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Question

What does the following quotation mean to you? “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves.” —Dalai Lama

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2021 (Prelims) CSAT Previous Year Paper (10-Oct-2021)

The Dalai Lama’s profound statement, “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves,” speaks volumes about the intrinsic link between inner tranquility and global harmony. To me, it signifies that external conflicts, whether between nations, communities, or individuals, often mirror an underlying lack of inner peace – a turmoil rooted in greed, hatred, insecurity, or a restless mind. We project our internal struggles onto the world. If individuals are consumed by anger, fear, or dissatisfaction, their interactions with others will naturally be fraught with tension and aggression, irrespective of external circumstances. True peace isn't merely the absence of war; it's a state of being rooted in compassion, contentment, and understanding. Therefore, the quote is a powerful call to introspection and self-mastery. It suggests that genuine, sustainable peace in the world must originate from cultivating a calm, compassionate, and balanced mind within each of us, as this internal transformation will inevitably radiate outwards, influencing our relationships and shaping a more peaceful collective reality.

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Harsh Raj

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