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A group of Buddhist monks are stopping in the City of Oaks on their Southeast trek.
“I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more” may have sounded impressive when The Proclaimers first belted the tune, but their fabricated trek fades in comparison to the 2,300 mile Walk for Peace now underway by a group of Buddhist monks.
Over the course of ~120 days, 19 monks are walking from Texas to DC to raise awareness for peace, unity and understanding. As the pilgrimage makes its way through the Southeast, the group is set to pass through Raleigh Jan. 24, making a stop at the Paul Derr Track Facility at NCSU and giving locals an opportunity to witness the walk or join in.
Beginning in late October, the Walk for Peace is the brainchild of Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center and led by VP Bhikkhu Pannakara.
The peace parade isn’t exactly a walk in the park—the robe-clad group covers roughly 20 miles a day, some even trekking without shoes. To ensure safety and assist with prepping their one meal a day, the group is tailed by a support vehicle. Also following the group is furry companion Aloka, who Pannakara found during another peace walk in India.
The monks’ steps are meant to pound down a simple but profound message: Uplifting peace, compassion and unity during a time of division. When ringing in the new year on the road, the monks took their message to their socials: “Let us walk together, step by step, breath by breath, carrying peace within us and offering it gently to everyone we meet along the way, knowing that every mindful step we take becomes a blessing for the world.”
The walk is both for introspection and public awareness, and while the group hasn’t taken a formal vow of silence, the journey is still a “Silent Movement”—meaning noise from those who gather should be kept to a minimum.
If you decide to join the walk at any point, greet the group with a bow and stay behind them. While physical touching is a hard no, donations of food, water, prayers, flowers and even lodging for overnight stays are welcomed. Above all, remember this peace parade isn’t a spectacle, it’s a chance to reflect on peace and our shared purpose—and to let the message linger long after the monks pass through.
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I am so moved by the profound demonstration of peace and unity in our times of great decision! I am hoping to come and witness this in solidarity and silence!