Walk for Peace

On October 26 in Fort Worth, Texas a small group of humble Buddhist monks quietly began their 2,300 mile pilgrimage of peace toward Washington DC. Accompanied by their canine companion, Aloka, they have been walking and sharing their message of inner peace for over 100 days. They are now only days away from arriving at their destination. 

The more I learn about their message the more I am touched by the way their quiet act of peacemaking transcends any particular religious or political perspective. What a refreshing and hope-filled message they are sharing with us all. Rather than trying to think of anything profound for me to say, I simply want to share a few quotes from the monks along their pilgrimage of peace. I invite you to read them slowly and prayerfully, lingering with the words that resonate most with you.

“We walk not to bring you peace, but to remind you it never left—it's been there through every storm, every heartbreak, every lonely night, waiting with infinite patience for you to notice it again. May our footsteps help you turn inward and find it. And may that discovery be like sunrise after the longest night, dispelling shadows you thought were permanent and filling your whole being with radiant wellness, with comfort, with belonging.” (FB post, Jan. 31)

We are all walking this path together, moving beyond the physical road to the sacred journey of the heart. By finding peace within ourselves, we naturally bring peace to our communities, our nation, and our world.” (FB post, Jan. 30)

And how do you give peace a chance? Through the gentle choices you make each day: choosing peace over panic when everything feels out of control, choosing mindfulness when your thoughts race endlessly, choosing loving-kindness toward yourself when you feel like you're failing, choosing compassion when harshness seems easier. We walk to remind you of this. To bring you hope. To tell you that even in your darkest moments, you are not without light. You carry it within you, always. (FB post, Jan. 21)

As I read these beautiful words of the monks, I hear echos of my own faith and what I have learned from the teachings of Jesus.

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness shall not overcome it.” Jn 1:5

“Blessed are the peacemakers.” Mt. 5:9

“Love your neighbors and your enemies.” Mk 12:31 & Mt. 5:44

What a beautiful message of peace we share that rises above any worldly divisions. At the end of every post, the monks offer us these words of loving-kindness prayer,



“May you and all beings be well, be happy and be at peace,”

May it be so, dear God, may it be so.