Blessed are the peacemakers! For they shall be called the sons of God.

To begin with, we need to say that fight is not a blessing. When we demonstrate anger and hostility, when we are aggressive toward others, we are not happy. Later on we might say that our actions or reactions were justified. We could build complex rationalizations why we had to behave the way we did. We could say that we were provoked, and there were no other way to deal with those people under the circumstances. But the fact is, we weren't happy. It is possible that we are unhappy now, as we remember that incident.

However, there is a way to maintain peace and happiness even in the midst of most challenging interactions with others.

When some people hear that, they immediately start asking, "Should I become a doormat? Should I allow others to abuse and to mistreat me?" The answer is no. But these questions are revealing. They speak of dualistic, "black-or-white" thinking which lacks both wisdom and spiritual perspective.

Wise persons of all ages warned against using violence against others. Even if we will win in a conflict, we will plant seeds of bitterness and hatred in hearts of the other party. It will think of retaliation - and fulfil this plan in a due time. But there is a deeper aspect we need to realize: the world is governed by the law of cause and effect. Even if revenge won't happen, the universe will cause us to suffer violence in some other way. The law is unbreakable - if we sow violence, we will have to reap violence.

So, what should we do?

First, we need to settle it in our minds that our goal is peaceful and harmonious existence with others. All people are children of the same God, and therefore our sisters and brothers. The same divine Light which shines in us is within others. This Light might be obscured by heavy clouds of ignorance and prejudices, but it is still there. Our goal is to act on that awareness.

Second, we need to stay centered in God. This will cause us to act with confidence and assurance. It is true that violence is often displayed against those who think and act like victims, those who have an aura of weakness and inferiority. Of course, this cannot justify abusers and oppressors, but it explains why some people are being mistreated over and over, while others are treated with more respect - although they do not fight for their rights.

Third, we should not intrude into lives of others, physically or mentally. We should not judge or criticize people. We should not give them unwelcomed advises - it is almost the same as criticism. If we think that others might profit from our wisdom and experience, let us wait until they will ask for it. If we genuinely love people, we will allow them to learn their own lessons.

Having this attitude, our first reaction will be to look for alternatives of violence, for reconciliation and agreement. This is what peacemaking is about.

But if we are still attacked, can we fight back? I think that yes. But while doing that, let us make sure to maintain the spirit of peace - it is possible as we look up to God. But the truth is, when we are doing our inside job properly, situations where we actually have to fight will occur less and less often.

As we encounter people, let us say to them silently: "I bless you with a spirit of peace and love".

As we observe difficult situations in our life or somewhere else, let us affirm: "Only love prevails. Only peace prevails. Divine harmony reigns supreme!"

(to be continued)