Walking the Path of Inner Peace: Reflections on the Gandhi-Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Pilgrimage

Mahatma Gandhi once said, 'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.' Yesterday, I joined a remarkable gathering organized by Abhay Bhushan at the ICC, where VishwaMitra Yogesh Mathuria , Nitin Sonawane, and a group of individuals shared their deep commitment to promoting peace. Their compelling stories and reflections led me into a profound exploration of the true meaning of pilgrimage, Gandhian principles, and the role of inner transformation in fostering peace. As Yogesh and Nitin shared their experiences of walking for peace—sometimes knocking on twenty doors before finding a place to sleep, sometimes traveling through dangerous areas—I realized how deeply these journeys connect to Mahatma Gandhi's vision of personal and social transformation.

The Gandhi-Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Pilgrimage, currently traveling across the USA, Canada, and the UK, is more than just a walk; it is a global call to embrace peace and non-violence, rooted in the powerful legacy of two great leaders. It serves as a deliberate act of inner discipline, a moving meditation inspired by the teachings of Gandhi and MLK. VishwaMitra Yogesh, who has walked over 21,000 kilometers for peace, and Nitin Sonawane, who has walked 30,000 kilometers through more than fifty countries, are modern-day embodiments of Gandhi's principle of "being the change you wish to see in the world." Walking with nothing but faith, often without money or guarantees of shelter, they practice what Gandhi called Satyagraha—a force born not of resistance to others, but of resistance to one's own fears and inner demons.

Hearing Yogesh speak about the challenges of his walk—how even his own daughter initially questioned the value of his commitment, only to later join him on a peace walk in South Africa—struck me deeply. Yogesh shared how his daughter initially questioned the value of his commitment but insisted on joining him in South Africa to understand his journey. Despite the dangers, she walked with him. Even Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, advised against the journey, but upon seeing his daughter's conviction, she eventually supported it. After the walk, Yogesh's daughter became his greatest supporter, encouraging him to go to challenging places like Pakistan, despite the risks. Yogesh's steadfastness in the face of such challenges was incredibly moving, highlighting the ripple effect of personal transformation. This made me reflect on the concept of pilgrimage and the transformative power it holds, not just for the walker, but for those around them. For some people, like Yogesh's daughter, the transformation lies in seeing another's steadfastness and realizing its deeper value.

Listening to Yogesh's and Nitin's perseverance made me realize that a pilgrimage is not merely about covering physical distances—it is an internal journey that reshapes our understanding of ourselves and the world. As I listened, I thought about the Gandhian principles of ahimsa, swaraj, and satyagraha—principles that have sometimes been questioned and even criticized as being irrelevant today. But in that moment, I realized that these principles were not abstract concepts; they were the foundation of inner transformation. Ahimsa, the commitment to non-violence, is not just about abstaining from harming others; it is also about transforming one's own anger and frustration into constructive energy—through practices like breathing, walking, or yoga. Gandhi himself often spoke of how his daily walks allowed him to reflect and sublimate emotions into something purposeful.?Gandhi’s commitment to ahimsa was evident during the communal riots in Noakhali, where he walked through violence-ridden villages, using his presence as a means to promote peace and deter aggression.

Similarly, Gandhi's idea of swaraj (self-rule) was not merely about political independence. It was a reflection of his deep commitment to mastering his own mind and body, finding his own "kingdom within." Instead of falling victim to his habits or desires, he sought sovereignty over himself, a sovereignty that allowed him to guide others towards freedom. In the same way, VishwaMitra Yogesh walks across borders, risking his safety, embracing uncertainty, as an act of inner mastery—a living practice of swaraj.

Satyagraha, often translated as "truth force," took on a new depth for me during this gathering. As I listened to Yogesh and Nitin share their journeys, I understood that satyagraha is not just about resisting oppression; it is also about transforming our own negative emotions into a force for discovering truth and self-discovery. Their stories illustrated how personal transformation and self-purification are at the heart of Satyagraha. Gandhi's practice of fasting, his walks, and his many acts of self-control were not just political acts; they were his way of purifying himself, of conquering his internal enemies so he had nothing to fear from external ones. When Gandhi said, "My life is my message," he meant it quite literally—his own journey of transformation was a demonstration of the freedom and change he wished to see in India.

There is a beautiful reminder here: the work of inner transformation—the work of "being the change"—is a continuous journey. My friend Raghu Ananthanarayanan often quotes the third chapter of the Gita: "When you are doing what you are doing, what are you really doing?" For me, the answer to that question became clearer through this meeting. The journey is not about transforming others or changing the world; it is about transforming ourselves. Gandhi's Salt March of 1930 is a powerful example of this principle in action. The march was not just a protest against British salt taxes, but also a demonstration of personal discipline, resilience, and the commitment to a higher truth. Gandhi's 240-mile walk inspired millions, but it started with his own inner resolve to embody the change he wished to see. And when that transformation is sincere, it reflects outwardly—in our actions, our communities, and even in the world at large.

The peace pilgrimage reminded me of the Dakshinamurthy Stotram by Adi Shankaracharya: "Vishwam Darpanam... Nijamantargatam"—the world is but a mirror, and the truth is within us. True transformation begins by seeing the world as a mirror of our own consciousness, striving for the purity and peace we wish to see reflected back. In practical terms, this means cultivating habits that bring out our best selves—whether through meditation, self-discipline, or acts of service.

The gathering also helped me appreciate what Nipun Mehta is doing with ServiceSpace, where over 60,000 volunteers are transforming the world with acts of compassion, kindness, meditation, and self-transformation. One project, Karma Kitchen, is a shining example: diners receive a check for zero dollars, because someone before them paid for their meal, and they are inspired to do the same for the next guest. This practice inspires a pay-it-forward mentality that is transforming communities globally. ServiceSpace also runs initiatives like Smile Cards and projects spreading Karuna during the pandemic—all of which embody the spirit of generosity and interconnectedness.

It also helped me gain perspective about my friend Viral and his wife, who, despite facing many health challenges, continue to maintain equanimity, love, and shine a light on the spirit within. They demonstrate how to make that light shine brightly through their life every single day in everything they do. Gandhi might be gone, but what he brought to life is being practiced by all these wonderful people around the world like Yogesh, Nitin, Nipun, Viral, and many others—awakening the Gandhi within and keeping the spirit of inner transformation alive. I was truly in touch with why those Gandhian values are important in our lives and why Gandhi sang prayers from all religions every day—they gave him guidance day after day.

I walked away from this gathering with a renewed sense of gratitude and purpose, deeply touched by the stories of Yogesh, Nitin, and many others who have chosen the path of walking for peace. They reminded me that peace, both within and without, begins with a single step—a step we take for ourselves but which inevitably inspires others to join. The next morning, I found myself asking, "What is my next step today towards my own change and transformation?"

Reflect on what you've read so far, and consider how you can be the change. Take a few minutes each day to reflect, walk mindfully, or extend a simple act of kindness. These small steps are the beginning of the transformation we seek, both within ourselves and in the world.