Excerpts from a lecture given on June 3, 2002, in Espanola, NM

This is the seventeenth year that we are celebrating Peace Prayer Day. Our intention is to bring all the people who pray together under one platform, so they can pray for peace. The tragedy at this time which is happening to our children, the misunderstanding and mismanagement which has happened to our women, and the pain and the frustration which our men are going through—all put together, it is a challenge of the modern times.

We call it a civilized world but this civilization has brought little tranquility, and that is why you friends are here—realizing that without peace, there is no life. We need peace of mind, we need peace at home, peace of the country, and peace in the whole world.

Human prosperity depends on peace. No psychology can play a part, no psychiatry can cure it. The mind of man needs to recognize the infinity of God and have the consciousness to project. We are gifted with this human life on this Earth for a purpose: to enhance peace within ourselves, around ourselves, and forever.

It is a simple thing to do, but it can only be done if we are at peace. If I am at peace, then I'll reflect that and people will pick it up. Otherwise, in our world the clouds of war are on us and you have to learn that nothing is safe, no border is safe, no nation is safe, no person is safe—safety in the sense of life in which you can feel secure and which gives you the power to progress and expand and be happy. Safety with the understanding of yourself and all human beings can enjoy all the amenities as given gifts of God on this Earth.

You cannot even enjoy the gift of life you have, because there is no guarantee of peace. Peace is an essential asset of human existence. That is why we decided in this interfaith equality that lets us get to the reality. Let us celebrate a day where we can have peace and develop our relationships to know each other and affectionately say, “My dear friend, we'll meet again for this prayer day.” And wish him the essence that we should understand the deep meaning.

Somebody once asked me, "How you can reach God?"

I said, "There is no reaching of the God, God is within us. We are born as spiritual beings, to learn to be human, not vice versa. The only way you can reach God is when you are at peace.”

It is my prayer to ask you to let us hold each other in respect and grace, and pray for peace. Let our little voice be heard within the light of God, so we can bring tranquility, bounty, beauty and bliss to mankind. I hope you share in these thoughts in the presence of Almighty God within you and that allows you to bring peace to planet Earth. That is what Mother Earth is asking.

Sat Nam.

© The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan