A group of Buddhist monks are steadfastly advancing on their 2,300-mile journey from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., aimed at promoting peace. The walk, which commenced on October 26, 2023, has gained momentum despite recent challenges, including injuries sustained by two members when a truck collided with their escort vehicle.
Currently, the group, consisting of approximately two dozen monks, is traversing through Georgia. They are scheduled to walk from the town of Morrow to Decatur, located on the eastern edge of Atlanta. This marks day 66 of their trek, and the monks have invited the public to a Peace Gathering in Decatur on Tuesday afternoon.
As they proceed, the monks are sharing their journey on social media, attracting a following of over 400,000 on Facebook. Their loyal companion, a dog named Aloka, who symbolizes enlightenment, has become a social media highlight, inspiring the hashtag #AlokathePeaceDog. The group frequently updates their followers with progress reports, inspirational messages, and poetry, fostering a sense of community among supporters.
The monks are navigating through ten states on their way to the nation’s capital. Their route in the coming days includes stops near Athens, Georgia, as well as the North Carolina cities of Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh, followed by Richmond, Virginia. They have established a live map on their website to track their progress and planned route, while also welcoming donations to support their journey.
Despite their peaceful mission, the path has not been without peril. Last month, while walking along a highway near Dayton, Texas, their escort vehicle was struck by a truck. According to Dayton Interim Police Chief Shane Burleigh, the truck driver failed to notice the slow-moving vehicle, which had its hazard lights activated. The impact resulted in two monks being pushed by the escort vehicle. One monk suffered substantial leg injuries and required air transport to a Houston hospital, while the other sustained less severe injuries.
The injured monk is expected to undergo multiple surgeries to address a broken bone but remains in good spirits, according to a spokeswoman for the group. This incident underscores the risks involved in their mission, but the monks remain undeterred.
Buddhism, from which this initiative stems, is deeply rooted in the teachings of Gautama Buddha, who emphasized non-violence, meditation, and compassion for all beings. The faith, which evolved from the Buddha’s teachings in northern India between the 6th and 4th centuries B.C., has a long-standing tradition of activism for peace. Modern advocates, such as the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh, have embraced these principles, focusing on social, political, and environmental justice.
The monks’ endeavor reinforces Buddhism’s commitment to peace, as they embody the teachings of compassion and kindness on their journey to the nation’s capital. Through their walk, they invite others to join in fostering peace and understanding, connecting with those who share a desire for a more compassionate world. The group’s recent Facebook post encapsulated their mission: “We do not walk alone. We walk together with every person whose heart has opened to peace, whose spirit has chosen kindness.”
As the monks continue their mission, their journey serves as a reminder of the enduring power of peaceful activism and the importance of community in striving for a world grounded in compassion.
