The Sevenfold Path of Peace ~ Contemplations
Shantree Kacera, R.H., D.N., Ph.D.
The Sevenfold Path is a spiritual discipline that nourishes the expression of our whole being, including our body, mind, families, culture, ecology and ultimately our spiritual reality. This path is a powerful and effective spiritual model for harmonious living and a peaceful world. The processes support us in the natural expression of living our fullest potential of existence.
The Sevenfold Path comes from the ancient Essenes, who lived thousands of years ago and knew that the experience of peace is a personal one. If we ever hope to achieve a collective experience of peace, our first step as individuals is to heal that which hinders our personal peace.
The following are the seven aspects of contemplation for The Sevenfold Path of Peace that was used by the ancient Essenes:
Peace with the Body
We recognize the body as our sacred vehicle, created by the spiritual laws of the universe, and in which are manifested all the laws of life. The Essenes learned the healthful foods, herbs, breathing techniques, etc., needed to have a physical body filled with vitality. This contemplation nurtures the power of love and acceptance for our physical expression. It is through our spiritual relationship with our bodies that the ability to heal is mastered.
Peace with the Mind
This contemplation regarding the Sevenfold Path of Peace is thought of as a higher force – far more powerful than either feeling or action because it is the creator of both. Understanding the power of the mind as a manifestation tool is important. It is what empowers us to be co-creators with Spirit. Through the use of the mind, we direct the flow of energy through the choices we make about our thoughts.
Peace with Emotions/Family
This contemplation governs our relationships with those in our close environment and spiritual families as a reflection of our love towards one another. Through this contemplation, we realize how our families are mirrors in learning more about our physical bodies and ourselves. The Essenes knew that the feeling body is the most influential instrument for creating physical vitality, emotional freedom, and spiritual happiness.
Peace with Community
A powerful step of the Sevenfold Path, this contemplation refers to harmony between groups of people. The Essenes teach that each of us journeys an exceptional path in helping human evolution, and it is only when we follow our own unique gifts that joy and peace will occur on the planet.
Peace with Wisdom of the Ancients/Culture
In this contemplation, we use the gifts of the masters of wisdom from the past. The Essenes believed there were three pathways to discovering the truth: the path of intuition, followed by mystics and prophets; the path of nature, the way of the scientist; and the path of culture, exposure to the great masterpieces of literature and the arts.
This contemplation opens the door to our spiritual ancestors and their spiritual truths. Essenes considered it the responsibility of all to learn from cultural wisdom passed down through the ages and pass teachings down to the next generation as a way of contributing to humankind's evolution.
Peace with Earth Ecology / Environment
This contemplation nurtures how we live in harmony with the Earth and the physical field of existence. It is the knowledge and understanding that our health and wealth is dependent on how we cooperate with the physical planet. As we expand a loving relationship with the Earth, the planet nurtures our own spiritual beings.
Peace with Spirit/ Divine/ God
With this step of the Sevenfold Path of Peace, we experience one power and one presence in our lives and the Universe. A doorway opens in our consciousness that accesses powerful, loving guidance and support from spiritual energies.
The Sevenfold Path of Peace is a way of evaluating ourselves and how we present ourselves in our world. With every thought, feeling, and action, we create and contribute. The question is, are we contributing to greater peace? Am I building up and growing as a spiritual being having a physical reality?
The Sevenfold Path of Peace makes us aware, awake and conscious. To live in peace is to actively participate in creating Heaven on Earth.