Path Without Destination: The Long Walk of a Gentle Hero

by Satish Kumar

The wandering monk describes his travels and his life, including his involvement with Gandhi, E.F. Schumacher, and the ecological movement

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

About the author

Satish Kumar is an Indian, currently living in England, who has been a Jain monk and a nuclear disarmament advocate, and is the current editor of the magazine Resurgence, founder and Director of Programmes of the Schumacher College international centre for ecological studies and of The Small School. His most notable accomplishment is a "peace walk" with a companion to the capitals of four of the nuclear-armed countries-- Washington, London, Paris and Moscow-- a trip of over 8,000 miles. He insists that reverence for nature should be at the heart of every political and social debate. Defending criticism that his goals are unrealistic, he has said, "Look at what realists have done for us. They have led us to war and climate change, poverty on an unimaginable scale, and wholesale ecological destruction. Half of humanity goes to bed hungry because of all the realistic leaders in the world. I tell people who call me 'unrealistic' to show me what their realism has done. Realism is an outdated, overplayed and wholly exaggerated concept."

Reviews

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of a man's journey on foot, the people he meets and the things he learns. Makes one think throughout the pages.

[Merz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has quickly became one of my favorites. After finishing the final two chapters, I felt a joy radiating from within. I found truth within its pages and was very appreciative of Mr. Satish Kumar for having shared his wisdom unselfishly. All accounts of his worldwide travels, beautiful friendships, and transformative life lessons are truly inspiring. Upon completion, with smile-soaked face, my immediate desire was to get my favorite pages into the hands of all beloved members of my personal community. I resolve to lend my book out. All should read this account and allow themselves to do so with a mind open to change. I am motivated, looking towards better way of living. This book screams of revolution through love and does so in the most respectful way. Read with enthusiastic desire. Redefine what it means to live a life of quality, a life propelled by active hands and mind. Read with a map nearby, with Wikipedia at your fingertips, with a world-view intent, a travel-seeking desire, and curious interest in all religions and their holy places as gifted by Mother Earth. Read "without destination." I picked up this book MORE than five years ago and set it down and away. I was drawn to read the remainder of it just two days ago. Perhaps, the time lapse provided new insight, a new willingness. I now hunger for more....more Ghandi, more Shumacher, more Buddha, more stamps in my passport, more skills, more mantras, more patience....

[Dan Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure how I came across this book. Those who like The Alchemist might find some parallels in this real life. Kumar seems to have followed a path according to the signs of his heart. As I think of this book, there is a passage that for me overshadows the rest of the book. He relates an experience in which he meets a woman who is quite taken with him and consesquently calls her husband to tell him that she is going to spend the night with Kumar - and does. Kumar relates that the exeriences of that day and night - physically and spiritually - are something of a high point for him. For myself, in practicing not to judge, this is a bit of a tough one.

[Jalpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful book to read...got realistic view of international politics, Gandhism, different cultural point of views and post independence situation of India....Tea packet from Armenian lady for each nuclear power country was impressive punch for ongoing scenario...I found missing explanation behind Jainism, broad view of non violence in terms of Jainism which is really broad as from my reading of different Jainism books & practical knowledge..
" Don't forget that the people are as generous as the clouds and their hearts can be as tender as raindrops."

[Julianne Davidow · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest and heartfelt account of a fascinating life, dedicated to self discovery and self knowledge and to the betterment of the world. Kumar has traversed the four corners of the globe and found that people all over desire peace. He reveals personal experiences as well that speak to the trials that all must endure, and the joys that we all desire. A book that contributes to the understanding of the enduring quality of the human spirit. A book on how to live. Inspiring. Highly recommended.

[Greg Chamberlin]

This book, like one of Kumar's pilgrimages, takes a leisurely pace. And like the Australian Aboriginal Song lines, with each step Kumar takes the reader sees his life and world coming into existence. This is the path of a wise, gentle man given to us in print and with thanksgiving. It is a journey moving counter to the frenzied pace of the rest of the world.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

too hurried toward the end, loved the bit about the monks and fleas

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satish Kumar is incredibly inspiring. His walk around the world for peace made me want to do something radical until complacency set in...maybe I should read it again.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awe-inspiring. A breath of fresh air.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next to last chapter is the best: 11 ways to right living.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my favourite books on pilgrimage. The author shows us how walking is the outward and visible expression of the inward and spiritual journey.

[Jennie Kristel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely walk with Satish Kumar as he recounts his life. We walk with him as he works to understand what the deep meaning of a spiritual person means to him and in what ways he interweaves social justice, education, family and teacher. A book well worth reading to understand Gandhi and Jain and Buddhist philosophy.