The Four Purifications of Peace taught by Peace Pilgrim
balance, inner peace, positive attitude, positive thinking, principles February 26th, 2009
“This is the way of peace:
Overcome evil with good,
and falsehood with truth,
and hatred with love.”
….Peace Pilgrim
Last week we looked at the four preparations of peace taught by Peace Pilgrim. In the comments, Henie shared a little more information about Peace Pilgrim: “Peace Pilgrim’s name was Mildred Norman and ….. she died instantly in a car collision! An amazing life’s work…she walked 25,000 miles across America…stopping to eat only when food was offered; resting only when shelter was offered.”
Over 25,000 miles in the name of peace, teaching peace, spreading peace! How amazing! I love how she truly lived what she taught to the nth degree. She was very real, as Tammie would say. That is so much of peace - when what you say is important and what you do are in complete harmony.
This week I wanted to share another lesson from Peace Pilgrim. It is the
Four Purifications of Peace:
(This is the summarized version.)
1. Purification of the bodily temple.
Are you free from all bad habits? In your diet do you stress the vital foods - the fruits, whole grains, vegetables and nuts? Do you get to bed early and get enough sleep? Do you get plenty of fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and contact with nature? If you can answer “Yes” to all of these questions, you have gone a long way toward purification of the bodily temple.
2. Purification of the thoughts.
It is not enough to do right things and say right things. You must also think right things. Positive thoughts can be powerful influences for good. Negative thoughts can make you physically ill. Be sure there is no unpeaceful situation between yourself and any other human being, for only when you have ceased to harbor unkind thoughts can you attain inner harmony.
“If you realized how powerful your thoughts are you would never think a negative thought.” ~ Peace Pilgrim
3. Purification of the desires.
What are the things you desire? Do you desire new clothing, or pleasures, or new household furnishings, or a new car? You can come to the point of oneness of desire just to know and do your part in the Life Pattern. (We talked about this in the last post on the four preparations of peace.)
Since you are here to get yourself into harmony with the laws that govern human conduct and with your part in the scheme of things, your desires should be focused in this direction.
4. Purification of motives.
Obviously your motive should never be greed or self-seeking, or the wish for self-glorification, you shouldn’t even have the selfish motive of attaining inner peace for yourself. To be of service to your fellow humans must be your motive before your life can come into harmony.
I believe that when my thoughts and motives are pure so much of the rest falls into place. Has anyone else noticed this?
Your turn: What are your thoughts on this? Have you mastered one or more of these? If so, how? What do you see that you need to work on the most?
*Again, a special thanks to the Peace Pilgrim website for providing this information by Peace Pilgrim (and photo) and for allowing me to post it here.
Hi Jennifer,
I was happy to see another post on the Peace Pilgrim! You have reminded me that I need to start with the very first purification - of my bodily temple. I have been careless with diet and exercise lately, and gosh I’m starting to feel it. So her advice is very sound indeed.
Daphnes last blog post..Book Review: The World Without Us
Hi Daphne. I too could improve in the area of taking care of my body. I actually do pretty well, but could improve especially in the areas of listening to my body better and going to bed earlier, taking more breaks. However, at the time, I am working more toward the other three, kind of all at once. For me, at this time in my life anyway, they all kind of seem to go hand in hand. Thanks for stopping by Daphne.
Hi Jennifer,
I don’t know if I’ll ever master any of these. Where am I at on the continuum? I do believe that as I’ve got older (and learned a bit more) - I think I’m doing better. I have worked hardest probably (at least at the most conscious level) - on the bodily temple. Still…I falter. Right now, that’s with proper rest where I am slipping. And getting outside.
And this is where it starts to become “grey” for me. I’ve let a couple of areas slip recently with the bodily temple - yet, in it’s place - I think my motives have become more pure.
So, what does this say? Maybe it says that when one area improves another suffers. At least, that’s how it appears on the surface. The truth, though, is that I think it’s more of a balance issue. How am I balancing all of these? Do I put too much focus on one area and neglect another? I’m sure for me, that’s the case. So…
A key (at least for me) is to find balance. And that takes me looking, introspectively, into where I’m at. Not always easy…
Jennifer, I think this message fits so well with the message you share here always. Peace… In our lives…
Lances last blog post..Getting The Helm Back When You’re Overwhelmed
Oh gosh…I seem to be purifying myself all at once at all aspects, not necessarily succeeding. Is there a sequence to this?
I am also wondering if the purification of thoughts and motives will bring out more physical symptoms if the purification of bodily temple is not aligning on par. I see it happening in my case and those of my friends in spiritual practice. Those who regularly do detoxification have no problems but those that don’t, experience issues like allergies, aches and pains.
