Education Program have a positive attitude change. Now we share more, we dialogue more. The school climate has changed remarkably in the institution.

Onscreen text:

VALENTINA MENDOZA

Student – Atlántico, Colombia

Valentina Mendoza: It’s very inspiring and it’s really useful as it helps us find inner peace, and helping others to do so, too.

Class in unison: Thank you, Prem Rawat, we are connected with peace!

Onscreen text:

On Finding Fulfillment

Medellin, Colombia

Prem Rawat: Today, you have come here to listen about peace. People come to me, “Yes, we want peace. How do we find peace?” So I say to them, “You don’t need to find peace.”

“You don’t need to find peace?”

You came here for peace, right—to hear about peace? Because you’re interested in peace? Would you like to have peace? [Audience: Yes.] Would you like to—would you like me to tell you an easy formula to have peace every day? [Individuals: Please! Yes. I’d like that.] Would you like that? [Audience: Yes. We’d like to have this, please.]

A formula that doesn’t require any exercise, no dieting, no going places, easy to remember—yes? Quick? Yes? [Audience: Yes!] Don’t worry, I can do that. I can do that. It’s very simple. The peace you are looking for is in you.

My friends, the thirsty one is walking the desert and dying of thirst, the one who has in him and her, an ocean of the sweetest, most beautiful water within. The question is, “Will this traveler die of thirst?” And the answer is, “It’s up to him. It’s up to her.” Why?

Somebody said, “That there is a drop in the ocean—there is a drop in the ocean, everyone knows.” Right? “But, ‘There is an ocean in the drop,’ very few understand.”

You are the drop. You are the drop in which there is an ocean. And this ocean is of the sweetest water—not salty water—sweetest water. And when this person is going to die of thirst, what should I tell him or her? What should I say? What should I say? What should I say? What should I say?!

What should I say? “Goodbye; hope your death is not too painful”? Or should I ask him or her, “What are you doing? Why are you not drinking the water that is within you, and satisfying and quenching your thirst?”

You have a thousand questions; I have a few. You have a thousand questions, but I have a few—and my few questions can answer your thousand questions.

Because my question to you is very simple: “When an ocean of joy exists within you, why are you sad? When an ocean of clarity exists within you, why are you confused? When the lamp is lit inside of you, why do you live in darkness? Why? When there is an ocean of hope in you, why do you live in despair? When there is unlimited wealth inside of you, why do you feel poor? Why? Why?”

That’s my question to you. That’s my question to you. Answer me—and you will answer your own questions. Because this existence is a blessing. It’s a blessing! It’s a blessing—the ultimate blessing. It’s the ultimate gift. And it’s been given to you!

So let me ask you, (again, one of my questions), “Are you something?—or nothing?” You answer my question—and you will answer your thousand questions. Because, the answer, you know. You know that so far life comes in you....

And what is this thing called life? What is this thing that keeps you alive—have you ever thought of it? The same thing that has created the universe, and universes. You cannot even begin to fathom.... You cannot even begin to fathom what that Divine is—but that Divine is what keeps everything going, including you.

So, how much is this worth? As much as what’s within it. What is within it? The infinite is within it. This is the drop that has, what in it? The ocean.

The laws of physics are broken. “Something big can hold something small; something small cannot hold something bigger than it.” But here it does. In the confines of this is the ocean of hope—because of that beauty that resides in your heart.

So, people say, “What is a heart? Where is it? Where is it?” So, the place where courage in you resides is called “the heart”—the courage. The place where clarity in you resides is called the heart. And the place where hope in you resides is called the heart—and the place where the Divine in you resides is called the heart. That’s your heart. Where is it? In you.

So, when I say you are blessed, I mean it. If you haven’t found the Divine in you, what is the point in pointing up? If you cannot see the Divine that resides in your heart, how will you see the Divine that resides in the universe—how?

If you cannot understand what your heart knows, how are you going to be able to understand? By trying to search, by trying to go places, by trying to find what is within you, what is inside, how will you find it out there if you haven’t found it in here?

So, let’s see. We were talking about peace, right? And I said, “There’s a simple answer to finding peace,” did I not? See? “In you. In you. In you. In you. In you.”

So far you are here, your heaven is here; your hell is here. What is heaven? Heaven is that place where you are fulfilled. What is hell? When you are not in heaven. Simple. What does heaven feel like? It feels heavenly. And when you are not feeling fulfilled, quenched, in that hope, in that joy? You’re in hell.

