An Exquisite Design

Jun 15, 2025

} 10 min read

Periodically, PremRawat.com publishes first-person reflections from people around the world who are experiencing the benefits of practicing the techniques of Self-Knowledge as taught by Prem Rawat – a simple way to turn one’s attention from the outside world to a place of personal peace. This month’s reflection is from Paul Murtha currently residing in Cotacachi, Ecuador.

At the age of 21, I found myself moved by an undeniable need to understand life’s bottom line and know what my existence was all about. I realized then that I knew very little about myself, about what drives me and the inner resources I possessed to help me fully enjoy the journey of life.

I craved for real purpose. And so, I called into play what I considered to be an infallible law of the universe, “Ask, and it shall be given; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

From the core of my being, I sought an answer that would help me make sense of it all.

I suspected that the answer was something simple – that books, philosophies and concepts were only steppingstones to what I was searching for, but not the living know-how. After several months of patiently asking, the answer came as graciously as I had hoped for.

That’s when I encountered the teachings of Prem Rawat and learned the techniques of Self-Knowledge.

The simple techniques of inner reflection that I learned from him have made all the difference in my life. They have helped me focus the lens of my attention inward and uncover the ability to experience the beauty, clarity and peace within each breath.

It was here in this inner place of peace that I experienced my first convincing insight into the purpose of human existence. It became clear that a rich fulfillment already exists within me, readily accessible and simply waiting to be discovered. Finding my innate, pre-installed gifts was at once surprising, but totally familiar at the same time.

I exalted at such an exquisite design.

It became clear that
a rich fulfillment already exists within me.

For more than 50 years, Prem’s insightful teachings and encouragement have reminded me about the importance of understanding my inner resources and the choice I have every single day to appreciate the delightful gift of each breath and the true satisfaction it freely gives to me.

In my daily practice of Self-Knowledge, I experience that each breath is the kindest, most gracious guide, taking me by the hand and leading me into a realm of understanding. A sense of beauty unfolds for me – not something beautiful, but beauty itself. A feeling of peace and well-being awakens in me – not something peaceful, but peace itself.

I love how I feel when I finish my practice. Truly, the colors of the world seem brighter. I feel a joyful effervescence and a natural clarity. I feel more available to life. Being in touch with my essence reminds me of the splendor of life itself. Feelings of gratitude and appreciation thrive within me.

These days, I continue accessing the wonders within by practicing the simple techniques of Self-Knowledge. The know-how is natural. The means and the objective are the same – to experience what is perpetually enjoyable and deeply beneficial. All I need is an occasional reminder of how imperative it is to relish the opportunity to know while there’s time, while I’m still breathing.

I am very grateful for the efforts of Prem Rawat to regularly provide me with vital reminders. He not only showed me techniques of Self-Knowledge but continues to nurture my understanding of the precious inner resources I have.

His ongoing enthusiasm, care and attention have been extraordinarily life-changing.

Self-Knowledge in Action

For several years I had the opportunity to share Prem Rawat’s message of peace with gang members in Ecuador through his internationally recognized Peace Education Program – an innovative series of video-based workshops that help people discover their own inner strength and personal peace.

The gang members I worked with had reached a decisive crossroads: the choice between continued violence or the need for renewed hope and dignity in their lives. Prem’s simple and practical teachings helped them choose a more humane path and rediscover true self-awareness and understanding.

As a result of their participation in the Peace Education Program, a historic pact of peace was signed between two fractious gang groups – one that has been honored now for over 10 years.