Buddhist monks are on a 2,300-mile pilgrimage from Texas to Washington D.C., walking for peace, unity, and healing through loving-kindness, inspiring many despite facing severe challenges.
A group of Buddhist monks is currently on a 2,300-mile pilgrimage for peace, walking from a temple in Fort Worth, Texas, across nine states to Washington D.C. Dressed in vibrant orange robes, they walk approximately 20 miles daily, consuming one meal, and practicing loving-kindness as a form of non-violent resistance. Their journey is a slow-moving meditation meant to embody peace, facing severe challenges including a driver crashing into the group, resulting in one monk's leg amputation, and enduring bitter cold. The author, an environmental educator, was deeply moved by their message of presence over protest and decided to witness them in High Point, North Carolina. There, amidst hundreds of people, she experienced a profound sense of shared yearning for unity, compassion, and healing. The monks emphasize that peace and joy multiply when shared, urging observers to be present rather than just documenting with phones. The author describes a deeply emotional moment as the monks passed, feeling a connection to a larger community seeking peace, reinforcing the belief that small acts of kindness can make a significant difference, even in challenging times.