Simple as that. So, it’s in you; it’s in you; it’s in you; it’s in you.

Onscreen text: © TimelessToday. All Rights Reserved.

Video content courtesy of The Prem Rawat Foundation

Creative Commons Attribution: International Crisis Group, Notimex TV

View all released episodes of "Lockdown" under the Series tab.

Prem Rawat:

Hello, everyone. I hope you’re all doing well—and prospering somehow, even in these quite difficult circumstances of coronavirus, and a lot of this craziness going on here and there....

But I just want to take this time and tell you what I have been doing. First, I was quite tired, so I needed to take a little time off—which I did—and that felt really good. And the second is, as you may be able to see, I have changed the whole setup—so that took a few days to change everything around.

And most importantly, I’ve been working on, you know, like I had said, PEP. And it’s going through some transformations and we’ll see where it all ends up, but I’m excited about it and I’m looking forward to it.

So, you know, while I’m at it, I may as well say a few things that might help you. And one thing that did come to mind is, it’s very interesting. You could, you know, not have had water for two days, three days, but just a little bit of water can quench your thirst. You could be hungry for quite a few days, and a little bit of food could satisfy your hunger.

The good in you, it’s not an issue of quantity; it is whether you are in touch with that goodness that is inside of you or not. If you are, that’s what it takes.

So, yes, you know, it’s easy enough to look at all the confusing things that are going on in this world—and people are very confused. Some people don’t see life as priority; they see economics as priority—and, you know, that’s, of course, up to them, how they want to look at it. And they’re probably thinking that even if we were to live, and we had nothing to eat, what would it be like?

So, certainly, one thing that is true—that this is a time of uncertainty. And in this uncertainty, the best thing you can do is just become fluid. So, go with it; go with the flow.

It’s like, if you are swimming in the ocean and you get caught in the rip current, don’t fight it. Just let it take you out—and then you can come around. And it’s the same thing. In this time of uncertainty, there are a lot of ideas going on; there’s a lot of fake news going around; there is a lot of “This will do it; this will do it; this will do it.”

And most importantly, this incredible desire, I think, of so many people—that everything will go back to being where it was. Because for some reason, “everything was fine.” Well, if everything was fine, how did we end up in this pickle?

So, really, this is an opportunity to go beyond just “everything is fine,” and get to a point which is truly looking at a perspective that will benefit the whole humanity.

Right now, one thing that I see that is really, really important—is that we need to break down these virtual walls that we have created, and we need to look at the whole world as one unit, as one entity.

We need to look at all the human beings that are on the face of this earth, truly, as our family—and to recognize that every single human being has something to contribute positively to this world.

Now, there are some people who definitely are not like that. To them, it’s like, you know, “More, more, more. Give me more; give me more.” But there is a lot of good.

And this is what I was talking about—it is not the quantity.... A lot of people think, “Well, you know, it’s like, scales and you have to have enough of it.” No. You don’t have to have more clarity than the total sum of confusion that you have—you don’t.

All you have to have is enough clarity so that you can see clearly regardless of the amount of confusion that you have. It has nothing to do with quantity. It has to do with simply it being there.

Because, it’s not like if you have a huge room, you know, that’s maybe—and the room is 500 feet by 500 foot room, that you need a huge flashlight to light it up. No, you don’t. You can still have a very small flashlight—and that flashlight can definitely illuminate a small room, and it can also help illuminate a large room.

And the same way, in our lives, it’s not that—a lot of people get into it, it’s like, “Oh, yes, I have to have this thing, you know, and it has to be this way and it has to be that way.” Maybe in the outside world, this is true—but on the inside world, it’s a matter of just having that focus, having that clarity, having that understanding, having that thirst in your life to go forward.

You know, and we are not always in touch with the thirst that we have. We need to be in touch with that thirst that we have—that at the base of it, the basics of it, it really has a lot to do with what my, or our, fundamental needs are. Because if we don’t take care of those fundamental needs, that the whole equation isn’t going to work.

You know, it’s, so, okay, an analogy: you packed a wonderful picnic—you wanted to go for a picnic and, you know, that sounds like a great idea, so you pack a wonderful picnic. You go out—and you find the most wonderful spot—and I mean, it’s just incredible.

And you have quite a spread and wonderful sandwiches, snacks, this, that—and of course, you have wonderful drinks. But you forgot the bottle opener. And now, all those drinks that you brought that are just wonderful, you have no access to them.

