At every stage of society–families, communities, and ultimately nations–it’s time for a leap in collective consciousness: from devastation and hostility to preservation and mutual respect; from anger and hatred to peace and love. Humanity is capable of such an evolutionary step. We’ve done it before. The age of science transformed life from horse-drawn carriage and death from minor infections to steam engines, vaccines, and antibiotics. The way of peace carries that same capacity for change.

Now, perhaps more than ever, we have reason to unite in peace. Simply: War must end, or we will. A peaceful world is made of peaceful nations. Peaceful nations are made of peaceful communities. Peaceful communities are made of peaceful families. And finally, peaceful families are made of peaceful people.

You may argue that the violence in our world is too deeply ingrained to erase. And there is evidence to support that belief. At every level of human existence, we’re so conditioned to cruelty and destruction that it seems we have a war habit. It’s as if violence has become an unconscious default. On the surface, violence is an easy solution. Striking out in violence and anger relieves us of the responsibility to consciously communicate with each other and fully understand each other’s point of view. Rather than seeking mutually beneficial solutions, violence chooses brute force and seeks vengeance.

However, we can forge a new trend away from violence–not by passively ignoring it or hoping to remove it, but by actively placing in its stead an alternative that offers at least as much familiarity and satisfaction. Violence may be a fundamental part of human nature, but the opposite, peace, is also inherent in humankind. Violence is powerful, but so is peace. In action, peace is love. And love carries a power that war can never match. It is active love and peace, then, that offer the alternative for our allegiance.

The communal change will not come easily, but that’s even more reason to make the commitment now to this transformational shift. How do we proceed? Three ancient Vedic principles pave the way to peace–one loving thought, one loving word, and one loving act at a time.

• Seva brings a joyful assurance that your daily actions harm none and benefit all.

• Simran illuminates your unique reason for being, your unique path to humanity’s higher purpose.

• Satsang is the deeper wisdom that joins you in community with others sharing a vision of peace.

It may seem an insurmountable challenge, but peace can claim its rightful place through the united efforts of peacemakers across our land. These ideals are within our reach; indeed they’re already at work. Altruistic efforts like charities and other volunteer groups are based on selfless service for the common good (Seva). Human rights movements seek not to diminish the individual but to uplift and transcend (Simran). Places of worship and prayer groups have long existed as communities for peace and spiritual wisdom (Satsang).

Through evolving expansion, Seva, Simran, and Satsang exert their strength from the level of self, to our higher purpose, and ultimately to a new kindred community. One person at a time, we must surrender our spirits to these values of love and peace. To individuals the impact may seem small, but every historical global shift in consciousness began with a few and spread to the many. When our daily actions and true purpose celebrate the sacred, we find peace. When we find peace, we find spirit. It is then that we become powerful enough to join hands and hearts with those in our inner and outer circles to create a new world order.

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