As the world plunges into the darkness of war, we take an intentional moment to remind ourselves of the enduring teachings of Fakir Lalon Shah, of peace, equality and love for all humankind. 

Lalon's spiritual quest revealed to him the truth of the human condition and the fallacy of socio-religious constructs. He discovered that the essence of every individual is the same at the core of all human beings -  a vibrant radiant consciousness that connects each of us to the ocean of eternal, universal consciousness. This is the place which exists within us, from birth till death (and perhaps beyond) - unchanged, untouched, unperturbed, complete, whole and unwanting.

But, Lalon also recognized that each of us who live within a society, wear various clothings over our essential humanity. These costumes take the form of identities that we take on, like masks over our true selves. Some of these masks we choose ourselves (our professional identities, political allegiances, social associations etc.), while others are imposed upon us by the circumstances of our birth (our nationalities, religion, caste etc.) In his teachings, Lalon uses the term "jaat" to denote these masks. 

And like so many enlightened ones before him, Lalon noticed that all human conflict arises when individuals begin to wholly identify with the different masks they wear. When a human being mistakes their "jaat" as an absolute truth, they view another's "jaat" as a threat, and see them as an enemy. Madness ensues when one becomes so entrenched in these identities that one resorts to violence, in the name of defending their illusory masks and their provisional truths. This, in essence, is the root of all war and conflict. 

The remedy, according to Lalon, is quite logical and simple - recognizing the true nature of one's being and the ephemeral, illusory nature of "jaat". This message forms a core tenet of his spiritual teaching, outlined for his disciples in many of his songs. This universal lesson is in need of remembrance today.