The 10 orientations
As we set out on this Peace Pilgrimage, we commit to being inspired and guided by these 10 orientations. We pledge to live them with all our strength and all our heart, to the best of our ability, and to help one another embody them as fully as possible.
1. "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi
We seek to be witnesses of peace in a world in turmoil, living in harmony with ourselves, with others, and with nature. Like the hummingbird in the fable, we strive to play our part in the necessary awakening and transformation of humanity. Ours is a poetic act more than a political one.
As humbly as possible: we steer clear of taking the high ground, of being certain that we are right or just, of absolute convictions, and of passing judgement.
2. "War begins with fear. Peace begins with trust." Satish Kumar
The pilgrim surrenders to whatever comes. We cultivate trust: in ourselves, in one another, and in Life.
We remain open to the unexpected, to discomfort, and to uncertainty.
We learn to recognize and welcome our fears without letting them lead us, allowing them instead to reveal our true needs and be transformed.
3. "Know thyself, and thou shalt know the universe and the gods." Socratic Maxim
Self-knowledge is the heart of our journey. This pilgrimage is a path of awareness, an inner movement toward the Source within, toward the unification of being and peace of heart. Without inner peace, there can be no peace in the world.
Every encounter on the road is an opportunity to challenge the ego-driven mechanics of our lives and open ourselves to the mystery inhabiting every soul.
This is also a time for discernment, allowing each person to connect with their deep desire to contribute to the healing of the world in their own unique way.
4. "The goal is the path." Taoist Wisdom
The pilgrim is a child of the present moment. We learn to let go of expectations, performing intentional and generous acts, like setting out on this journey, without clinging to results.
We offer this pilgrimage, with its joys and sorrows, its trials and moments of grace, as a sacred gift for peace.
5. "Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there." Rumi
To be a pilgrim of peace is to cultivate non-judgment. It is to dare to remain in the space of "not knowing," listening to the Silence that lives in the heart of the world.
From this space, we open ourselves to the "other" with respect and curiosity, seeking what unites us rather than what divides us.
6. "Do not walk upon the earth with insolence." Quran (17:37)
Through the gentleness of our footsteps and acts of care, we participate in the healing and beautifying of the Earth.
We will keep watch, meditate or pray where nature suffers. Animals, trees, and plants are our companions.
This pilgrimage is a way of restoring our sacred connection with the Living World and honouring the bonds of interdependence that unite all beings.
7. "United in diversity." EU Motto (inspired by Gandhi)
Within our community, we are all different, in our pace, our history, our faith, our bodies and our abilities.
We honor this diversity. We walk together through friction and conflict, seeing them as potential sources of creative and transformative strength.
We recognise the need to establish, together, a clear and coherent framework to foster harmonious relationships within the community and with the world around us.
We wish to experience the community as a space for experiencing peace in motion. The community gives strength to our shared purpose. It is also a place of inspiration, encouragement, forgiveness, support and healing.
We want our community to be a living witness to peace.
8. "It is music and dancing that make me at peace with the world and with myself " Nelson Mandela
We connect through the universal language of movement, song, music, and dance.
These practices, which nourish joy and beauty, will rhythm our days through ritual and improvisation alike.
Through them, we meet the people of the villages and cities we pass, celebrating the Life that unites us all.
9. "The sacred circle of life is broken every time one of its members suffers. We must restore harmony so that all may heal." Lakota Wisdom
We will pray and meditate together in sacred places, meeting the diverse living traditions of this continent. We seek out "servants of Peace" and those dedicated to healing the world.
We will gather at sites of remembrance to tend to the wounds left by past and present wars. We will tend to these wounds still open from the wars of the past and those of today, by listening, reflecting, praying together and making symbolic gestures.
This pilgrimage also carries the deep intention of restoring harmony between the Feminine and the Masculine, the Yin and Yang, whose balance sustains the creative dynamics of life.
We allow ourselves to be moved by the Beauty of the world and we walk in its service.
10. "A sower went out to sow." Matthew 13:3.
We aim to cultivate within ourselves, as best we can, the seeds of peace, which are:
Joy, gratitude, kindness, humility, generosity, patience, tolerance, a capacity for forgiveness, compassion, courage, intuitive wisdom, perseverance, clear vision, faith, authenticity, solidarity, trust, moderation, fluidity, gentleness, deep listening, kindness, humour, a light-hearted spirit, responsibility, protective force, loyalty, grounding, discernment, creativity and the one that unites them all: love.
As we set out on this path towards peace, we go forth to sow and to allow ourselves to be enriched by the people we meet.