“In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.”
On Sunday 26 October 2025, 18 Buddhist Monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth embarked on a long distance pilgrimage to promote peace, compassion, loving kindness and nonviolence. These Venerable Monks are walking some 2300 miles to Washington DC, promoting a message of peace, compassion, kindness and mindfulness. Reminding us that in these uncertain and troubled times we are to be mindful of how we treat each other and the world.
Travelling with the Venerable Monks is their popular and much loved dog called Aloka. This loyal creature, adopted a group of Buddhist Monks on a peace pilgrimage in India. He was adopted by one of the Monks and together they journeyed back to the United States where they both reside in Fort Worth.
In these crazy times we need to read about, reflect, meditate on, and pray for the current state of the world. Crickey! It seems to be out of sync and a bit messy. The presence of the monks on social media is a welcome interruption in these troubled times.
However, it is painfully obvious that most people crave peace, compassion and a deep desire to be intentional in how we treat each other, in being mindful of the needs, aspirations and desires of our fellow travellers on this journey called life. Their growing popularity on social media and the fact that Americans from all walks of life follow the map clearly marking their route, and folks wait along the side of the road at the entrance of every place to warmly welcome them, to exchange blessings of peace and love – to connect!
Again, this a clear indication that not only do we need to aspire to be loving and kind to each other, we need to be bold, loud and clear in addressing injustice, hatred and prejudice.
You can follow their story here: https://www.instagram.com/walkforpeace.usa
A very good friend of mine, someone who is very close to my heart prepares sandwiches/rolls and coffees for people who do the unenviable job of collecting garbage on a weekly basis. The rolls/sandwiches and coffee are ready and waiting for them when they collect the garbage in her street. They dash in; have a quick bite, while gulping down their coffee, at the same time engaging in a quick chat. What a wonderful gesture of gratitude and acknowledgment.
I am leaving this here for all of us to think about and ponder…a person is a person because of other people.
Let peace be our guide.
My lovely friends, warm wishes, good health and love – may 2026 be a year of love, peace and harmony.
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3 comments
Sanette Cavallari
Only one word comes to my mind….love !
Anne
I am also following the Buddhist Monks on their pilgrimage to Washington. It is amazing when you compare the love and respect that is flowing out to them from all the people standing along the roads. I do believe that their presence is giving the people something beautiful and meaningful to hold on to as they comprehend the madness that their leaders are displaying at the moment. So love watching Aloka as he strides along with his tail up in the air.
GEORGE Charalambous
It is really amazing how a simple act, like this walk across America – for no reward expected or otherwise, can unite people from all denominations and cultures.
A truly remarkable feat by these humble men of peace.
Perhaps, if we all, also walked – maybe just across the road or down the road to greet a neighbour, to whom we have never spoken to before – we, too, might make a difference.
Just a thought