Buddhist monks complete walk across America for peace

Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash

A group of Buddhist monks, accompanied by a rescue dog named Aloka, completed a 109 day, 2,300 mile (3,700km) Walk For Peace from Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Centre in Fort Worth Texas, to Washington DC yesterday.

Inspired by their faith, the aim of the walk was to raise "awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America and the world."

The Walk For Peace began on October 26 last year. It took them through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia, before concluding in Washington, DC.

The monk set out each morning between 6.30 and 7, covered about 20 miles a day. For several days they trekked through snow and icy conditions.

Three of the monks, including the leader, Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, chose to make part of the trek barefoot.

As news of the walk spread, more and more people came to greet them with flowers and welcome messages.

During their lunch breaks, the monks held 'peace sharing talks'. In the evenings they were invited to events in many church and community centres.

On November 19, while the monks were walking along US Highway 90 near Dayton, Texas, a truck struck the group's escort vehicle. Two monks were seriously injured. Phra Ajarn Maha Dam Phommasan, suffered significant trauma and was transported by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital, in Houston while Jesse, a lay volunteer who was invited to join the monks when the Walk for Peace began in Texas, received treatment by ambulance for less severe injuries.

Venerable Phommasan's injuries were so severe he lost the lower part of one leg. According to statements from the Walk for Peace community, he recovered under medical care and remained in good spirits. In early January, he was able to rejoin the walk and continued in a wheelchair. Aloka the dog, suffered a ligament problem for a time but received treatment and was able to rejoin the walk.

Along the way, there were many official ceremonies and commendations bestowed on the group by local governments. Several States declared special 'Walk For Peace' days.

The Peace Walk Monks were warmly welcomed by many churches. Among Catholic parishes they visited, was Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in New York City who organised a special gathering. The Transfiguration Catholic Church in Blythewood, South Carolina, hosted the monks for lunch and an overnight rest, accompanied by peace-sharing talks and community evening. In North Carolina, the monks were welcomed by several Catholic communities . Along their journey through Atlanta suburbs and LaGrange, Georgia, Catholic parishioners joined broader Christian and interfaith groups to support the monks with meals, prayers, and hospitality. Pax Christi USA, religious orders, the various dioceses and interfaith peace groups helped organise many events.

The Monks were warmly welcomed by thousands of people yesterday, when they arrived at Washington National Cathedral for an interfaith service led by the Bishop of Washington Rt Rev Mariann Edgar Budde and Cathedral Dean, Rev Randolph Marshall Hollerith. More than 100 Buddhist monks and nuns took part alongside leaders from various faiths and churches.

Bishop Budde, began with the peace prayer of St Francis: 'Lord make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred - let me bring love..' In his reflection Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, spoke about how the practice of compassion can transcend religious differences. He said: "In front of you all, you can see all religions' leaders here together for the same mission: peace...This is the first time to me, that we are working together. We are walking together on this path to find peace for ourself, to share that to our nation and the world."

Today, Wednesday, a huge crowd gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for their final Peace Gathering and Concluding Ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial (further report to come)

For more information and videos see:

Walk For Peace Facebook page: www.facebook.com/walkforpeaceusa

Walk for Peace website: www.walkforpeace.us/