Walk Promotes Universal Values Beyond Borders, Visas & Passports

The values barometer in cities across Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere is on the rise. The idea of the Walk for Values is gaining momentum as an expression of a positive will by those who seek to live their lives based on ethical principles. People from all walks of life and in all parts of the globe are stepping forward to celebrate lifestyle choices based on consideration for oneself, our communities, and all other forms of life on our planet. This trend is being attributed to the flight of a globe-trotting butterfly that is being welcomed across international borders without any travel documents.

“The world can only change from within” - Eckhart Tolle

Caring citizens everywhere are embracing Toronto’s lead to change their world by changing themselves first. The universal appeal of the walk is evident in the enthusiasm with which conscientious and concerned individuals and groups, belonging to various cultures, races, faiths, ethnic groups and nationalities, are recognizing it for the positive energy it generates. A two kilometer walk that was started in 2003 by the pleased parents of a little school has grown into an international phenomenon, an effort towards global transformation starting with one participant at a time. It resonates Confucian wisdom that “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The co-chair of this year’s Walk for Values, Ramesh Maharaj explains the sudden and rapid popularity of the event which is evoking interest from businesses, community and faith groups, schools and social agencies in every country where it is being held. “Historically we are going through a period of shocking changes, and as we all know, change can be unsettling. Yet, life keeps altering every moment; nothing stays the same. Nothing seems stable enough to hold on to and feel safe… Luckily, some things never change because they are tried, tested and true for all times. If being honest and upright made sense a thousand years ago, it still does today.

Universal human values such as truth, honesty, justice, equality, love, peace, right conduct, compassion, consideration, nonviolence and the like never go out of vogue. They are good for all times, under all circumstances. They transcend the barriers of national borders, religions or cultures, and are totally universal in appeal as well as relevance.” Drawing from the wisdom of the World Teacher, Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who is the inspiration behind the event, he explains, “There is a natural draw within us towards goodness, fairness, forgiveness, acceptance, compassion … these core strengths are inherent in us. They are the guiding markers embedded in the human heart. We all have this all-knowing voice within us, which if we listen to, will help us treat ourselves and others with respect. It is this simple experience common to all of humanity that has struck such a chord with the world population.”

Umesh Solanki is the other volunteer co-chairing this year’s event. He says, “Here was an idea born out of the purest of motives. I believe it’s the organic intent behind the event that has caught the imagination of the international community. We keep receiving enquires for more information about the walk from groups in far-off continents and countries. When we started, we never ever imagined it would grow so exponentially! This overwhelming response proves that despite all the negative news around us, there are plenty of people who still value goodness, truth, peace, love, simplicity and honesty. These values are truly without borders or cyclical tendencies. If conservation constitutes a kind gesture to our planet in China, it does so in Australia and Canada and Japan as well. Being kind, considerate and loving lends beauty to our character, regardless of our nationality or culture. Noble traits, higher purpose and goodness cannot be bound to national borders. Instead, they cut through all barriers and bind us all as one race, the race of humanity. Human values that sum up Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s life and lessons truly are values without any borders.”

Recent developments have clearly indicated that the values that the Walk for Values promotes are beyond any jurisdictions. Their practice, or lack of it, impacts all of us everywhere. The world, truly, is a global village and the ethical climate in one part of the globe can have far-reaching impact on the rest.

“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

The young butterfly that fluttered its pretty little wings in Toronto in 2003 has taken off on a flight of freedom, travelling around the globe. It is being welcomed in every continent without a passport or a visa. It is setting off weather systems that are drawing the warmth of human goodness from everyone who comes in its path. While there is no stopping this butterfly, the trail she has blazed continues to appeal to millions, thereby generating cross currents of positive thoughts, higher instincts, noble emotions and resolves along the way. Look out for this butterfly as it soars higher than ever before at the 7th annual Walk for Values at 10 AM on Sunday, May 31, 2009 at Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square, for this little flying angel is surely headed places.



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