Serendipity’s worst enemy AJIT BISHNOI An enemy is an agency that acts against one’s interests. Most of us fall in this category when it comes to peace of mind. Do we promote peace when we seek attention any which way? How many of us try to earn it in the true sense of the term? What puts us in most difficulties? Our wagging tongues! But we rarely manage to keep them on leash.

Lust undermines peace of mind like no other quality, but we won’t part company with it. Are we not forever chasing guilty pleasures? Greed keeps us forever dissatisfied but we don’t try to curb it. How do we explain a businessman, who is doing very well, taking big risks in order to make more money? Anger is a sworn enemy of peace, but our friendship with it is enduring. Jealousy and peace cannot coexist but we refuse to part its company. Pride is a known adversary of good interpersonal relationships but we inculcate it assiduously.

What is fame that we seek so desperately? Does it give us any benefit in terms of peace of mind? Fame turns the spotlight on us, and others can see our faults. Only god is faultless; hardly any human being can qualify for that status. In earlier times, the devout would leave home and head for the serenity of forests where they would pursue a lasting relationship with god. But a modern man always wishes to be in the thick of things. Even birds prefer freedom to a life in a cage where they can get constant attention.

Yet we are obsessed with finding peace and some of us even visit doctors and psychologists in its quest. “Doctor! I want peace anyhow,” is our refrain. What can a poor doctor do when we are our own worst enemies? We become insecure without attention, whereas true peace of mind lies within. The mind is the critical factor in connection with peace but we do not keep it pure and forget about meditation and a connection with god. Why should anyone not seek peace if their material needs have been met? Isn’t peace vital for happiness? Therefore, if we really value peace, we have to change tacks and look for it within. We will then realise that peace is not expensive though it does come at a price.