Late last week a group of two dozen Buddhist monks completed their 109-day pilgrimage of 2,300 miles (about 3,700km) from one coast of America to the other, travelling from Texas to Washington D.C.
The Walk For Peace “encourages non-harm, kindness, and mindful living” – and they note that their procession is “a steady presence that invites respect, gentleness, and goodwill” reiterating the value of mindfulness as “a reminder that small, sincere actions can change the atmosphere around us.”
Here’s a picture from their homepage:
[Image source: Walk For Peace]
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Several things jump out of the picture for me; the adorable pup named Aloka, the traditional saffron robes covered in police badges, the feather-fan, and the bandaged bare feet of the front two walkers.
The image whisper-screams dignity, patience, kindness, commitment, solidarity, and trust in the process and the purpose.
Although I’m half a world away, I have been following along as best I can as the Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, (also known as Thích Tuệ Nhân) led the spiritual journey. As one Instagram post (here) notes, “With quiet determination and deep humility, he leads not through speeches or commands, but through example.”
In several instances, Bhikkhu Paññākāra has promoted the idea that peace begins within.
And I wholeheartedly agree.
As someone who has been leaning into mindfulness for the last 3 years, I believe that cultivating inner peace is a priority for all of us in our hope for individual and communal health and happiness.
Watching the crowds that have lined the streets wherever the monks go, has been a wonderful experience for me. The Peace Gathering and Concluding Ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial last week was awe-inspiring. As their Instagram post (here) described it: “Thousands of people gathered together at this sacred landmark, standing in unity for peace, mindfulness, loving-kindness, and compassion. It was a profound moment […] surrounded by hearts from all walks of life, all united in the shared longing for peace.”
Their website also includes a few blog-posts, including one about the relationship between peace and mindfulness (here). Unlike many materials that emphasis mindfulness as being present in the here and now, focused on yourself in this moment, the monks position it differently:
At Walk for Peace, peace is viewed as a long-term commitment. It is not limited to the present moment but extends toward creating a future where children and youth grow up in environments rooted in safety, dignity, and understanding.
Creating and maintaining peace becomes a shared priority and responsibility now, AND it is about being mindful of the legacy we leave the next generation; “Every step taken today creates a path for those who follow. The vision of peace for future generations depends on consistent, purposeful action in the present.”
As a dog-momma to two beloved hounds, I want to do a short shout out to Aloka The Peace Dog who has his own Insta page (here). Apparently Aloka, (which is Sanskrit for light / illumination / enlightenment) was a stray in India, who came across the Vietnamese-American Buddhist monks in 2022 when they were undertaking a similar pilgrimage across India. After following the monks for some time, Aloka was adopted by the monks and brought home to the United States. He had to take some time out of the walk towards the end after knee issues, but still made many public appearances. There is something about a dog’s loyalty that all dog owners appreciate, but there’s also something special about that lovely little white heart on Aloka’s head that’s left me a little starstruck by this brave pooch!
Here’s the documentary of the Indian pilgrimage – it goes for an hour, and is not in English, but it is nice to look at the pictures of the monks walking in a long line through some absolutely amazing scenery (and “mischievous” Aloka makes a guest appearance (with subtitles) around the 43-minute mark):
[Video source: Documentary: The Footsteps of a Buddhist Monk}
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Ever-curious, I did a quick detour to look up the meaning of the feather-fan held in the first image, and realized that it was so wonderful it deserved to be the anchor to this whole post. World of Buddhism has a post on Facebook (here) which has such a beautiful explanation of the fan, I wanted to include a large section of it here (separated by lines and color for clarity that the words are not mine):
“At first glance it may seem ordinary, but its story carries profound meaning. The fan was created from feathers collected from birds that had completed their journey—found along the roadside, forgotten by most. Where some might see loss or waste, another saw reverence and possibility. With patience, mindfulness, and care, those feathers were transformed into a sacred object—one meant to offer blessings and connection. […]
Yet the meaning of this fan reaches far beyond its use. It quietly teaches that nothing is inherently useless, broken, or insignificant. Value is shaped by perception, intention, and the heart with which something is held. What once symbolized an ending has become a source of care. What was overlooked now carries purpose. From stillness and loss, something nurturing has emerged—reminding us that transformation is always within reach.
The fan tells a timeless truth: what appears finished can begin again. What seems discarded can become sacred. With awareness and love, even the smallest things can serve a greater good. Nothing is too humble to matter. Everything holds meaning when met with openness and compassion.”
Peace matters.
YOU matter.
Nothing is wasted; not effort, objects, ideas, acts of compassion, hope…
And no matter how hard it might feel in the here and now, transformation is ALWAYS possible.
One step at a time – each of us has a role to play in the way that the present is shaped AND what the future looks like for those that follow behind us.
Well done to the venerable monks who made peace a priority.
And well done to all of you, who seek to create and share your own places and spaces of peace in these hectic times.
Sending light and laughter your way – may it converge with your kind hearts and ripple onwards and outwards, always…
Take care taking care out there,
Linda x
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PS – just to clarify, the opening image is from Pexels, not the actual Peace Walk – but it carried the feeling I was looking for – so apologies for the artistic indulgence!
PPS – here is a lovely (5min) meditation for world peace you can do if this post has put you in the mood: Guided Meditation for World Peace
PPPS – it’s time to do my monthly shoutout for the most recent blogs that have crossed my path on my blogging journey – don’t forget to share the ripple of blog love and visit a couple:
Balladeer’s Blog | Singing the praises of things that slip through the cultural cracks
Dreams and poems of an ordinary woman
EJY Medical Writing – Medical and Scientific Writing & Editing
Fitness, Flares & Fierce Determination – Stronger Than My Symptoms
The Mindful Migraine 
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