University Events
» Harvard University
 Maharaji addressed an audience that included faculty, community leaders, and students at Sanders Theatre, Harvard University. When it comes to theory, peace is a very complicated thing. The only thing you can do is to inspire people to find the way to feel peace, and that begins with presenting the picture of a possibility. To each person, there is a version of peace that applies to them. What is it? If you are a city dweller, you hear horns honking, sirens blaring, and everything going on all day and part of the night. Then on the weekend when you go to that quiet little place and there are no sirens, you say, “Ah, this is so peaceful.” That’s not peace. Absence of sounds is not peace. Absence of taxicabs honking is not peace. Absence of screeching tires is not peace. But getting away from that situation seems peaceful. These are individual variations of peace that people have. What is real peace—peace that is common to every single human being on the face of this earth? The generic definition of peace is the absence of war, but there is a peace that has nothing to do with arguments and nothing to do with wars. The resolution of conflict alone is not peace. There is a peace that is not temporary, not tied to politics, not found in the formulas of what the world thinks ought to be. It is not somebody’s vision, but resides within the individual, whether they are rich or poor, good or bad, right or wrong—even in their darkest hour, even when they are surrounded by an ocean of confusion and doubt. This peace is not the absence of anything. Real peace is the presence of something beautiful. Both peace and the thirst for it have been in the heart of every human being in every century and every civilization. |
» Indian Institute Of Technology Delhi, India
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Maharaji was invited by the National Resource Centre for Value Education in Engineering to address a distinguished audience of faculty, guests and students at the prestigious Indian Institute Technology in New Delhi, India.  Brief excerpt from the event: The other day I was asking someone who has also traveled a lot whether they had ever come across a thing called the world in their travels. He said, “No,” and I said, “Neither have I.” You come across countries, immigration, customs, people, taxis, animals—it depends where you go. But, world, I have never seen. It is people. It is people like you and me who need, not want peace in their lives. It is not a luxury. This is the missing piece of the puzzle. What we cannot imagine today will happen tomorrow. Technology will move on. Things we could never imagine will happen. What doesn’t change is the need. The wants change, but the needs do not. Maybe you are not comfordiv with your bed so you want a new mattress. The want may change, but the need is to go to sleep, and that does not change. Maybe you go shopping and you see a new water glass. You want the new glass, but why you need the glass does not change. That stays the same. Need and want. A lot of people are under the misconception that they want peace. It’s a misconception because peace is not something you want; peace is something you need in your life. Every day you wake up, something within you yearns to be fulfilled, to be happy, to be in joy. We create formulas for how to achieve that. Everyone has a formula: “I think if we do this, we can achieve it." But how? Look at the thirst for peace. If the thirst for peace is within you, then peace is within you. If that want wanders in this world for different things, it is because the want is processed by necessities that are created on the outside. Look at your heart because that is a part of the puzzle. I am not saying you should sacrifice one for the other. This is another wonderful excuse that people have: “I cannot engage in this search for peace because I have a family, and I have responsibilities.” I say to them, "What makes you think for a moment that you have to sacrifice one for the other?" Peace is inside you. Wherever you go, peace goes with you. When you climb on a bus, peace goes with you. When you are fighting, peace goes with you. When you are asleep, peace is within you. When you are frustrated beyond imagination, peace is in you. No matter what you do, there is no place you can go where peace will not come with you. Because it’s within you. Through technology, we want to improve our lives. What I am saying is that the real improvement begins with you. I am not saying to sacrifice technology or to sacrifice your responsibilities. Accept your responsibilities, and while accepting those responsibilities, find peace, find joy in your life. |
» Nova Southeastern University
