Sevenfold Path of Peace
Guiding Steps Towards Harmony and Tranquility
"At its essence, the Sevenfold Path of Peace embodies a vision of interconnectedness and a steadfast commitment to the highest ideals of peace, manifesting through seven facets of existence."
Shantree Kacera, R.H., D.N., Ph.D.,
The Sevenfold Path originates from the ancient teaching of the Essences. An ancient humanist tradition based on a peace that calls for compassion and the celebration of life. The values and principles of that have a wealth of wisdom for us today, for a new paradigm for a new humanity. Based on respect for life, human dignity of body, mind, emotions, community, culture, ecology and the divine.
Peace with the Body
We begin with the body. When nature’s seven healers nourish the body: (1) organic, living foods; (2) fresh air, (3) adequate sunlight, (4) pure water; (5) exercise, (6) rest; and (7) emotional, mental and spiritual nutrition, we experience a natural state of health and harmony. The Essenes perceived the body as the manifestation of the laws of life and the cosmos. The ‘keys’ to the universe are revealed through the study of the body, and the way to heal oneself is revealed.
Peace with the Mind
Peace with the mind involves creating a peaceful mind on three levels: the individual, planetary, and cosmic. The mind’s individual function is lovingly utilizing the power of thought to guide our feelings and actions. The planetary function is to contribute noble and uplifting thoughts to the planetary thinking body, thus connecting one with the cosmic ocean of thought from which all inspiration and truth come. Through this most powerful force of thought, one can achieve anything to which one aspires that is in harmony with Cosmic Law.
Peace with Emotions / Family
Peace with the family is concerned with harmony in the feeling of the body and harmony in the emotions. Divine love is the great cosmic power. It is the law of the body but is expressed most powerfully through the body's feelings. The key is to love oneself unconditionally. This gives one the strength to interact with family, friends and associates with unconditional love. The body's feeling can be the most powerful capacity for creating health and vitality.
Peace with Community
Peace within a community is the ultimate result of a shift in individual consciousness to the awareness of global unity. To do this, we must heal the illusion of separation. The more we live in harmony with natural and divine laws, the more likely we are to experience our true state of oneness with all of creation. The Essenes saw Nature as their bible. From each Element, they received their education and their pleasure. Through meditation, study, and Nature, we learn peace with community.
Peace with Culture / Humanity
Peace with culture refers to utilizing the masterpieces of wisdom from all ages, including the present. Humanity can take its rightful place in the universe by absorbing the great spiritual teachings given to us. The Essenes were aware of three approaches to spiritual evolution: the intuitive path of the mystic, the path of studying nature, and the path of studying the works of the great masters of literature and art. They practiced a combination of all three.
Peace with Earth Ecology / Environment
Peace with the Earthly Mother is the foundation of our physical and spiritual existence. Our health, vitality, and well-being require an ability to attune ourselves to our inner nature so that we may know nature as an extension of our Self. As we re-sensitize ourselves to nature, we learn to cooperate with Her laws and discover them as a natural expression of who we are.
Spirit / God
Peace with the Earthly Mother is the foundation of our physical and spiritual existence. Our health, vitality, and well-being require an ability to attune ourselves to our inner nature so that we may know nature as an extension of our Self. As we re-sensitize ourselves to nature, we learn to cooperate with Her laws and discover them as a natural expression of who we are.