Peace of Life: The Essence of True Fulfillment

 

The Struggle for Peace in the 21st Century: A Journey of Pain, Expectations, and Self-Discovery

In this fast-paced world of the 21st century and modernization, everyone faces their own unique struggle. Each individual is fighting their own battle—pursuing success, recognition, and a desire to achieve. Yet, in the midst of all this, we often forget the most crucial aspect: learning and finding true peace.

People are constantly searching for a peaceful life. Behind every smile, there’s often an underlying pain that is hard to understand or even harder to live with. This pain—whether mental or physical—often becomes unbearable, leading many to feel depressed and stressed. At some point, this pain becomes so overwhelming that individuals contemplate giving up life as a solution to their problems, believing it is the only escape. But no matter how much we try to erase our mistakes or forget our past, their shadows remain—no place ever feels as clean or untainted as before.

The Burden of Life’s Struggles

Every individual has their own story of pain, making them weaker, either mentally or physically. Despite knowing that we only have one life, and that death is the bitter truth of this cruel world, we often run toward things that make our lives more miserable.

Some people are running after money, abandoning everything else to attain it. Others chase love and attention, only to be betrayed, hurt, or left behind. Some are desperately trying to preserve their marriage and relationships, even as they endure verbal abuse, emotional mistreatment, or oppressive demands from their spouses or in-laws. And then there are those whose relatives constantly interfere in their lives, never letting them find peace, happiness, or fulfillment.

These struggles, though seemingly manageable at times, can push anyone to a breaking point, where they begin to see suicide as the only way out of the pain.

The Illusion of Satisfaction

There are moments when everything feels just right. Life seems peaceful, and we experience a sense of satisfaction in our souls. In these moments, we might wonder: Is this real, or just an illusion? And perhaps, others—our relatives, neighbors—may look at us and assume we have it all together, that our lives are perfect.

But in truth, peace is often an illusion. Beneath the surface, we’re all struggling with our own battles, trying to find stability amidst chaos. Whether it’s mental anguish, emotional turmoil, or societal pressures, these struggles define our journey.

The Unseen Pain of Depression and Stress

We often tell those who are feeling depressed or stressed, "Talk to me, share your thoughts." While our words may offer temporary comfort, they cannot truly heal the pain someone feels deep within. We can only offer temporary solace through encouragement or sympathy, but we can’t fix the inner turmoil or erase the countless moments of suffering that a person has endured.

Each stage of life comes with its own unique form of struggle:

• A teenager is burdened by the need to excel in every field, constantly trying to make their parents proud, even if it means sacrificing their own happiness.

• A young adult struggles to balance career ambitions, family responsibilities, and love life—often torn between societal expectations and personal desires.

• An adult woman who has just started her married life is expected to fulfill multiple roles, all while sacrificing her own identity and independence. She is constantly under pressure, often facing emotional and physical abuse, yet is expected to give everything for the family’s dignity. In a cruel society, she fears what might happen if her husband abandons her—what future lies ahead for a woman left alone in this world?

The Long Road of Struggles and Pain

As we grow older, old age brings its own set of challenges. Parents are either left alone or live their final years in misery, struggling with health issues and the inability to support themselves.

If we were to list the various forms of pain and struggle we face throughout life, it would look something like this:

• Trying to meet the expectations of others

• Financial difficulties

• Love life problems

• Career struggles

• Marriage issues

• A lack of satisfaction and fulfillment

• Lack of interest in life

• Inhumanity and cruelty in society

• A lack of respect and care

• The ill-treatment of one’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions

• Fear, jealousy, and greed

From the beginning to the very end of our lives, we are continually immersed in a cycle of struggle and pain. So, how can we honestly say that "this world is a better place to live"?

The Need for Peace

As Lord Krishna says in the Mahabharata, peace is not a choice; it is a necessity. Peace cannot be impossible—it is essential for a fulfilling life. We live in a world that is overwhelmed with chaos, stress, and conflict, yet inner peace remains the most powerful tool we can possess. It is through peace—mental, emotional, and spiritual—that we can navigate the struggles of life and find true satisfaction, not in what we possess, but in how we choose to respond to life’s challenges.

Conclusion: Life Matters, and So Does Peace

The world may be full of struggles, pain, and challenges, but it is also full of opportunities for growth, healing, and peace. In this chaotic journey, the pursuit of inner peace—through acceptance, resilience, and love—is what ultimately matters. It is not about avoiding the pain but learning to coexist with it, managing it, and finding tranquility in the midst of turmoil.

Let us not allow the struggles of life to define us. Instead, let us focus on building a peaceful mind and soul, for in the end, life matters, and so does the peace we carry within ourselves.