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The faculty at the Peace Studies Department of the Graduate School of Humanities and social Sciences at the Nova Southeastern University in Florida invited Maharaji to address a distinguished audience of students, faculty and guests.  Brief excerpt from the event: Within our society we surround ourselves with niceties. And we also know that when it gets down to the sharp end of things, we must prioritize. My favorite color might be red, but if my house is on fire, any bucket will do. We all have dreams and aspirations, but what is our real situation? For each person, one thing that is real is the cry of the heart to be fulfilled. And inherently in the heart of every human being lies the possibility to be fulfilled. There is both the thirst to be fulfilled and the water that can fulfill the thirst. This is our true nature. So what is our priority? Often our priorities are the ones that the have established by the people we want to be like. But what is my own quest, my own desire, my own mission in life? As a human being I have a bias towards peace, towards joy. It is inherent, and it transcends the barriers of language and culture. Peace is not in far distant corners of this world; peace is within me. I don’t need to go to a mountaintop to feel it, or to turn down the boom box, or to travel to distant corners of the world. My peace is within. How do we connect with that peace? There is no formula. It begins with recognizing what it means to be alive, the importance of life itself. Peace begins with recognizing that the heart wants peace, that people have always wanted peace. This is not a new request. And peace is possible. Peace is a very possible dream, but it does not begin with nations or institutions. It begins with each one of us. When we start to say, “Yes, I need peace in my life, and let it begin with me,” we begin to perceive life differently. We begin to take responsibility for our innermost priority. And if the heart can be placed before everything else, what we have is a winning life. |
» Hong Kong Polytechnic University
 Maharaji was invite to present his message in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This university(PolyU) specializes in professional education in Hong Kong. The University's teaching units are grouped under six faculties and two schools; the Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles, Faculty of Business, Faculty of Construction and Land Use, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, alongside with School of Design and School of Hotel and Tourism Management. I talk about the possibility, the life we have been given. With all our responsibilities and the things people tell us, we forget what we have been given. I have a little story, and it is about a man who used to dream of all the things he wanted in his life. He wanted to marry this beautiful girl, have a good-paying government position, have some land. He was very good at dreaming, but he had no sense of reality. Things would happen all day, people would send him letters, but he would ignore them. One day, he got old. He looked at his life and thought about his dreams, lamenting that none of them had become a reality. Then he saw a big pile of letters and started opening them. To his amazement, there was a letter from his girlfriend who wanted to marry him. So he called her, and she said, “I waited for you, but I got no answer, so I went ahead and got married.”  He opened a letter and it was from the king, offering him a great job. He called the king, and the king said, “I waited for you, and you never responded, so the job was given to someone else.” As he opened each letter, he realized that all his dreams had come true, but he wasn’t there to accept them. If only he had seen the reality, he wouldn’t be lamenting. He could be celebrating. I’m telling you this story because it is like that with us. We also have our dreams, our hopes, and our aspirations. At the base of every hope and dream we have lies the wish to be fulfilled, the wish to be happy, the wish to be content. A letter comes to us every day in the form of breath, but we don’t open it because we’re too busy dreaming, trying to come up with formulas and ideas of how we can be content. But happiness itself is included in each one of these envelopes of breath that the Creator gives us. When it is too late, then we look at them and start to open them. Then we say how precious they are, and we look at all the ones we have wasted. It is so important that we acknowledge the reality of this existence. We get so busy painting our ideas of how this life should be that we actually miss what is really happening. We walk with a bag on one side that is good and a bag on the other side that is bad. Everything we pick up goes into either the good bag or the bad bag. Take away the good and bad, and it is what it is. When you can see it as it is, it is beautiful. When you were young, you had this ability. You could see something for what it was- not good and bad, right and wrong. If you want that joy in your life, bring back the heart of a child. When we can once again see with the pure eyes of our heart, we can see what we have been given, that the gift of existence means something. Not “what I have accomplished” but “I am alive.” Life unfolds, and the gift is presented again and again. If you open this package, in the heart of it all you will find beauty, simplicity. Go within and feel that beauty, that contentment. Find your comfort, your joy, in this reality. Find your shelter in this beautiful place. |
