Roy’s Sunday Letter for February 22, 2026
A Reflection and Summary of Our Monks 110 Day Journey & Their Now Return
Our local Monks, now with national and international followers, have returned to their home Temple grounds from their 110 day Walk for Peace. I humbly add my thoughts to the writers who know more and better described the people, events and achievements of this so very special and unique contribution of peaceful days and perhaps a more peaceful world.
In so many ways the Monks walking, was an inward journey of the heart and spirit. The Monks began their walk in the heat of the Southwest continuing on in the rain, snow and the cold of the Northeast. Individually and as a fellowship of Monks the visual image of the line of walking Monks will be a forever memory for many of us who witnessed the daily unfolding of these sacred days. And yet, I wonder how the Monks, individually and as a common fellowship were changed physically and spiritually as an outcome of this experience? How is their individual and common fellowship inner life the same or deepened?
With sadness I learned, we learned, about the tragic accident in Houston resulting in one Monk losing his leg. The need to be part of the common ground, the initial small groups along the road offering water and flowers and importantly children with signs. Aloka walking always bright and always protective of the Venerable Monks. The repeated message of peace and kindness created in me the practice of beginning each morning by declaring “today will be my peaceful day.” I am forever changed by the Monks Walk For Peace. Walking as a simple path to deliver a faith message to my soul, our souls together.
What was your image or belief about Monks prior to their Walk for Peace? What is your image or belief about Monks today? If you had the opportunity, what questions would you ask? What comments would be important for you to communicate to the local Monks? Are there local Temples and fellowship of Monks in your area? In summary, we are all part of a larger movement of peaceful living, kindness, and a peaceful world.
Roy, my thoughts as a witness to a simple line of walking Monks and Aloka, The Peace Dog