Monks Walking – By George Braine
An unusual spectacle is taking place in America right now. A group of Buddhist monks are “Walking for Peace”, from Texas to Washington DC, 2300 miles.
The monks, accompanied by Aloka, a former street dog, have so far covered half the distance after walking for 60+ days. From Texas, they have come through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. The route so far resonates with me because I lived in Texas for three years and in Alabama for six, in the 1980s and 90s. Because my wife stayed back in Texas to complete her studies, I drove from Alabama to Texas and back, through Louisiana and Mississippi (800 miles one way), many times.
This is the Deep South, a region once notorious for racism and associated violence. In terms of poverty, health care, and education, they are still at rock bottom. These are MAGA supporting Republican states, strongly Christian, where most people may have never seen a Buddhist monk till now.
Image Source : facebook
Yet, the walking monks have been received with kindness. Only a few people lined up on the roads when they began their journey, but the crowds grew as word spread. The monks announce their itinerary on social media, and excitement builds. Thousands greet them along the way and at their destinations. By now, they have more than 540,000 followers on Facebook and even more on Instagram.
In their own words, “We do not walk alone. We walk together with every person whose heart has opened to peace, whose spirit has chosen kindness, whose daily life has become a garden where understanding grows”.
Two monks have been injured along the way, one having to undergo a partial amputation of a leg. According to one monk, their knees and feet hurt the most. Volunteer health care workers conduct regular health checks. Food is donated, and accommodation is provided, sometimes in churches.
Image Source : instagram
Aloka, the “Peace Dog”, is a star attraction. When the monks walked in India, Aloka attached himself to the monks in Calcutta and was eventually brought to America. Groomers and veterinarians care for Aloka, voluntarily. His Facebook page has about 150,000 followers.
One commentator on Facebook wrote “This journey has touched my heart in ways words can hardly express. Watching the venerable monks walk with such humility, courage, and loving kindness and seeing precious Aloka lead with his gentle, determined spirit has brought me hope, comfort and daily reminders of peace when I needed them most. You have helped me pause, breathe, and remember what truly matters. Thank you for walking for all of us, and for awakening so many hearts along the way”.
I could not have said it better.
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