ATLANTA (AP) — A group of Buddhist monks is persevering in their walking trek across much of the U.S. to promote peace, even after two of its members sustained injuries when a truck hit their escort vehicle.
After starting their walk in Fort Worth, Texas, on Oct. 26, these monks have made significant strides into Georgia, on a path toward Washington, D.C. This journey underscores Buddhism’s enduring commitment to peace activism.
Recently, while walking on a highway near Dayton, Texas, the monks' escort vehicle was struck, resulting in serious injuries for one monk who was airlifted to a Houston hospital. Despite these challenges, the group is continuing its journey and has invited the public to join them for a Peace Gathering in Decatur, Georgia, as part of their ongoing commitment to advocacy.
The monks and their loyal dog, Aloka, are traversing through 10 states and intend to engage communities in discussions around peace as they progress towards the nation’s capital. They have cultivated substantial social media following, garnering over 400,000 followers on their Facebook page where they share updates, inspiration, and poetry related to their cause.
As they walk, the monks express a message of collective peace: “We do not walk alone. We walk together with every person whose heart has opened to peace, whose spirit has chosen kindness, whose daily life has become a garden where understanding grows.”
Buddhism, which originated from the teachings of Gautama Buddha, emphasizes non-violence and mental discipline through meditation. The tradition of peace activism led by monks has been historically championed by influential figures such as the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh, who have stressed the importance of compassion in societal issues.
Together, the Buddhist monks continue to advocate for peace with each step they take on their journey, seeking to unify individuals around a shared vision of compassion and understanding.
