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
Roy as I watched the walk for peace I saw many things that I consider symbolic. The feet of the monks representing the struggle of the world for peace and not giving up even when you hurt or are in pain. The simplicity of not needing more than necessary. We are a world of stuff! I can speak to that in that I know I have more than I need. Simplicity of not taking from others except when truly needed and being humble and thankful for all…food, lodging, water, clothing. And last but not least caring for the planet and not leaving clutter along the way and taking care of of Aloka…who also took care of the monks for emotional support. Not giving up. I must say I work every day trying to stay positive about our world as it is now… we need Hope, strength and prayer to keep us all going. Thank you monks for your reminder!!!
We are not giving up either.
Your good note covered the talking, listening, and doing
Well done.
We continue together do we 4…..
I too was moved by their determination and true faith. When they began their walk very few people were aware of their journey, but as the days went on more and more people acknowledged their walk and all over the US people started following them on social media and greeting them where they walked. For a little while the Epstein files were on the back burner, decisions in DC didn’t matter as much. We watched a line of men that really didn’t care about recognition; how refreshing. It wasn’t a march, it was a walk for peace and if only the feeling we had when they returned home could stay with us. We need to work on that.
You good note covered and addressed the essential elements of both being faithful and als going forwaes.
New video and words of the Monks show up daily,,,,so Hope has not gone far.
Lunch today with friend at the Thai place near Central Market, facing west freeway.
Red Curry very good. Parking easy as well.
How inspiring and reassuring is the Peace Walk of the Monks. Thich Nhat Hahn reminds us, in his book of daily meditations Your True Home, ” When we’re inspired by the desire to practice and transform our suffering so we can help the many people around us who suffer, the mind of that moment is very beautiful. It’s the mind of a bodhisattva, one who obtains his or her own liberation in order to help all beings.” May we all walk thus.
A strong and clear Yes to your well worded Comment.
I am still following video and ongoing teachings from the Walk.
Kind of 2nd hand inspiration.
Glad we can share this healthy and caring experience…..
I offer from my heart, my sincere and deep gratitude for the effort, and now remembrance, of the Walk for Peace.
The images and messaging are a forever part of Beth and I/
And many others around the globe.
If you and your 4 legged walked on, where would you go…..dorection, purpose???
So many responses to the actions of a dog and monks of peace. We need to find our own direction and a collective direction for PEACE and HEALING. Our path is one of importance in caring for our selves and one another. Compassion, love of self as well as love and caring for one another can give direction to our responsive actions for peace. So many needs in this world. A smile, a kind greeting, and a helping hand are certainly starts for a healing self and a healing world. And maybe a loving hug occasionally.
A well worded and true Reply.
Yes, “so many needed.”
There is new video and teachings released daily.
In that way we are still following.
This Friday at 2 we 3 gather again……good for us.