Life isn’t just a series of events; it’s also a journey through struggles that touch the deepest parts of who we are. Swami Krishnananda explains that these struggles, or “conflicts,” happen in four main areas of life: within ourselves, with others, with nature, and with a larger universal intelligence. Let’s explore these conflicts and what they mean for our search for real peace and harmony.

1. The Inner Conflict

Our first battle happens within. We often feel torn between what we want emotionally and what we know logically. Even people with a lot of knowledge can feel this tension—where their heart pulls in one direction, and their mind pulls in another. If we can’t make peace within ourselves, life feels shaky. This inner conflict is the foundation for much of our restlessness.

2. The Social Conflict

Just as individuals have inner conflicts, society as a whole reflects these struggles. Society is made up of people, each with their own inner battles. When we gather in families, workplaces, and communities, these personal tensions often turn into misunderstandings and competition. We try to create peace through social rules and structures, but real social harmony is impossible if we haven’t worked out our own inner struggles.

3. The Conflict with Nature

As humans, we sometimes act as if we’re separate from nature, taking it for granted or even ignoring it. But this creates tension because we’re actually part of the natural world. Nature moves with a natural order and balance that we often overlook. If we see ourselves as part of this natural rhythm, we start to find harmony with the world around us, understanding that we’re not apart from nature—we’re woven into it.

4. The Conflict with the Universal Intelligence

Finally, there’s a deeper conflict—the one we feel with the universal intelligence, the force that guides all of existence. Everything in the universe has purpose and order, but sometimes our individual perspective doesn’t line up with this larger flow. When we see ourselves as separate from this greater intelligence, life can feel fragmented. But by aligning our personal will with this larger force, we open ourselves to a deeper sense of unity and peace.

Moving Toward a Life of Greater Peace

Swami Krishnananda’s message is that our journey in life is one of learning and aligning. True peace isn’t just about knowing things; it’s about feeling harmony within ourselves, with others, with nature, and with a larger intelligence that holds everything together.

We each have the potential to live with a sense of purpose and connection. By seeking inner peace, building understanding with others, respecting our natural world, and embracing the larger intelligence that guides life, we step into a fuller way of living.

In the end, our quest for peace starts from the inside out. The more we learn to connect with these forces around us, the closer we come to finding real, lasting peace. Swami Krishnananda’s wisdom invites us to look beyond life’s surface struggles, helping us discover a path towards true inner balance and purpose.