01/14/2026
Monks on the March
Very soon Charlotte, NC, will see the group of about 20 monks on their epic walk across the US South. They walk for peace, going from Texas to Washington DC. Not making a protest but a call to manifest peace from within.
https://share.google/aEMKnXrVvzVnNzcO3
A map approximating their itinerary shows them coming within half a mile of the Charlotte Buddhist Vihara, so for weeks I sent invitations to drop by this Vihara to give blessings. Looks like they will not, but I tried.
All the news coverage I've seen so far fails to dig any deeper than the absurdly broad label of "Buddhist". So who ARE these monks, exactly; what school of Buddhism, and what lineage? And why, really, do the monks make this hard journey? Any ulterior motive beneath the soothing words and saffron pageantry?
It turns out that the core group comes from a Vietnamese Theravadan temple in Texas, with a few Laotian and Cambodian monks sometimes joining.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DJ1vF2W6k/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Any funds raised along the way go to the Texas temple, for expenses for the walk. With a million followers on Facebook the walk's costs should be more than covered. What happens to the rest of the funds isn't stated explicitly. However, the temple does currently have a fundraiser going on to build monuments across their property that will highlight and preserve Buddhist scriptures. Seems like a pretty good cause as well! So no, nothing disappointing behind it all.
In a time that feels increasingly rough, selfish and dangerous, the monks bring a bright hopeful message, something innocent and beautiful to rest one's eyes and mind upon.
The march of the monks has brought a stirring of something new that reaches far beyond their route and ahead of their arrival. It's hard to put into words, but I feel a hint of it as people look at me - at my robes - differently. With a kind of, maybe, affectionate curiosity. The feeling reminds me of the early stirrings of spring. Old friends have gotten in contact and even strangers approach me, asking about the monks. The ripples in the wake of this heroic march will be going on, I believe, for a long time.
One Laotian monk from Georgia who joined the walk got very seriously injured by a car along a freeway in Texas, actually losing his injured leg. (A result of the crash, and the growing crowds, has been increased police presence along the route; the monks responded with joyful gratitude for the police protection.) The incident highlighted the danger the walking monks have undertaken, yet the monks, including the one injured, nonetheless cheerfully affirm the value of bringing attention to their call for inner peace.
The many responses pouring in on Facebook also affirm the power and goodness of the monks' selfless action in undertaking their long journey, indicating that it gives many people a bright spot of hope in dark times.
This morning the monks take lunch in Fort Mill, and this evening will finally be in Charlotte and available to visit.
đ Itinerary for Day 81:
- Lunch Stop: Anne Springs Close Greenway - Lake Haigler, 2573 Lake Haigler Dr, Fort Mill, SC 29715 (Visiting Hours: 10:30 AM â 1:00 PM)
- Overnight Rest: Marion Diehl Recreation Center and Pool, 2219 Tyvola Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210 (Visiting Hours: 6:00 PM â 9:00 PM)
May all beings, and you too, be well, happy and at peace. đ
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