The Sacred Grove Foundation

UK Events 2017

Sri M's UK Visit

Oct 2017

In October 2017, Sri M made his first visit to the UK, offering a message of peace, unity, and inner transformation. He led the Walk of Hope in Birmingham, promoting harmony across communities, and delivered a profound talk on "Virtuous Leadership" at the UK House of Lords. In London, he spoke on the pursuit of happiness through Vedanta and the role of ethical values in leadership. The visit concluded with a one-day workshop in West Drayton, where Sri M taught Dhyāna Yoga from the Bhagavad Gītā and initiated participants into the practice of Kriyā Yoga, promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

All the events in 2017 were offered completely free of charge, creating an inclusive environment for the benefit of the public.

Sri Ms first UK tour radiated a clear vision of unity, integrity, and inner transformation for the benefit of public:

🕊️ Peace & Oneness

Walk of Hope symbolised healing across social divides, bringing communities together through shared values of unity and compassion.

🏛️ Ethical Leadership

Sri M's speech at the UK House of Lords highlighted the importance of inner values—such as honesty, responsibility, and service—at the heart of public life.

🌟 Inner Joy

Through his Vedanta talk, Sri M underscored that lasting happiness is not found externally but arises from within, through self-awareness and inner stillness.

🧘‍♂️ Practical Yoga

The Dhyāna and Kriyā Yoga sessions gave participants practical tools for self-discipline, inner awareness, and spiritual growth, contributing to overall well-being.

Sri M's address at the House of Lords October 25, 2017:

  • On 25 October 2017, Sri M spoke in the Attlee Room at the Palace of Westminster on “Virtuous Leadership.”

    • He emphasized integrity, selfless service, and leading by example.

    • He reminded leaders that moral clarity and inner alignment are the bedrock of public trust

    • A highlight from the session can be viewed here:

Sri M's House of Lords Speech - Oct 2017

Sri M speaks on 'Virtuous Leadership' at The House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, UK during his recent visit to UK in October 2017.

Sri M explained about leadership that shines through character, emphasizing empathy, responsibility, and spiritual maturity.

Birmingham Walk of Hope October 26, 2017:

On October 26th, 2017, over 120 representatives from diverse communities in Birmingham and beyond gathered in Handsworth for a 'Walk of Hope for Peace and Harmony.' This gathering symbolized solidarity and the shared understanding that despite our differences, we share common ground.

The meticulously planned event, which embraced and respected all faith traditions, aimed to showcase unity and peace. The word about the Peace Walk spread rapidly through local communities, social media, and beyond, drawing a diverse crowd including laypersons, City Council members, police, faith leaders, and school representatives.

It was heartening to witness attendees arriving at the starting point adorned in traditional garments reflecting their respective faiths, from Sikh turbans and Christian vestments to Buddhist robes and Muslim kufis.

The walk commenced with a warm welcome for VIPs and dignitaries at Shree Geeta Bhavan, where the chief guest, Sri M, along with his wife Lady Mohini Kent Noon, were greeted. Sri M, a spiritual guide and social reformer from India, shared his insights with attendees, emphasizing the importance of individual spiritual evolution and transcending religious boundaries.

The power of peace walks was exemplified by Sri M's previous Walk of Hope in India, spanning 7,500 kilometers over 15 months, promoting peace, harmony, and tolerance.

As the participants journeyed peacefully, they reached Lozells Central Mosque, where prayers were offered, and Sri M and Bhai Sahib Ji shared words of wisdom. Bhai Sahib Ji eloquently expressed the significance of peace in all aspects of life, emphasizing the importance of inner peace for broader societal harmony.

The multi-faith group visited various places of worship, including the New Testament Church of God, the Church of Francis of Assisi and St Mary’s Convent, and the Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara, spreading messages of peace and unity at each stop.

At Gurdwara Babe Ke, obeisance was paid, prayers for peace were offered, and gratitude was expressed before moving on to St. Michael’s Church, where prayers were recited, and respects were paid.

A brief detour to historic Soho House allowed participants to reflect on the industrial past before concluding the journey at the Gurdwara served by Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, where light refreshments were served, fostering a sense of community and fellowship among all participants.

At the Gurdwara, the group proceeded to the Darbar Sahib, the Prayer Hall, to pay homage to Guru Granth Sahib Ji before ascending to the rooftop Gumbad Darbar, where kirtan, or hymns, were resonating. The shabad, "Awal Allah noor upaya Kudrat ke sab bandey Ek noor te sab jag upjaya Kaun bhale ko mande" echoed through the air, reminding all of the divine creation of light and the equality of humanity in the eyes of Mother Nature. After the soul-stirring kirtan, the Ardas, a supplication, was offered, seeking blessings from Guru Ji.

