A group of twenty-four Buddhist monks, clad in vibrant burnt-orange robes, made their way to Washington, DC, as part of a 2,300-mile pilgrimage known as the “Walk for Peace”. This spiritual expedition spans nine states and has garnered enthusiastic support from throngs of onlookers.
Joan Donoghue, a 59-year-old resident of Silver Spring, Maryland, expressed her endorsement of the monks’ mission, stating, “People are longing for this.” She attended the event with four friends and shared her interactions with attendees during a previous gathering in Virginia. Donoghue noted that a prevailing sentiment among individuals she spoke to was the necessity for unity and empathy in a country that feels deeply divided.
Initiated over three months ago in Texas, the monks persevered through challenging conditions, including enduring icy winter weather and journeying with bare feet. Their overarching goal is to promote awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion not only within America but also on a global scale.