So, one thing, which is a bottle opener, has so much to do with giving you access to that liquid that you would so thoroughly enjoy, even though you would never eat or drink the bottle opener—ever—but it gives you access to that.

Your heart, your understanding is like that. Understanding, understanding, understanding, understanding—moving forward, moving forward, moving forward, moving forward.

You know, it’s like a stepladder. “Okay, I’ve taken that step; I’ve taken the next step; I’ve taken that step; I’ve taken that step”—and next thing you know, you’re gaining height and you are getting closer and closer to that, whatever it is that you want to reach. That’s what it takes. That’s what it takes.

In our lives, life is simple; we are simple. We have become very, very good at thinking. There are two parts to us. One part is the thinker, very good at thinking. We have honed that skill for many, many, many, many, many a generation, books we have written, and we have inspired other people to think.

Then there is another part. And it’s just as important, if not more important—because we are human beings. What is that other part of us? And that part of us is the part that feels. We need to feel—this is a human trait.

We can think—but that’s it. Unless we take those thoughts and convert it into action, it doesn’t make any sense. You know, you could be thinking whatever you’re thinking—but it’s not going to do anything.

If there’s a glass of water sitting in front of you and you’re thirsty—and you’re going, (in your thoughts), “It would be really great if I could have that glass of water; it would be really wonderful if I could have that glass of water,” but you haven’t taken your hand and reached for that glass and have that drink, your thirst isn’t going to be quenched.

Not with thought, you can’t do it—and people try to do it, where it’s like, “Oh, think this,” and “Think positive” and “Think this” and “Think that.” Well, you know, whatever it’s worth, thinking positive isn’t bad—but sooner or later, you have to come across the positive in your life to really feel the positive.

And the beautiful thing is that that positive that you need to feel is actually inside of you. It’s all there—the peace that you need to feel is inside of you. The appreciation that you need to feel is inside of you. The understanding that you need to feel is inside of you—and we’re talking about “feel” now, see, not “think.”

And here is the crux of what I talk about. A lot of people will come and they will get you to think—well, me too. But at the end of that thinking, I want you to think, think, and think—and maybe I’ll inspire you to think a certain way. And that way is that “Goodness, I also need to feel.” And that you would possibly take some actions that will lead you to that feeling.

This is what it is all about, that you need to feel the peace, not just talk about the peace, not have a list that says, “I have accomplished this; I have accomplished this; I have accomplished this, so I must be in peace.” No. You have to feel the peace.

You have to feel love. You cannot just say, “Okay, I’ve done this; I have done this; I have done this; I have done this.”

You know, there are a lot of people and they wonder why they’re not successful in relationships. Well, the reason why they’re not successful in relationships is because they think their relationship, instead of feeling the love in that relationship. If you don’t have that love, it’s going to stop—everything is going to stop. You can’t think it, you know? It doesn’t work that way.

Right now, there are people, you know, who are in lockdown—and, you know, for some people, the situation is quite difficult—because they are with people that really don’t get along together very well. Well, this is not about thinking; it’s about feeling. And you have to let go for that understanding to develop to say, “Okay, I really love this person.”

And look at the good! Look at the good that is in your relationship—not the bad that’s in your relationship, but the good that is in your relationship, the good that is in you. And it’s not the amount of quantity.

Then, people want the quantity; they want “equal measure of this, equal measure of that....” This is all fine in your thinking, but in reality, that’s never going to be that way. It’s never going to be that way.

You’d think that there are these people who have billions and billions and billions and billions of dollars—I mean, there are people in this world who can’t even imagine having that much money.

And you think that these people are happy, now that they have this much money? No, they work every day; they want more; they want more; they want more; they want more; they want more. This is the nature of that: “I want more. I want more.” And this is in the thinking.

In the feeling, it is quite the reverse. In the feeling: “I feel. I feel love. I feel—I feel happy. I feel content." And it’s not a question of “more.” It’s, “I’m fine.” It doesn’t even go there, you know; it doesn’t even go to “more or less.” It never does. You feel content, you feel content. And it isn’t like, “More....”

You are in love, you are in love—and it’s like, “I can’t”—it’s, you don’t talk about “more, I want to be more in love.” No, you are in love, you are in love.

And this is the way it has to be—because it is that way—and it is beautiful that it is that way. These are the traits of what you can feel in your life.

So, you know, thinking is good—but so is feeling. And you cannot just have one in your life, one thing—it’s, that would be like, you know, having your one eye closed all the time; that would be like not using one ear all the time; that’s like not using half of your mouth all the time.

