You may have seen them in the headlines, on social media, or in person passing through your community. About 24 Theravada Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas are walking 2,300 miles to Washington, D.C. to awaken sentiments of peace, compassion, loving-kindness, and unity in a badly divided and violent society. Some people come to observe them simply out of curiosity while many are deeply moved by their message of peace and hope, experiencing deep feelings of love, admiration, gratitude, healing, and connection. Smiles, prayers, tears…on their faces and in their hearts.
Over the years, individuals have taken up long walks across the country, sometimes as an athletic challenge or stunt, sometimes for personal transformation or a protest. Rarely has there been a group of pilgrims taking on this difficult feat. And these Theravada monks bring something different to their journey. Walking, after all, is part of their daily routine, mindful walking. It’s a meditative practice, where they harmonize breathing with movement, maintaining their minds in a meditative state. Walking meditation is observing, being in the present, intentional. Their walking is part of a lifestyle, a path, which is based on equanimity and humility.
The monks walking for peace are living peace every day. People can feel that, as they can feel their humbleness and solidarity. Their message is that true peace comes from within us. It’s not just a slogan or pitch. It’s a natural state of the human mind that can be slowly cultivated over time. Although monks and nuns may be particularly dedicated to the path of inner peace and happiness, anyone can access these inner treasures. Even in a life full of responsibilities and work, we can all take some time every day to center ourselves and focus on that stillness inside. The message of these Buddhist monks is that only through inner peace can we achieve peace in the world. Appropriately, their final destination is the capital of this country, a place in great need of compassion, loving-kindness, and unity.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Howard Nemon
Howard is one of the co-founders of the Prama Institute & Wellness Center. He was initiated into yoga meditation in 1972 and received extensive training in yoga philosophy and practices in the US and in India. For over 35 years, he has shared his deep knowledge of yogic meditation practices through lectures, workshops and retreats in Asia, South America, and the US. Howard has assisted hundreds of people in adopting a diet that is more conducive to their physical, mental, and spiritual development.
