Find peace within yourself from "summary" of Being Zen by Ezra Bayda
The idea of finding peace within ourselves is a central theme in the practice of Zen. It is not about escaping from the world or avoiding difficulties, but rather about learning to be at peace with whatever arises in our lives. This requires a deep understanding that peace is not something we can find outside of ourselves, but rather something that comes from within. When we are constantly seeking peace outside of ourselves, we are in a perpetual state of chasing after something that is always just out of reach. We may believe that if we just had the right job, the right relationship, or the right amount of money, then we would finally be at peace. But the truth is that peace can only be found by turning inward and facing whatever is present in our own minds and hearts. Finding peace within ourselves means learning to accept ourselves exactly as we are, without judgment or criticism. It means being willing to sit with our discomfort and our pain, and to explore the depths of our own minds with honesty and compassion. It means letting go of the need to control everything around us, and instead learning to trust in the natural unfolding of life. One of the key teachings of Zen is that peace is not something that we can achieve through effort or striving. Instead, it is a natural state that arises when we stop trying to manipulate the world to fit our desires, and instead learn to be fully present with whatever is arising in each moment. This requires a deep sense of trust in ourselves and in the universe, as well as a willingness to let go of our attachments and expectations. In the practice of Zen, we learn to cultivate a sense of inner stillness and spaciousness that allows us to hold whatever arises in our awareness with an open heart. This does not mean that we will never feel pain or discomfort, but rather that we will be able to meet these experiences with a sense of equanimity and acceptance. This is the true meaning of finding peace within ourselves.
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