» University of Colorado
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Maharaji addressed a standing-room-only audience faculty, students and guests.  Brief excerpt from the event: In this journey of life, we pick up a lot of luggage, and walking becomes miserably slow. Someone comes along and says, “Maybe you don’t need to carry all of that. Look at the simplicity of your existence.” What is calling us? What is the aspiration of every single human being regardless of who they are, where they live, what they do, and what they think? What has our heart been saying through all the good and bad things that have happened? We have had a thirst, a desire, since we were very young. And no matter how old we get, that child is still there with the same thirst. Hope is within the heart of everyone wanting the same thing—to feel peace, joy, contentment. “Show me a way to turn within and feel for myself. Not some theory or nice words, but feel for myself, as real as feeling water in my mouth when I am thirsty.” Theory is great, but someday it has to become real. Could it be that we go along in our lives looking at our future and our past, not paying attention to the present? Yet we are stuck in the moment called now, and this is where we will be for the rest of our lives. All our tomorrows will come as now. We can only go one step at a time on this journey. We have the most priceless gift—breath. All the money and technology in the world can’t touch it. We cannot give it to someone else, steal it or borrow it. Breath comes freely, day and night. Because it does, we can dance, look, talk, dream—all the things we do. Some people ask why. But to the thirsty person in the desert, it doesn’t matter who built the well. All that matters is water and quenching their thirst. For those who are thirsty, I can help. It is your journey. I cannot make it faster or slow it down. I can offer you a mirror so that when you want to see your self, you can. Someday you may feel a need for a joy. And when you do, look me up. I can help. |
» Bengal University
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Speaking in Science city Auditorium in Kolkata, India, Maharaji inspired the young minds to take a peak within. Maharaji talked about the importance of this breath. The event started with welcome speech by the director of Bengal University.  The University primarily provides education in the multidisciplinary fields of science, technology and management. It is popularly known as WBUT or UTech. Funded at the initial stages of its formation by the Government of West Bengal, the UTECH is set to become a Centre of Excellence in multidisciplinary science and technology areas of topical importance, in studies and research, in addition to providing adequate facilities for the pursuit of degree and advanced-level course in management, paramedical and other professional areas through its affiliated institutions. The University has been accorded the affiliating University status with its jurisdiction encompassing the entire state of West Bengal. Students of many other institutes in that region were also invited. In the Completely filled hall, Maharaji delivered his message and also responded to various questions asked by the excited and curious youth: Q: Many of us are becoming spiritual in order to search peace of mind. Do you think we are becoming selfish, or is it some kind of divine planning? A: Selfish is so relative! When we have the luxury of sitting somewhere. Then is it like selfish? If my action deprives somebody of something, then it selfish. But when I am going to discover myself, not the other person; who am I depriving of what? Secondly, the creator has given you gift of breath- Now give this to somebody else! You can't! Even if you want to, you can't. Is that selfish? It is NOT selfish. It is what it is. To search for yourself is not selfish, because you are not depriving anybody of anything. Q: Maharaji, my question is "What is true joy, and how can we experience this in our life"
Aatam anubhav gyaan ki, jo koi pooche baat
So gunga gud khaaye ke, kahe kaun mukh swaad!  How can I describe the experience of knowledge. When I cannot explain you the taste of Kiwi Fruit, how can I explain you the feeling of Self-Knowledge! You have to experience it yourself. This is the possibility. That is why it is so exciting! This is not a philosophy. I have not come to say "do this and that", and then disappear. No. I am not here to give you give an hour lecture "You should find the God within you. Ok kid bye!" "Nai, Main apne saare shubdon ke peeche hoon"- I backup up every word I say! And that is what makes it so exciting. Around the world - Saare Sansaar ke andar, Main logon ko ye dikhata hoon, batata hoon, aur anubhav karata hoon (I show this to people, tell them, and also make them experience this)! Q: In this world of inhumanity where the bloods are shed, and the wars are fought, which peace do you talk about. How is the peace possible.