You know, that’s not like breathing with both nostrils all the time. It’s like only walking with one leg, and not with the other leg, you know—if you had both legs working, of course.

So it’s, you know, yes, you have two legs but it’s not like one is spare; you need those two legs. You have two arms; you need those two arms. You have two eyes and you need the two eyes to give you the perception, the depth perception. You have two ears; you need those to give you the sense of the hearing, the direction that you need.

And this, in your life, translates into a very beautiful thing—and that thing really happens to be that you need to feel—not only think, but you need to feel. To feel the joy in your life, that one thing that it isn’t a question of “more”; it is “I feel it. I feel it.”

You know, when—and I see this many times going through airports. And you see people standing and they’re waiting for their loved ones to come from the airplane to, you know, walk down the aisle-way. And they’re waiting for them there.

And when they see that face of that loved one that they have been waiting for—and you know, sometimes these stories are, of course, dramatically touching. Because they’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting, you know, maybe for years to see this person, and finally, they see that person.

And when they see that person, it isn’t like, “Oh, wait, wait, I’m going to wait—because I want more of this person.” No, that immediately their smile opens up; their eyes are laughing; their body is saying it and sometimes, you know, they can’t help themselves and tears are rolling down the eyes....

“More, less,” the scales on the ruler have gone—the scales are just gone! It’s just reality; it’s just “I got it. I got it. I got it.”

And that’s the way it is, you know—and it’s the same thing when you’re first, you learn how to ride a bicycle. You try and you fall and you try and you fall and you—you keep going. I mean, you, you know, you’ve got to keep up with it; you’ve got to keep on going.

And then all of a sudden, you got it. And when you got it, you got it. It’s not like “I got more of it; I got less of it.” No, you, of course you’re going to fall, still—but you got it. You got it.

So, that feeling—and particularly, feeling for the joy, feeling for what is in you—is this wonderful, wonderful thing.

So, I hope you think about that a little bit, and do convert it into reality of feeling—feel, feel the joy; feel the peace. Feel the thirst; feel the need—and feel good! And feel the goodness that is in you. And let those things be the things that drive you forward. Because that’s a wonderful thing, like, if you can drive yourself forward with that, that’s just powerful, very, very powerful.

So, I hope that helps. And I will periodically keep checking back and letting you know where things are at. So, yes, working on the Peace Education Program.

Most likely, though, it’s not going to be called “Peace Education Program.” It’s going to be called something else. And there is a reason why I have to have it that way, but I’ve got my, you know, logic to my madness, (or whatever you want to call it), but that’s what it’s going to be, most likely.

And it’s going to be modified, quite a bit modified. The essence is not in the training, believe me. The essence is in you. The training is there as a tool to help you accomplish some of those things that would be wonderful in your life.

But the main thing is in you; it’s not in the training. I mean, like you have just, you have always heard this expression, “You know, you can drag a horse to water but you can’t make him drink it.”

So, not that you are a horse or anything. But, you know, the best training, if you don’t have a want in you to have a new threshold in your life, to better the possibility of who you are—already who you are, to discover that, that joy that resides in your heart, the understanding of that—then, you know, if you don’t want to, no training is going to help you.

But if you want to, then the training is there. And it’s a very simple training; it’s a very beautiful training. And that’s what it’s all about.

And, I mean, I’m just—in a way, I’m shocked of how simple it is. Because it’s just a matter of paying attention. It’s just a matter of paying attention. It’s not, you know, over the moon or some mysterious thing; no, it’s not. It’s just paying attention.

That when somebody says, you know, “What you’re looking for is inside of you,” instead of going, “Umm, that’s interesting,” and that’s the end of it—but paying attention to it.

And again I just want to reiterate that, one of the things you’re going to have to do is—so, the training will happen one day, and it’s not very long—and then you will be given a couple of days to think about it and get the feedback.

And then I will go over those feedbacks and, (not every one of them, but some of them), and have a discussion—it’ll be a one-way kind of discussion but, have a discussion—and then we will proceed.

I’ve never done it like this, virtually, so I am as much in that experimental mode, but I’m excited about it—as you might be. So, let’s have fun! Let’s—I mean, that’s the whole point of it; it’s not the seriousness of it; it’s just to have fun, and to enjoy ourselves.

Along with this little message that I have for you today, I just want to wish all of the mothers in this world a Happy Mother’s Day! This is what is coming too, and wonderful to take this opportunity and to wish everyone who is a mother, Happy Mother’s Day. Thank you.