Walk Of Hope - In The UK
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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.
Edinburgh Walk of Hope June 23, 2018:
Sri M, alongside The Consulate General of India, Edinburgh, in collaboration with The Edinburgh Hindu Mandir and The Hindu Forum of Britain, orchestrated The Walk of Hope for Peace and Harmony in Edinburgh on Saturday, June 23rd, 2018.
During the Walk of Hope, Sri M echoed an ancient message, resonating through the ages for over 2000 years, a chant imbued with universality. It's a message that transcends boundaries, extending its wish for happiness and peace to the entirety of our world.
Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
Sarve Santu Nir-Aamayaah |
Sarve Bhadraanni Pashyantu
Maa Kashcid-Duhkha-Bhaag-Bhavet |
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||
Lokha Samastha Sukino Bhavantu
At the conclusion of the Walk, participants gathered with Sri M for a lecture on the profound essence of Yoga and its capacity to cultivate inner peace. Sri M emphasized that amidst life's tumult, true tranquility arises when the mind remains undisturbed by dualities, maintaining serenity in all circumstances. Yoga, he imparted, is not an escape from reality but a pathway to thrive within it, enhancing the mind and nurturing tranquility.
Sri M added that through Yoga, one discovers an inner stillness that transforms every aspect of life, unveiling the interconnectedness amidst diversity. Recognizing the divine spark within each being, we realize the inherent equality that unites humanity. This truth, embracing the essence of our shared existence, transcends differences and unifies us in a profound harmony, encompassing the entirety of humanity.
London Walk of Hope June 18, 2019:
Sri M embarked on a walk for Unity and Hope in London on June 18, 2019, accompanied by Lady Mohini Kent Noon, the sponsor, and joined by D. Jude Currivan and Lord Stone of Blackheath from the Unity Community. Sri M's legacy of leading walks of hope worldwide, including one spanning the length of India, added significance to this occasion.
Reflecting on the essence of unity, Sri M shared,
'I believed there were some problems that could only be solved by non-political people like you and me. We human beings could change, and accomplish many things, with the idea of Manav Ekta [One Humanity], that we are all One. After all, every human being here or in any part of the world is born from the womb of a mother, no one falls from heaven. And when we die, we return to the same earth. Now, in this little drama between life and death, can't we live in peace and harmony?'
Dr. Jude Currivan articulated,
'We were at a pivotal moment where science converged with spirituality, leading to an anchoring of unity awareness. This new paradigm converged with profound spiritual insights and experiences from all ages and traditions. It viewed the physical realm as the manifestation of a deeper, unified, informational reality. This integral model invited and empowered a renewed realization of the inherent sanctity, universal worth, and value of all existence. It offered meaning and purpose to our existence and that of our entire Universe.'
Andrew, Lord Stone of Blackheath, drawing from his extensive experience in the Middle East, remarked,
'Much of my work was in the Middle East, and from 50 years of experience, I could now see that unity work had to be conducted vertically at three levels of relationships: at the country level, between communities, and then between individuals within communities.'
The walk encompassed visits to various places of worship, culminating at the Nehru Centre (8 South Audley Street, W1K 1HF) for refreshments
Sri M was interviewed by Ms. Lilly Winter after the completion of the Walk of Hope in London, June 2019.
Sri M gave this Public talk on 'Mind without Frontiers' at The Nehru Centre in London on 18th June 2019. Along with him sharing the stage were Lord Andrew Stone, an active member of the House of Lords and also Dr. Jude Currivan, Physicist, Cosmologist and Author both of who also gave a speech and answered questions from the audience along with Sri M.
This talk happened after the London Walk of Hope in June 2019
Humanity is One, transcending religious, racial, geographical, cultural and ideological differences. Every human soul is potentially a spark of the divine Supreme Reality and the coming together of humanity translates to experiencing divinity amongst ourselves.
.~ Sri M