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» Thammasat University
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Prem Rawat was invited by leaders of Thammasat University to address a capacity audience of civic, government and academic leaders. The guests were welcomed by Manu Leopairote, President of the Economic Faculty Alumni Association of Thammasat, Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Industry, and Chairman of the Thailand Petroleum Authority. Mr. Leopairote is also Director for Thailand of the Asian Productivity Organization, a nonpolitical, nonprofit, intergovernmental organization contributing to the socioeconomic development of Asia and the Pacific by enhancing productivity.  Mr. Leopairote said: “Thammasat University has a long history of providing a forum for different voices with a significant message that, each in their own way, helps people live happier, more prosperous lives. In line with this long tradition, we are gathered tonight to hear from Prem Rawat. He travels the world bringing people a unique message of hope and peace, which deserves to be heard with great attention. We are pleased that he accepted our invitation.” Prem Rawat was then introduced by Professor Dr. Surapon Nitikraipot, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Rector of Thammasat University, and President of the Alumni Association. A professor of law, he is regarded as one of Thailand’s sharpest legal minds on public issues and has helped Thammasat become a voice of public conscience. Professor Surapon has served as a member of several committees in the Prime Minister’s Office, modernizing Thai law and developing the legal infrastructure. Professor Surapon said: “Throughout time, leading thinkers, academicians, and government leaders have attempted to develop an understanding of how to build peace. Many approaches have been explored, all attempting to create favorable conditions for peace. These solutions have drawn from economics, history, international law, comparative peace studies, conflict resolution, political science, sociology, anthropology, and more. Prem Rawat’s message of peace is rooted in the need for each person to find peace within themselves. He emphasizes that whether our search is for world peace or for personal peace, we very much need to look at the search for peace as a personal quest, rooted in an understanding of who we are. ‘When people in the world are at peace,’ he says, ‘the world will be at peace.’” Thammasat University is one of the most prestigious universities in Thailand. More than 70 years since its establishment in 1934, the University has produced more than 240,000 undergraduate and graduate students who have greatly contributed to the development and progress of the society and the country. The University's alumni include prime ministers, top-level politicians and officers, Bank of Thailand governors, as well as most of the city's governors. |
» University of Salamanca
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Maharaji delivered the keynote address at the first conference on peace "Peace is Possible", at this 13th century University near Madrid, Spain. Maharaji spoke in the great hall, "Paraninfo". He was introduced by the Vice-Rector, who hailed his message as "Noble". Following is a brief excerpt from an address by Prem Rawat at the University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain. It’s an honor to be here to talk about a very simple subject—peace. There are a lot of ideas about peace and I’m not here to add more, but to present a very simple possibility.  When are we going to acknowledge the peace that we need in our lives? When are we going to take the first steps to fulfill the oldest dream that mankind has had? Peace is a fundamental desire of every human being. It needs acknowledgment, and it needs to be realized, fulfilled. We need to turn within ourselves to find the answers for peace. We’re not going to find them outside. They are written in the very the pages that reside in the heart of every single human being regardless of who they are, what their belief is, or what they have done. I have a dream that all civilizations, all people will be in peace. People say to me, “Isn’t that an impossible ideal?” Then I say to myself, “If that is true, then it is the only ideal worth having. That is something I can try to help with.” And that’s what I do. The amazing thing is, that to have peace on the outside, you have to have peace on the inside. This is not new. Everyone knows this. And to find peace on the inside is the most simple process of all because it is already there. It does not have to be created. It is there to discover, to have, to enjoy. The thirst for peace lies within all of us. Around the world, I have found the currency not to be common, language not to be common, clothing not to be common, food not to be common. But the desire to be fulfilled is common to everyone. That’s what I am addressing. I travel around the world bringing this message to people, and I hope people listen to it, that they get something out of it. I’m not preaching, nor am I teaching. All I’m doing is presenting a possibility. Peace is important to me, and I hope that peace is important to you. Because, after all, when I look at the horizon, if I have to imagine the world without peace, it is, indeed, a very grim prospect. When I see the light on the horizon, I certainly hope it is the light of the peace that dances, waiting to shine in my life, in my time. |
