Words of Peace Lane County

By the time word came that Maharaji had accepted their invitation, the people who had invited him had given up hope that he would come to Mumbai on this tour and were already planning for next year. So it was at once a wonderful surprise and an overwhelming challenge when they heard that he was coming within four days’ time.

An outdoor site for the event was quickly located, but the area was covered with thick reeds that needed to be cut down and cleaned up. Soon volunteers of all ages were hard at work, rotating shifts day and night to prepare the event area. It was backbreaking work, but the reason they were doing it brought smiles to their faces, and the job was done in just two days. Others worked diligently on administration, managing food services, water and sanitation facilities, and fire prevention. The Security Team worked through the night to provide a safe and secure environment for all.

On the day of the event, over 9,000 people from Mumbai and many other cities arrived in a steady stream. The sun shone down warmly, and as a live band began to play, thousands started dancing to the music. Maharaji came on stage while the music and dancing was in full swing, bringing a hush of anticipation to the crowd.

“I am very happy to be here in Mumbai once again,” he said with a big smile. “Whenever there have been events in India, I ask why there isn’t a program in Mumbai. I’m happy that it is happening now.” Maharaji touched on many topics, but a central theme was that “the life we have is a blessing” and “you can have peace while you are alive.” Other profound points he made were: “Peace is inside. Can you reach it there? Yes. People say there is no environment for peace, that this is not a peaceful place. People say that others create problems, but we don’t need other people to create our problems. We can create trouble for ourselves without any help from others. Breath is the gift your creator bestowed upon you. While it comes and goes, you have everything; when it stops, nothing remains. I can help you to feel the happiness of Self-Knowledge. There is some happiness that you can find from the world, but it cannot be compared to the happiness that can be found in your heart.” Before leaving the stage, Maharaji acknowledged the hard work of all who had made the event possible, encouraging them to take some rest.

There was no question in anyone’s mind that their efforts had been worth it and that it had been a joy to help. Many were handing out sweets to express their happiness. One volunteer articulated the general feeling, saying with delight, “We received the fruits of our efforts!”

Abhishek, a 24-year-old student, said that for a long time he had felt such a longing that he would often just want to be alone, but when he learned from Maharaji how to feel the peace within, his life changed. He began to feel respect for others and felt happy himself. He discovered that what he was looking for outside was within him and he could turn to it in any situation. For that he felt tremendous gratitude.

This was the first time that Nishan Madhukar Mahajan had attended an event with Maharaji. “Now I want to be a part of each and every event. Whenever Maharaji explains something, he talks to me like a friend.”

“Today was a very special day for me,” said Dhananjay Mahipal Rao Bhonsle. “Programs with Maharaji are always so full of joy and inspiration. I get a new insight into life.”