Bear's Blog

We’re in a precarious moment. Buddhist monks from Texas have responded in our time of need with a 2,300 mile Walk for Peace. Starting on October 26th, they are traveling 25 miles a day accompanied by a dog named Aloka (“bright light”). They stop in local communities who offer them food and shelter; what they offer in return to all of us is beyond priceless. They’ve galvanized hundreds of thousands with their message of peace. Here are some highlights, and talks they've given along the way…

These 19 monks from the Buddhist Theravada tradition have inspired us in a dark time.  (Thich Nhat Hahn, a Vietnamese peace activist during the war, was also a Theravadin). Promoting peace, compassion, and non-violence they are helping us to remember the best of human nature. The walk will end next week in Washington D.C. where they will ask Congress to recognize Buddha’s birthday as a federal holiday.

They have walked in silence, mostly barefoot and avoiding direct interaction. Soon more and more well-wishers gathered on the side of the road to greet them along the way. People gave flowers, fruit or other gifts to the monks who would pass them along to others on the path. Sometimes the monks would stop to tie a string around someone’s wrist, or bless people who began showing up in wheelchairs. People waited all night outside where they stayed to hear them practice their morning chant.

The main spokesperson, Bhikkhu Pannakara, gave occasional talks at their stops. Early on he spoke about being approached by angry people; he said in those situations, it’s best to respond by merely smiling back. Recently a large group of protesters in Minneapolis sang to ICE at their hotel - “It’s Ok to change your mind, join us anytime…”, inspired by the singing resistance in Serbia in 2000. They call themselves “Ceasefire Choirs”.

When Greenland was being threatened, veterans in Denmark silently marched to the U.S. embassy. It’s incredible to see how powerful restraint is as protesters practice non-violence. In the U.S. people are delivering groceries to those who are house-bound  and driving teachers and students to and from school to ensure their safety. There are many ways to support community and Resist the Occupation!

There have been difficulties along the way; before they had police escorts, an accident injured one of the monks whose leg had to be amputated. He rejoined his fellows in Virginia this week! The rare winter storm in the Carolinas didn’t stop them (although they needed to wear boots.) Aloka, their four-legged mascot - initially even more famous than the monks - suffered a leg injury and needed treatment. He is also back after much pampering from caregivers. A street dog, he had followed the monks on another long walk in India, showing such determination they adopted him. One day Bhikkhu wondered what this humble dog had done in a previous life to be treated like a king!

Part of Buddhist practice is non-attachment. It’s obvious the monks and Aloka share a deep bond of affection. Someone asked Bhikkhu if he was attached to Aloka, and his  response was “When he is away from me, I don’t think of him. When I was away from the monastery, I didn’t think about it; I wasn’t homesick.” I thought the ideal of having no attachments was an ideal that’s not fully possible. His teaching was enlightening; it’s OK to be attached to whatever or whoever is present, if you can let it go when it’s gone.

Reaching Virginia, the last state on their journey, thousands watched as the new Governor made her first official proclamation - that February 2nd be designated “Walk for Peace Day”. Bhikkhu spoke and emphasized that all of us are needed to practice peace in our hearts every day. He said we must do this together, because we are part of this world. Our love will radiate outward, and be reflected back by the universe.

The monks will lead a prayer on February 11th, the final day of their journey.

May all beings be safe, well, and live in peace.* Put your left hand over your heart, right hand on top; breathe three times; listen to your heartbeat; stay focused on it. Today is going to be a peaceful day. - Bhikkhu Pannakara

Peace, love and healing -

Bear

P.S. - *This is a version of Buddhist Tonglen practice. Here’s more about that https://www.bearmckay.com/tonglen-prayer