The Journey of Peace
A father once sent his son on a journey to ask people if they desired peace.
The first person he met replied with a shrug, “Peace? Sure, but only for me. I want my life undisturbed.”
After meeting him, the child thought, Could peace be selfish? Is that what it means?
The second person said, “Peace is good, as long as it’s for my family. They deserve it.”
The child walked away, wondering, Is peace just about those close to us?
The third added, “I wish for peace to surround my family and friends. That would be enough.”
But should peace have limits? the child mused after hearing this.
The fourth said with pride, “I want peace for my country. Only a strong nation can prosper.”
Is peace meant for borders? he pondered as he traveled further.
The fifth declared, “I wish for peace for all of humanity. It’s the only way forward, don’t you think?”
The child nodded thoughtfully, thinking, Maybe peace truly knows no boundaries.
The sixth one spoke softly, “Peace should embrace all beings — animals, nature, the entire planet.”
And finally, the seventh person simply smiled and said, “I want inner peace. For without that, the rest is just a dream.”
The child’s mind filled with thoughts. What if peace starts inside us, then spreads outward, touching all life?
As he grew, his inner peace blossomed like a radiant tree, its branches reaching out, spreading calm and understanding far beyond himself. It touched everyone around him, lighting up dark corners and planting seeds of hope.
And that child is me!