Evelyn Lims last blog post..How To Get To Enlightenment
Thanks again Jennifer for continuing the teachings of what appears to be a wondeful person. These “tips” are really where it is at huh? They seem to explode off the page and smack me right in the noodle. Such simplicity, such power. Thanks Jennifer!
Jays last blog post..Life Lessons from a Japanese Tea Master
Hi Lance.
Mastering these is certainly not something that comes overnight. Isn’t it great that you have grown in them though. There’s so much we want to do and often the sleep is the thing that goes. I can certainly do better in this area as well. Sometimes I’m better than others at it.
That’s an interesting concept you brought up…about the whole balance thing. That gives me something to think about. For me it seems that at least the last three really go together so much. When I have a real grasp on things - I improve in all these areas. Maybe I’ve just grown to that point in my life (not to say I’ve mastered it all)…. I’m not so sure about the first one tying in though. Maybe it does in time. I don’t know.
It could be though that one or more areas suffer when a person is really focused on one of these. It makes sense. Can we put our focus into more than one thing at a time. I do have a hard time with that. Maybe the best plan is to set a certain amount of time to work on each one until they are all mastered - kinda like stepping stones. Just thinking…. Balance is so crucial, isn’t it!
Hi Evelyn. I think that Peace Piligrim said that there was no particular order or sequence to mastering them. I believe that she recommended just picking one and working on it and then moving to another one.
That’s a good question. I would say that it’s possible. There is so much connection between the mind, body and spirit. Each of these affect our well being and health. A balance is so important.
Hi Jay. Yes, this is the where it’s at. She really understood the important and was so wise. Her one hour documentary is very eye opening as you see how she actually did master these and apply them. (It’s available on You-tube.) These “tips” keep the noodle functioning as it should.
I’m a believer in the power of thought. We really do become what we think about all day. Negative thoughts can quickly poison a room, for sure.
Gennaros last blog post..Bodh Gaya: Place Of Buddha’s Enlightenment
Hi Jennifer.
I’ve practiced all of these, not necessarily at the same time, but once you tune in to one, the others do come more easily. Eventually they become more natural and unconscious. What I have noticed (in my experience anyway), that no matter how much you practice these ways of being in life, they are tested. When life takes a sudden turn, or there is a wake-up call, these have to be embraced more consciously.
Davinas last blog post..Benefits Of Turning Off Comments
I read her book years ago. Amazing. I had this weird idea when I read this article. What if unemployed people who were willing and capable began walking for peace or even working for peace?
I certainly would feed anyone who came to my town. Offer a bed even.
I’m struggling with no.1 I need to eat healthier.
Tess The Bold Lifes last blog post..Magic for Your Monday: Bold Steps for Living Your Dreams
Gennaro, welcome to Principles for Peace! Isn’t it truly amazing how thoughts are so powerful. We certainly do become what we think about all day! So true! Negative thoughts poison everything.
Hi Davina. So you have found that too - that once you practice one the others come more easily… Very neat. They do all become more natural and easy with practice and I was just thinking this morning about how they get tested when we practice them. I think that’s just God’s way of making sure we know them. During those times we do have to embrace the lessons very consciously. It’s all worth it though.
Hi Tess. Welcome to Principles for Peace. I just found your comment buried in the spam here. Sorry about that.
Very neat that you read her book a while back. It is amazing, isn’t it. I just received it over the weekend and have read a little here and there so far.
That’s a great idea… what if unemployed people did that…. I’m sure there lives would change for the better and that those they touched would too. I would tend to their needs as well.
Eating healthier… I do pretty well, but could use some improvement too.
Jennifer — WOW. This post is quite a challenge for me in some areas. In my wild and reckless youth, I ignored most of these principles. As I’ve gotten older (and maybe a bit wiser), they’ve begun to make sense. Today, I’m very AWARE of them. Some I do better than others, but the desire to work at them and understanding their importance has become a part of my daily consciousness.
I love the quote you shared, “If you realized how powerful your thoughts are you would never think a negative thought.” ~ Peace Pilgrim
Saras last blog post..Is the term Lurkers a bad word?
I have a way to go. I want to work on my bodily temple. I know there is someone out there that has lost some weight because I found it! While I am working on this, I am not beating myself up over it. Just taking it a bit at a time.
