Overcoming Inner Conflict

Excerpts from discourse by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

- Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

The term ‘Mahaveer’ refers to someone with valour, usually given to someone who fights battles and gains victory over his enemies. However, one who sits still and follows the path of ‘ahimsa’ or nonviolence totally, is also referred to as a ‘Mahaveer’.

In the word ‘Mahaveer’, ‘veer’ means warrior, and the word “warrior” comes from the Sanskrit root word ‘veera’. ‘Mahaveer’ - a great warrior is a title given not only to people who fight and win but also to people who are in deep meditation.

There is turmoil in the inner world (mind) as much as there is turmoil in the outer world. There are more conflicts inside than what you find outside in the world. If you can win over the turmoil inside by keeping still and smiling, then you are a great warrior!

The world is made up of five elements and they are always in conflict; conflict is their nature. Fire and water are never friendly; fire evaporates water and water extinguishes fire. Similarly, air can put off fire and it is only because of air that fire can exist. However, that same fire can split air too. And earth is affected by all the three elements; fire, water and air.