Satish Kumar is an Indian peace activist, spiritual teacher, and former Jain monk, best known for his lifelong commitment to nonviolence, environmentalism, and promoting compassion; he's also the founder of Schumacher College and Editor Emeritus at Resurgence & Ecologist. Born in 1936 in India, he became a monk at the age of 9 and spent much of his early life in spiritual training. His decision to leave the monastic life at 18 was motivated by a desire to engage with the world and work toward peace and sustainability.

Kumar’s journey took him to the United Kingdom in the 1970s, where he became a prominent voice in environmental and peace movements. His work as a writer, speaker, and editor of Resurgence, a magazine dedicated to ecological sustainability, social justice, and spirituality, allowed him to weave together his values of love, compassion, and interconnectedness with practical action for a more peaceful world.

Throughout his life, Kumar has been deeply influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, advocating for a life of simplicity, nonviolent action, and deep respect for all living beings. His books, such as You Are, Therefore I Am and The Buddha and the Terrorist, highlight his philosophical approach to compassion, urging readers to embrace peace not only in global conflicts but also in their personal relationships.

Kumar’s message has been one of deep compassion, urging people to live with kindness and empathy toward each other and the planet. His advocacy for compassion has been a guiding light in his life's work, inspiring countless individuals to live in a way that fosters unity, respect, and understanding. Through his writing and teaching, Satish Kumar has become a model for integrating compassion into every aspect of life, from global activism to personal spirituality.

About Kumar's Book Radical Love: To see peace in our lifetimes, we have to practice love.

This is the radical message of this inspirational book of pithy advice from environmental activist Satish Kumar, which helps us find ways to love ourselves, others, and all beings on planet Earth—even those we may find unlovable.

Satish Kumar is well known for his epic walk for world peace in his youth in the 1960s from India to the nuclear capitals of Moscow, Paris, London, and Washington, DC. Wherever he traveled, he found that human beings were capable of a love that could overcome hatred and division. Settling down in the UK, he married his wife, June Mitchell, and founded eco-university Schumacher College in Devon, eventually becoming a leading figure in the UK green movement.

Radical Love distills the author’s lifetime of experience as a lover, parent, activist, and educator into simple lessons on transforming our time of ecological crisis, conflict, and scarcity into one in which we experience harmony with nature, safety, and abundance. It is an exploration of the transformative power of love in all its forms, from romantic love to love for one’s family and community to love for the planet and all beings.

Kumar’s approach is founded on simplicity (including the Jain principle of aparigraha), generosity, and continuous learning. Like an unfolding metta meditation, the book expands our notions of love to its most sublime universal state and makes a great gift to share with those we love. To see peace in our lifetimes, we have to practice love.

Watch this short video: 06, Cities.

< Go back: Lyla June Johnston                    Next page: Lobsang Tenzin Negi >