TIMELESS // 'How to Walk Through the World Without Fear' with Satish Kumar - all that we are (fka the future is beautiful)

“The sacred places are not only sacred places of a particular name or a particular spot, but the whole earth is sacred, nature is sacred, life is sacred, all living beings are sacred. And therefore you celebrate wherever you are.” Satish Kumar

E241 – TIMELESS // How to Walk Through the World Without Fear with Satish Kumar

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About this episode:

In this timeless, we explore the art of weaving the many threads of our lives into a unified whole. Drawing on the discipline of a monk, and the humility of a lifelong pilgrim, we are invited to see ecology, spirituality, social justice, and human connection as one interwoven journey.

Satish Kumar is a former monk and long-term peace and environment activist, he has been quietly setting the Global Agenda for change for over 50 years. He shares how walking without fear, living with less, and dropping expectations can open us to the sacredness of all life – from a butterfly’s flight to a stranger’s kindness. He invites us to live simply yet fully, to choose time over money, and to bring reverence and celebration to each moment, whatever it holds.

This timeless is about cultivating a pilgrim’s mindset in a world that often pushes us into the rush of commuting, consuming, and competing. It is a gentle yet powerful call to slow down, walk lightly, and recognise that the whole Earth is sacred, and so is every step we take upon it.

“Tourists have expectations, pilgrims drop expectations. Because you expect things to happen in acertain way, things don’t work out as you expect and then you end up with disappointment. A pilgrim is never disappointed.“ Satish Kumar

Satish Kumar, born in Rajasthan, India, is a renowned Indian-British activist, author, and speaker known for his lifelong commitment to peace, ecology, and social justice. He became a Jain monk at the age of nine, dedicating his early life to spiritual pursuits. At eighteen, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings on non-violence and land reform, he left the monastic life to join Vinoba Bhave’s movement advocating for social change in India.

Kumar’s most notable achievement came in 1962 when he undertook an extraordinary peace pilgrimage of over 8,000 miles on foot to the capitals of the world’s nuclear powers – Moscow, Paris, London, and Washington, D.C. This journey was motivated by a desire to promote nuclear disarmament and peace. He famously delivered “peace tea” packets to the leaders of these nations, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding rather than conflict.

In addition to his activism, Kumar has been a significant figure in ecological education. He served as the editor of *Resurgence & Ecologist* magazine for over four decades and co-founded Schumacher College in Devon, England, which focuses on holistic education and sustainability. His work emphasizes “reverential ecology,” advocating for a deep respect for nature and the interconnectedness of all life.

Kumar has authored several books, including his autobiography *No Destination*, which chronicles his life journey and philosophical insights. He continues to inspire others through lectures and workshops worldwide, promoting principles of ecological regeneration and spiritual fulfillment. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including honorary doctorates from various universities and recognition as a vice-president of the RSPCA.

Today, Satish Kumar remains a prominent voice in discussions on ecology and spirituality, advocating for a more compassionate and sustainable world.

Satish’s principles of Ecology in Education advocate for an educational paradigm that is holistic, experiential, service-oriented, and deeply connected to ecological values. By integrating these principles into educational systems, Satish seeks to cultivate individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate stewards of the earth.

Satish’s friends and colleagues have recently set up The Satish Kumar Foundation which now exists to uphold the legacy of Schumacher College and to breathe new life into a movement ready to meet a world in flux, one facing ecological breakdown, social division, political upheaval, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. It champions ways of learning and living that nurture care, connection, imagination, resilience, and open pathways toward regenerative and life-affirming futures. This includes supporting the rebirth of Schumacher College, securing a new home for Schumacher College, and supporting the many learning centres and projects around the world inspired by Satish Kumar’s lifelong dedication to peace, ecology, and holistic education.

The organisation was founded shortly after the announcement of Schumacher College’s closure by the Dartington Hall Trust on 27th August 2024 – as continuation of a living philosophy, a refusal to let an extraordinary flame be extinguished.

To work or connect with Satish, visit satishkumarfoundation.co.uk

To connect or work with Amisha, visit amisha.co.uk