In-Person Witness
Watching the Walk for Peace on social media, my heart felt deeply drawn to go see the Buddhist monks walk their way to Washington, DC from Fort Worth, Texas, in person. I was deeply moved and cried watching their commitment to peace played out as feet walking thousands of miles! Feeling compelled by their dedication and pervasive, peaceful energy that radiated from the Facebook and Instagram posts, I booked a flight and went to North Carolina, staying with my dear friend, Laurie, at her home. I felt the trip was a pilgrimage of sorts for me, because of the unmistakable spiritual resonance and drawing. I had no reason to go other than simply wanting, and somehow needing to be there.
Who Was There for Peace?
The morning after arriving on the east coast, Laurie drove us to see the monks. We left early in the morning on our two plus hour trip. As we stood with so many different people at the monks’ lunch spot that day, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in NC, I was very quiet and attentive. I anxiously awaited their single-file walk past us, wondering what it will be like. Cold as the day was, my focus was on what was going on around us more than the weather. Friendly folks there were making new friends and breaking the ice talking about the coming snow and wondering how the monks will deal with inclement weather.
It struck me that everyone was there for a different reason. We saw some people there for the spectacle, and others because peace was their focus. Some were there to see the dog, Aloka, who walked alongside the monks. Curiously, one wheelchair-bound woman loudly proclaimed to all of us lining the street there, “I’m just here to see the dog!” every 30 or so yards as she was pushed passed us. Perhaps she felt the need to validate why she could possibly want to see some saffron-robed Buddhist monks on a mission of peace.
On the corner was a preacher with a megaphone and a huge colorful sign proclaiming Jesus as the only peace and every other belief leading to damnation. Some people listened and some walked away disturbed. One onlooker asked all of us standing there waiting to see the monks go by to sing “All I am saying is give peace a chance” to drown out the preacher. This seemed to me to be yet another way of being divisive and defensive, and others probably felt similarly, because none of us sang the song. A very sincere looking, young boy of about 11 waited expectantly across from me, on the other side of the street, with his parents. He clutched a small bouquet of flowers. He seemed so quietly excited and attentive for such a little kid. Peace apparently has no age restrictions.
Anticipation and Release into Peacefulness
At one point, as we waited patiently for these 3 shoeless monks and the 16 others to arrive, Laurie and I could feel their presence getting closer. It was simply a feeling of “closer.” And suddenly they appeared advancing up to our street, on the adjacent highway, preceded by police cars with blue flashing lights. I could see the orange robes between the mass of people assembled along the highway! So exciting! They seemed to disappear in the crowd as they rounded the corner and then there they were, coming towards us! I took some video but had to put my phone away when they got closer. As it slipped into my pocket, my hands rose to my heart in prayer pose while they suddenly and quite rapidly streamed by us!
If I could describe to you the full extent of what I felt, I would, but it was beyond mere words. Suddenly, a deep silence like black velvet enveloped me like a warm bubble. It was all-knowing, the very essence of peace itself. It felt so sacred that I became speechless, without thought, and involuntarily held my breath until they all filed past. They carried in their very being such sacredness! The thought of peace that first entered my mind was contrasted instantaneously with what I felt… vastness. Peace was the huge blanket of the Universe itself! I felt that Peace to be the Divine, the character of the Divine and Divine love poured out, all at once! It was one of the most life-expanding moments that I’d ever experienced!
After getting our bearings a bit, we walked to their lunch space in a conference room that was, thankfully for them, indoors. Laurie and I sat on the window sill outside the room where the monks were having their rest and lunch, their last meal of the day. We could feel their beautiful energy from there. I had to turn around and take a look through the window blinds from outside to see for sure. Yes, there they were, in that very room, naturally radiating their amazing energy!
Seeing the Monks Again!
Laurie and I decided we wanted to drive up the road and have them walk by us again. We wanted to see them once more, if we could. After listening to the uplifting spiritual talk about how to get peace in our own lives, given by the lead monk, Venerable Bikkhu Pannakara, we decided it was a good time to go. We drove up the highway a few miles and waited on the path the map said they’d take. There were less people in that spot, and we were able to wait in our car with Laurie as the rear view mirror look-out.
And it happened again! As they passed by me, I was again engulfed in the hugeness and sacredness of that great Peace! It was astounding! Happening a second time was just incredible beyond words! We were speechless.
The Take-Away
What did I get out of this experience? I am in awe of the monks’ determination to complete the walk despite illness, injury and all kinds of discomfort. They endured foot problems and pain for our peace. These monks have me looking within to my own level of peace. Their dedication throws a light onto my own dedication to well-being for myself and others. Specifically, it has me asking what I can do to develop my own inner peace. Their radiation of this peace makes me want to work towards becoming a clearer vessel of that light.
I’m practicing mindfulness meditation, not as a religious pursuit, but rather as a way to heal my mind. The anxiety I frequently feel can get heavy. I’m planting peace in my daily steps as I take my walks. And I feel more of a reverence for my own inner being. I’m sure more will come out of this sacred pilgrimage, as well. I also wonder how this Walk for Peace may have affected you, so you’re invited to drop me a line about that. They have touched so many people in this needful time!
These monks live lives of service in loving-kindness and peace. Their intention is that each step sows peace into mother Earth and that all beings become happy and peaceful. Venerable Pannakara asked that each day, we write on a piece of paper, “Today will be my peaceful day.” He wants us to read it and feel it and think about it, and then live it. I am doing the homework, and I challenge you to join me!
May you also walk in peace!
Maureen🌿