» University of Tennessee, Knoxville
 Prem Rawat responded to an invitation to speak at an event in the Knoxville Convention Center. More than 1200 people from Knoxville and the surrounding area attended the event. This was the first time Prem Rawat had given an address in Tennessee. “There is a peace, without which we would lose the very fabric of who we are,” he said. “A peace that dances in the heart of everyone. That’s the peace I am talking about. The reality. The beauty. The joy. The true peace—not an absence of something, but the very presence of something. That is what is possible, even in the middle of war.” Melissa Mann of nearby Maryville, Tennessee organized the event. The daughter of a former U.S. foreign service diplomat who served in several countries, Ms. Mann teaches English at a local college. "Knoxville responded very positively," Ms. Mann said. "People were very excited to hear that Prem Rawat had accepted our invitation, and a lot of people came to see him, not just from Knoxville, but Atlanta, Memphis, Birmingham - all over." “The freedom I talk about is not the kind of freedom that people think is freedom. People think freedom is when you get away from your house for the weekend. ‘Free—I’m free.’ To teenagers, freedom is when they leave their parents’ house. Freedom to parents is when their teenagers actually leave. Not just threaten to leave, but actually leave. ‘Now we are free.’ Is that freedom? “Freedom from my troubles. Is that freedom? Freedom from my concerns. Is that freedom? Freedom from my responsibilities. Is that freedom? I talk about a freedom that can be felt in a prison. That’s the freedom that no one on the face of this earth can take away from me. No one. That’s freedom. “Peace—a peace that cannot be disturbed. That is real peace. And one that cannot be taken away—that is real freedom. “Often, people think they’re free. And sometimes they’re trying to free themselves from their concepts of freedom. ‘Am I really free? If I think differently, I’ll be free. If I am open to everything, I will be free.’ This is our time to make that understanding happen. To begin to understand. And here is the concrete thing: To start to realize that all that we ever want, we have. We have that freedom inside of us. “I go around giving people a mirror. A mirror that shows something that is real, that is true. Something that by its very existence is the most beautiful play ever written. You are the actor, and the most incredible script has been written for you. There is love, a little bit of action, a little bit of clarity, and a little bit of confusion. How well do we know this play? How well are we playing it?” People leaving the hall were clearly enthusiastic about Prem Rawat and his message. For Russell G. from Oakridge, “I really enjoyed this opportunity to learn more about myself. I came at the invitation of a good friend. My faith is Christian based, but I am always eager to hear and listen to new ideas. I quickly realized that what this man had to say did not contradict my faith, but rather served to strengthen the ultimate message of love and happiness.” For Adriana T. from Asheville, “I recently had surgery for cancer and have asked what difference my life has made. The answer came in his address. I am unique. There is no other that brings the gifts I can to make a difference in life.” Mary W. from Asheville said, “This is the first time to see and hear him in person. Magnificent human being. Gives me much thought to proceed from this moment. I am a Christian, and I think I want what he is offering. His message is universal, and I see the possibility of connecting to me.” Debbie S., a Knoxville resident and physical therapist at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, has been familiar with Prem Rawat’s message for years. She helped organize the Knoxville event. “It’s the most exciting thing to invite Prem Rawat and to have him accept our invitation. It’s a wonderful opportunity, not just for me, but for the people in the area to hear him speak and to hear his message, which is unique and very applicable to everyone regardless of background, education, or occupation.” |
» Griffith University
Maharaji addressed a distinguished audience of faculty, students and guests at Griffith University. He was thanked by a leader from the Australian Institute for International Relations. In his address Maharaji says
Griffith University is committed to high standards of scholarship, innovation, internationalization, social justice, ethical standards and lifelong learning. It consistently ranks high among Good University Guides, with the Griffith Business School ranking 11 in 2006. |
» Miami Dade College