Subsequently, the group convened to partake in Langar, a blessed vegetarian meal from the Guru’s Kitchen, prepared and served by volunteers. The Gurdwara's sacred duty of serving Langar extends to all visitors, with an average of 25,000 meals served weekly to worshippers.

Amidst the camaraderie of Langar, Amrick Singh, Director of the Nishkam Centre, extended a warm welcome to all present, lauding their collective effort in creating history. He emphasized the enduring memory of the walk, a testament to the unity and love that permeated each place of worship.

The walk conveyed a resounding message of unity and solidarity, transcending barriers of faith, race, color, and gender. Participants affirmed their shared humanity and the sacred responsibility entrusted to them as stewards of this planet. Many joined the peace walk to amplify the voices of love, countering the voices of hate. Spanning less than 3 miles, the walk culminated at the Nishkam Centre, where messages from esteemed guests, including Sri M and Bhai Sahib Ji, underscored the imperative of unity, peace, forgiveness, compassion, and humility.

In an era marked by division, the call for faith solidarity and a deeper appreciation of diversity has never been more urgent.

Concluding Speech by Sri M and other dignitaries

Sri M and other dignitaries gave the concluding speech after the Walk of Hope took place in Birmingham, UK on 26th October 2017, as part of his (Sri M) visit to the United Kingdom.

Sri M's Talks in London: Happiness According to Vedanta - 27 Oct 2017

  • Search for Happiness According to Vedanta (Nehru Centre, London): Sri M presented a profound exploration of joy rooted in self-awareness, underscoring that true fulfilment transcends external success and aligns with inner contentment

  • Q&A with Participants: On another event Sri M engaged in a thought-provoking Q&A session at the Nehru Centre, London, addressing timeless spiritual questions relevant to modern life.

    He spoke on the purpose of life in a materialistic society, balancing daily responsibilities with inner growth, and nurturing spiritual values in children. Sri M also offered insights on Kriya Yoga, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of ethical leadership and self-inquiry.

    Touching on topics like expectations, uncertainty, ancient wisdom vs. modern living, and youth priorities, Sri M guided the audience with clarity, compassion, and practical wisdom.

Sri M's Talk on Happiness according to Vedanta

Oct 2017

In this insightful talk, Sri M explores the essence of lasting joy from a Vedantic perspective. He emphasizes that true happiness is found not in external achievements or material possessions, but in self-awareness and inner contentment. Drawing from ancient wisdom, he guides the audience on how to detach from fleeting desires, quiet the restless mind, and cultivate a deeper connection with the unchanging inner Self.

Sri M weaves together practical advice and spiritual philosophy, showing listeners how to integrate inner stillness into everyday life. This talk resonates as a timeless invitation to shift our focus from external validation to inner fulfillment.

Sri M's Q&A session with public - Oct 2017

In this candid and enlightening Q&A session, Sri M addresses a wide spectrum of life’s deeper inquiries confronted in contemporary society:

  • He reflects on the purpose of life amid materialism and how to cultivate spiritual growth while managing everyday duties.

  • Advice is shared on raising children with strong values, dealing with expectations, and fostering forgiveness.

  • Sri M delves into Kriya Yoga, exploring its essence and benefits, and offers guidance on balancing modern minds with ancient wisdom.

  • He also touches on self‑inquiry questions like “Who am I?”, the nature of uncertainty, and the qualities that define ethical leadership.

Throughout the session, Sri M’s responses are marked by deep insight, clarity, and practicality—offering listeners meaningful tools to integrate timeless spiritual principles into daily life.

Sri M's One day workshop on Yoga of Meditation - 28 Oct 2017

This talk by Sri M centers around the theme of "Mastering Yourself." He explores the importance of:

  • Sense control: learning to govern our impulses and desires.

  • Practical spirituality: adopting moderation in daily habits rather than retreating into monastic isolation.

  • Inner alignment: cultivating mindful awareness anchored in ancient yogic wisdom (like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali) to navigate life with greater clarity and peace.

Throughout the session, Sri M combines compelling anecdotes with insightful spiritual guidance, offering a roadmap for integrating inner discipline into modern living.

Sri M's One day workshop on Yoga of Meditation

In this enriching satsang, Sri M expounds the sixth chapter of the Bhagavad Gītā – Dhyāna Yoga, the Yoga of Meditation – offering deep insights into the path of inner transformation and holistic well-being.

He highlights the importance of a balanced lifestyle, mental discipline, and moderation as essential tools for attaining inner peace and spiritual clarity. Through practical guidance on meditation, Sri M explains how to uplift the mind from restlessness to stillness and awaken the divine spark within.

This session is a valuable resource for all seekers aiming to cultivate self-awareness, shed ego, and walk the path of peace, purpose, and spiritual growth.