The virtue which is the key to success and happiness

Peace Times 12

The examples of Jesus, Saint Francis, Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa. The secret power of the practice of silence and patience to develop inner peace

It is curious that the people who tend to be admired most in the world have something in common: their ability to exercise self-control. It is a quality which is needed by all, as without it we are bound to experience unnecessary trouble. When we feel regret for our actions, it is because we did not use self-control.

Self-control needs to be practised at all times, but especially when we are going through a dark period of our life. It needs to shine in our hearts each time we are put down by people for anything we do, especially when what we do is good and beneficial. The best form of self-control seems to be silence. Silence has an enormous power which cannot be taken lightly; Jesus and numerous other saintly people used silence when confronted by malice and anger.

A person who practises self-control commands full respect in the community where he/she lives. It enables us to put our priorities in order and to do, first and foremost, what needs to be done and not merely what we feel like doing. What needs to be done must be done even at the cost of great sacrifices. What needs to be avoided should be avoided even if it costs us a fortune. Self-control enables us to become men and women of principle. It makes us level-headed with an ability to view things and judge everything we come across as God himself views and judges. This should be a source of encouragement and consolation for us all.

Through self-control we demolish selfishness from our hearts giving way to love, generosity, self-dedication, inner joy and peace. It is a virtue which may be considered as our key to success, progress and prosperity. Very often, a prayer recited in silence, will achieve more for the good of society than elaborate speeches which draw admiration.

If we were to glance at the lives of saints, we would notice that they all revealed to have inner peace. This was the result of self-control which cultivated numerous virtues in their heart,, above all the virtue of charity commonly described as love. St. Francis of Assisi had great self-control, and once in a packed church he remained silent for 30 minutes. When he descended the pulpit without a word people were seen in tears because they were deeply moved just by his presence. Mahatma Gandhi, fought for the independence of India through non-violence revealed primarily in self-control, which was expressed by prayer, meditation and fasting. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, showed tremendous self-control in her lifetime and demonstrated constant inner peace.

Self-control is an indispensable quality for us to master if we want to feel inner peace in all of our work and endeavors. The straightening of our priorities would be a good step in the right direction which we are likely never to regret. Patience and silence, are among the virtues which result from the exercise of self-control.

Charles Mercieca - President of the International Association of Educators for World Peace - IAEWP