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Maharaji addressed leaders and prominent members of the Miami community as well as members of Miami Dade College’s faculty at the James L. Knight Centre, Miami's largest auditorium. Responding to an invitation from Dr. Eduardo Padrón, President of Miami Dade College, Prem Rawat, known also as Maharaji, addressed a distinguished audience of faculty, guests, and students at the James L. Knight Center, Miami’s largest auditorium. MDC is the largest institution of higher education in the US with 163,000 students from 170 countries. The event benefited the World Food Programme (WFP). The Foundation’s contribution will provide food for 4,500 schoolchildren in Guatemala for a month. The sponsors for this event included Bell South, the Human Services Coalition, Mahoney Cohen, Grubb & Ellis, the City of Miami, the Four Seasons Hotel, and Miami resident artist Romero Britto. Prior to the June 16 event, Dr. Padrón awarded Prem Rawat a key to the City of Miami on behalf of Mayor Manny Diaz before a group of Miami government, civic, and business leaders.  Welcoming Prem Rawat, Dr. Padrón told the gathering on June 16: “His message is one of hope and peace, and he has inspired millions throughout the world. As an educator, the opportunity to learn has been central and the focus of my life. I have witnessed brilliant teachers and eager students turn classrooms into magical places. Prem Rawat reminds us that magic begins with people, and it’s within each person. That the possibility of peace and the possibility of living a life to the fullest begins with recognizing the value of life itself. That is, in my opinion, the deepest learning and is certainly a curriculum for everyone.” In the world of higher education, few people command the universal respect that Dr. Padrón does. President Clinton, one of four US presidents to appoint him to national commissions, called him “one of America’s great educators.” Karen Sendelback, President and CEO of Friends of WFP, said: “In February, a gift from The Prem Rawat Foundation provided critical food aid to 15,000 tsunami victims for the entire first month after the tragedy struck, literally saving these people’s lives. How is hunger relief related to Prem Rawat’s message of peace and dignity? In every way, for a hungry community is not at peace. Where hunger exists, there cannot be true peace. And that’s what makes an evening such as tonight so important. Thank you to Prem Rawat and the Foundation for their generosity toward the World Food Programme.” |
» University of California, Berkeley
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Maharaji addressed students, faculty and guests at the University of California at Berkeley. I travel all over the world, but I don’t go to see countries. I have never seen a place I could call a country. What I see is people. We may relate to ourselves by our language, our culture, or our religion, but we are essentially the same. We have the same aspiration. We all want peace in our lives.  We have thousands of explanations for war, but not one why we should have peace. We’ve got a problem here. When it comes to war, there is a lot of active participation. We create new weapons and train people to use them. When it comes to peace, we wait for the clouds to part or a magic wand to be waved so then there shall be peace upon earth. I don’t understand. If war requires active participation, which it does, then peace requires active participation as well. And that active participation is not going to happen by having a lot of debates. It is a matter of uncovering and looking at the reality of people, at what people want whether they are rich or poor. We have learned about how we are different, but we haven’t learned how to look at another human being like ourselves. We forget the nature of who we are and the treasure we have been given, and we cannot afford to do that. We cannot forget that our heart is knocking every day and calling to us, “Be in peace, feel joy, because that is a reality that can happen.” It takes active participation, and that begins with recognizing our own thirst. Once we can recognize our thirst, water becomes important. What kind of thirst is this? The thirst that says, Understand the preciousness of life, of each breath. How does that happen? It is like learning to ride a bike. You get on and you are told to pedal, look forward, and balance, but you can’t do it all and you fall. Then comes a moment when you have it. You take off, and there is no looking back. From that moment on, you have achieved your sense of balance. This is what I am talking about. Achieving that sense of balance in your life. The very thing that says, Get in touch with your self, or what Socrates calls, “Know thyself.” Do. When you find that balance in your life, it makes a difference. |
» University of Malaya
Maharaji was invited to present his message to the heads, lecturers and young students of Malaya University (Kuala Lumpur). |
» Synergy University in Moscow, Russia
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On June 29, 2012, Prem Rawat was the keynote speaker at an event called “Notes on Peace,” held at Moscow’s nationally renowned Library of Foreign Literature. The event was co-sponsored by Synergy, Moscow University of Business and Finance (MUIF); and the Ismail Akhmetov Foundation. The Library of Foreign Literature, as well as housing five million books in one hundred and forty-five languages, acts as a center for cultural and international relations. 
