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Buddhist 'Walk for Peace' pauses in DeKalb County on cross-country pilgrimage
Summary
Nearly two dozen Buddhist monks on a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace paused in DeKalb County on Dec. 30, meeting residents, sharing blessings and urging unity as they continue a 10-state, roughly 120-day trek toward the White House scheduled to arrive in February.
On Dec. 30 in DeKalb County, a group of Buddhist monks traveling on foot paused for lunch and public outreach as part of a long-distance Walk for Peace from Fort Worth, Texas, to the White House in Washington, D.C. "I'm inspired because I see hope," said an unidentified participant who opened the gathering, capturing the event's tone of community and reflection.
The stop in DeKalb was part of a roughly 2,300-mile pilgrimage that organizers described as a 10-state, 120-day trek. "Nearly 2 dozen Buddhist monks are on a 2,300 mile pilgrimage on foot, traveling from Fort Worth, Texas to the White House in Washington, DC with plans to arrive in February," said Avira Hoffman, a reporter at DC TV who provided on-site coverage. During the visit the monks paused for lunch, met with community members and leaders, and offered messages of mindfulness and service.
Attendees described the event as a counterpoint to national divisions. "There is so much chaos and divisiveness in our country that we face, and I think this is something that we need as a country to unite everyone," said an unidentified speaker. Other residents said the turnout was heartening; one attendee called the response "amazing," and a child participant said, "I have a dream to walk with the monk."
Organizers framed the walk as a vow: the monks carry only essential items, accept supplies that are freely given and avoid purchasing provisions along the route, turning each step into what the reporter described as "an act of trust and intention." Accompanying the monks was a dog named Aloka, who joined them as they offered blessings and good-luck cords to onlookers.
The DeKalb stop was described as the midway point of the route, the fifth state on a multi-state journey. Community members were invited to follow the group's progress online; the reporter noted the monks maintain a Facebook page, Walk for Peace USA, with updates on their itinerary and schedule.
The gathering closed with wishes for well-being and peace from participants. Avira Hoffman, DC TV, signed off on the on-site report.
Next steps: the Walk for Peace group intends to continue east toward the nation's capital, with organizers planning to arrive in February.
