If thou canst but thither, There grows the flower of Peace, The Rose that cannot wither, Thy fortress and thy ease.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the idea that true peace is a timeless and unchanging quality that brings comfort and security.
Henry Vaughan's quote reflects the belief that achieving inner peace is essential for a strong and secure life. The 'flower of Peace' symbolizes a serene state of being that remains unaffected by external turmoil, akin to a fortress providing safety and ease to those who possess it. The imagery of a rose, which is often associated with beauty and tranquility, reinforces the notion that inner peace is both precious and enduring.
In practice
During a meditation session, I shared a thought on finding peace in our hectic lives using Vaughan's quote.
Man hath still either toys or care: But hath no root, nor to one place is tied, but ever restless and irregular, about this earth doth run and ride. He knows he hath a home, but scarce knows where; He says it is so far, that he has quite forgot how to go there.
Peace has a great deal to do with warm-heartednes s and respect for the lives of others, avoiding doing them harm and regarding their lives as being as precious as our own. If, on that basis, we can also be of help to others, so much the better.
The pursuit of peace resembles the building of a great cathedral. It is the work of a generation. In concept it requires a mater-architect; in execution, the labors of many.
Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.
The greatest threat to our world and its peace comes from those who want war, who prepare for it, and who, by holding out vague promises of future peace or by instilling fear of foreign aggression, try to make us accomplices to their plans.
I enter negotiations with Chairman Arafat, the leader of the PLO, the representative of the Palestinian people, with the purpose to have coexistence between our two entities, Israel as a Jewish state and Palestinian state, entity, next to us, living in peace.
Could I have but a line a century hence crediting a contribution to the advance of peace, I would yield every honor which has been accorded by war.
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