ATLANTA (RTW News) — A group of Buddhist monks is persevering in their walking trek across much of the U.S. to promote peace, even after two of its members were injured when a truck hit their escort vehicle.
After starting their walk in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 26, the group of about two dozen monks has made it to Georgia as they continue on a path to Washington, D.C., highlighting Buddhism’s long tradition of activism for peace.
The group planned to walk its latest segment through Georgia, moving from the town of Morrow to Decatur, on the eastern edge of Atlanta. Marking day 66 of the journey, they invited the public to a Peace Gathering.
The monks, along with their faithful dog Aloka, are traveling through ten states en route to the nation’s capital. In the coming days, they expect to pass through or near cities such as Athens, Georgia; Charlotte and Raleigh in North Carolina; and Richmond, Virginia.
They have gained significant support on social media, boasting over 400,000 followers on Facebook. Aloka, the dog, has even earned a hashtag, #AlokathePeaceDog.
The trek has seen its share of dangers. Last month, while walking on a highway outside Houston, their escort vehicle was struck by a truck. The truck’s driver misjudged the speed, leading the vehicle to collide with two monks.
One monk suffered severe leg injuries and was airlifted, while another was hospitalized with less serious injuries. Fortunately, the seriously injured monk is expected to recover after multiple surgeries.
While their journey is fraught with challenges, the group remains committed. We do not walk alone. We walk together with every person whose heart has opened to peace... they expressed recently.
As their story unfolds, the public is invited to join the monks in their peace-promoting journey. Through resilience and compassion, they continue to uplift communities they pass through.
