Buddhist Monks Brave Cold Walking Through Ashland Virginia to Randolph Macon College 2/3/2026 скачать в хорошем качестве

Buddhist Monks Brave Cold Walking Through Ashland Virginia to Randolph Macon College 2/3/2026

A very large crowd greeted the Venerable Buddhist Monks of the Dhammacetiya who left October 26, 2025 from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth Texas. The 19 monks are completing a "Walk for Peace" as they cross into 10 states and approximately 2,300 miles heading to Washington, D. C. Their journey is promoting compassion and peace across the United States during a time which it is truly needed in our country. As they reached Ashland, Virginia on February 3 their valiant mission will continue only for a few more days as the reach our nation's capital. As the monks passed along their route through Ashland I was struck by the stillness and quietness of the crowd. The monks have endured great suffering and difficulties along the way as they have endured some of the worst of winter weather and even personal verbal attacks during their journey. They have often passed on flowers presented by the many onlookers as well as stopped to greet small children and bless people with illnesses. Even after walking many, many hours their nightly rest stops included meeting with well wishers and presenting their travel stories and messages of peace and hope. Their journey has not been without much pain and suffering especially for one monk who was struck by a car and eventually lost his leg. It has been reported that his message after the incident was to say it was worth the loss of his leg if it helps bring peace throughout the country. Many followers of the peace walk have been captivated by the story of Aloka the Peace Dog. Aloka was actually a stray dog who found by the monks as they participated in another peace march in a walk across India. He was soon adopted and is now accompanying the monks in their walk across the United States. Aloka too suffered an injury along the route and now accompanies the monks in a ride along RV. It truly was an awe inspiring opportunity to be present and greet these monks as they passed through Ashland. It's most encouraging to see such large crowds support the monks on their mission of peace in our country. Regardless of one's religious background you can only hope to draw closer to other people through the universal message of peace in the world. Their simple message of kindness and peace was well demonstrated through their personal sacrifices and endurance through this monumental walk across 2,300 miles our country. May they too be continually blessed with peace and love as they complete their peace walk.