On his first visit to Russia, Prem Rawat was greeted by some of Moscow’s leading academics and university students interested in exploring the subject of peace. Opening the event was a virtuoso pianist who played a beautiful Tchaikovsky sonata, giving a uniquely Russian ambience at the library theatre. The Rector of Synergy University, Professor Uriy Rubin then addressed the audience, talking about the history of the young university, the subjects taught, and its interest in peace. Ismail Akhmetov gave a warm introduction and welcome to Prem Rawat. Prem Rawat spoke in simple terms, making the point that people look to world leaders to bring peace, but in reality it already exists within each person. He illustrated this perspective with stories and facts that were deeply appreciated by the audience. 
University students then asked questions both about Russia and the day-to-day challenges they faced. One student asked whether The Prem Rawat Foundation’s very successful Peace Education Program, which is being pioneered in prisons in many countries, could work in Russian prisons and also how personal peace can be achieved when external circumstances can be so challenging. Reaction to the event from students was very enthusiastic. One student commented, “People have this impression that people in Russia are cold, but we are not. Prem Rawat made me smile today. He made my heart feel warm.” Another student who asked a question during the event said, “I'm so happy that Prem Rawat came here. We don't have such a message here in Russia.” Following the event, Mr. Akhmetov said, “We want to take Prem Rawat and his message into the villages of Russia, to Siberia and other countries surrounding Russia. This event is just the beginning.” watch video clip! | permalink |
» Oxford University
 Maharaji addressed a distinguished audience of faculty, students, and guests at Oxford University. He said "The peace you are looking for exists within you. Have the tools you need to accomplish the aspirations of your heart, regardless of all external circumstance." What I have to talk about is really quite simple. It deals with one human being—one person, one individual, who breathes, thinks, wants to understand, wants to learn. Sometimes, in the pursuit of all that we pursue in this world, we forget about us. Who am I? Who are you? You are unique. There is no one like you. I cannot emphasize enough the uniqueness of every human being on the face of this earth. Learning is a process that will happen for every single person. This is our nature. Learning will happen, but amongst all the things we learn, what is the most important thing to learn? Millions have come through these gates to learn, understand, and go on in their lives to be successful and prosperous. But there is one kind of prosperity that was talked about a very, very long time ago: Know thyself. The idea of peace is not new. I’ve been talking about peace since I was a child, because I know that there is another face of peace. There is an idyllic face of peace that people paint in which nobody is fighting with anyone. But there is a face of peace that does not rely on boundaries. There is a face of peace that has nothing to do with obedience, nothing to do with your wishes. It is the face of peace that lies in the heart of every human being. This is the possibility, the reality, that certain people have always envisioned: “Know thyself.” The resource of the joy, the peace, you are looking for exists within you. You have the tools you need to accomplish the aspirations of your heart, regardless of all external circumstances. Are you in peace? Are you content, not by thought, but by feeling? There cannot be a formula for peace: “I am content because I did this and I did that and therefore, everything is fine.” It has to be a reality. My message is not connected to a religion. My message is connected to getting in touch with your heart, to understanding the value and the preciousness of your existence. It is about addressing, rather than covering up, the fundamental needs that you have as a human being—needs that are the same for everyone. |