Bhante Saranapala stood before a vibrant crowd of over a hundred Buddhist monks, all donned in shades of saffron, maroon, and burnt orange. He cheered for them, saying, “These monks are incredible! Their journey from Texas to Washington DC—2,300 miles—shows real determination!”
The Lincoln Memorial, a historic backdrop to many significant events, glowed with color that day. Known for its iconic speeches and protests, it now hosted a peace march unlike any other.
For 19 monks and Aloka, a rescue dog from India, this was a crucial stop on their “Walk for Peace,” a spiritual journey advocating for peace and compassion. Beginning 108 days earlier in Texas, they faced freezing temperatures and snowstorms. Sometimes, they even walked barefoot to connect more deeply with their mission of spreading loving-kindness.
As they arrived in the political heart of the U.S., about 100 monks and nuns joined them at the memorial. They aimed to remain apolitical, but messages of peace and resistance echoed in the crowd. Some held banners calling for “Peaceful resistance,” a reminder of the pressing issues at hand.
From their spot beneath Lincoln’s grand statue, the monks enjoyed a break in the chilling weather while music filled the air, singing about spreading peace to Washington. Monks delivered speeches, reinforcing their commitment to peace and understanding. Tencho Gyatso, a relative of the Dalai Lama, praised their endurance and the attention their journey drew, both in the U.S. and worldwide.
Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group’s leader, spoke about their mission, emphasizing that it transcended race, religion, and background—essentially a call for unity. “This walk has shown we all celebrate peace,” he remarked.
Peace walks hold deep significance in Theravada Buddhism, often designed to cultivate mindfulness. Yet this journey wasn’t without challenges. In November, a truck hit their escort vehicle, injuring two monks, including Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan, who returned to the march in a wheelchair to share his powerful story.
Their journey sparked a wave of support on social media, resonating with many. Martin Luther King III highlighted their message, noting that peace is built one step at a time.
As they gathered, people held roses and signs that promoted equality and compassion, joining Bhikkhu Pannakara in chants of “Today is going to be my peaceful day.”
Attendees expressed admiration for the monks’ dedication. Jacquelyn Gray, a construction worker, reflected on their journey, acknowledging that while they couldn’t magically spread peace, their commitment was inspiring.
Katharine Naujoks, a high school teacher, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of community and goodwill. She noted the challenges the monks faced during one of the coldest spells, emphasizing the relevance of their mission.
As the “Walk for Peace” neared its conclusion in Annapolis, Maryland, one thing was clear: the monks had sparked a vital conversation about unity and compassion in a divided world. Their journey, marked by hardship and hope, invited everyone to join in the quest for greater peace.
For more inspiring updates on community movements and peace advocacy, you can read about the ongoing efforts on platforms like CNN.