I really am struggling with the desire one in one particular area. I quit my job last June after a year of hard work helping to get our districts science scores up. Well they were at an all time high after my efforts but was told I wasn’t a match for the job (I’m not political). Now I have to watch it. I start thinking about how I want their scores to drop this year and then think, that isn’t what I want to be about. It would be nice to have a little redemption but why should it matter anyway. I’m happier now doing my own thing.
Hi Sara. I understand about the challenge… These too make more sense to me as I’ve gotten older. Simply becoming aware is a huge step - it’s the first step. Then the desire… that’s the biggie that will actually get us there. And without the understanding of their importance why would we bother?
Glad you enjoyed the quote. It is one that I have thought a lot about since I first read it.
Hi Laurie. I think I found a couple of their pounds as well.
I love your approach - just a little at a time. That’s the way it is supposed to be done. Great job!
Sounds like you didn’t get treated fairly with that job. It’s easy to want revenge when we haven’t been treated fairly. I know that I have done that. I’m thinking the loss is on their end for sure.
And look at what a blessing it was for you! I like how you were able to change your focus and see that. That’s so important. It’s looking like God had a better plan for you. What a blessing in disguise.
Thank you for reminding me about Peace Pilgrim. She did as the disciples did and is a great reminder for us all about what is truly important.
One of the very best ways to accomplish her suggestions is through planting an organic garden. Working outdoors, eating fresh produce in season, the peacefulness of planting and harvesting, being able to give abundantly from your garden to others - these are only a few of the benefits.
Internet Strategists last blog post..Tips for Leaving Comments That Don’t Get Deleted - Contributor or SPAMMER?
Hi Internet Strategist. Welcome to Principles for Peace! She truly is a reminder of what is important! I agree very much.
What a great suggestion about planting an organic garden! We are planning on doing that just this year for the first time. We are going to do it in small garden boxes. That should be fun. I look forward to all it’s benefits like the ones you suggested. I think giving abundantly to others will be the best part. Thanks for this great tip!
I don’t remember how I found your blog but I’m really glad I did. I’ve since shared it at Twitter, FriendFeed, and cliKball so others will benefit from your posts.
Through you I found Lance’s excellent blog too and shared his on my regular Social Networks as well.
Until last year I had not had a garden since I was in high school. It was amazing. I do have the advantage of having natural manures to make compost from and friends who had large amounts of leaves from very old trees. We also get pick-up truck loads of compost from the local city recycling projects. Check around and you may be able to get free compost like we do.
I plant plenty of everything in wide raised beds instead of rows so I can give it away freely. Others I know plant vegetables in the beds most people use for flowers around their house or even in boxes on the roof of their apartment building.
For those who don’t have a place I bet you could find a friend or neighbor who would share their garden spot or let you assist with there garden. There are also sites that help you find a CSA (Consumer Supported Agriculture) so anyone can benefit from healthier produce.
Check out my latest post. It includes a contest giving away grass-fed beef; unfortunately their deadline is today but the host site gives away beef regularly so anyone can keep entering and hope for a free sample.
One of these days I’ve really got to start that other blog on healthy living. I have so much to share but it doesn’t belong at GrowMap where I teach bloggers and small businesses proven strategies for growth.
Internet Strategists last blog post..Why You Should Enter These Contests and Giveaways - Send Us YOUR Contest NOW
What a remarkable lady, and she really had the courage and strength to live her convictions.
Controlling my thoughts is something I need to work on. As Buddha said, “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.”
Julians last blog post..9 Tips To Create An Extra Hour In Your Day
Internet Strategist, I’m so glad that you found my blog and Lance’s blog as well. Thanks so much for sharing our blogs on the social media sites.
Thanks for the tips about compost and especially the free stuff. I know I have access to some free stuff for compost. We might need more though.
Thanks also for your other tips as well. Such great tips to get started. I’m really looking forward to having real, no chemical treated produce.
It looks like I missed the contest, but thanks for the info. We also don’t really eat beef, but I’m sure many could benefit from these free samples they give away.
It really sounds like you have a passion for this gardening thing. I think your blog would be wonderful if you decide to do it. I’m sure that your current blog helps a lot of entrepreneurs as well.
Hi Julian. Welcome to Principles for Peace! Peace Pilgrim truly was remarkable, wasn’t she! I too love her courage to live her convictions.
Our thoughts are so powerful! I have come a long way, but know that I can still grow as well in this area. What helped me most was learning the thinking errors and how to replace them with accurate thinking. It was so huge. We are most definitely the result of our thoughts. I have seen it over and over again in my life and continue to see it.
[...] the last two posts, we have discussed the four preparations of peace and the four purifications of peace taught by Peace Pilgrim. We also discussed Peace Pilgrim’s message which is so [...]