Watch the video below:
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — People from all over Maryland and the Washington, D.C., area flocked to Annapolis for a final, last-minute stop by the 19 monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth.
The monks embarked on a “Walk for Peace,” a 108-day, 2,300-mile journey on foot back in October. The monks walked a route through the Southern United States, hitting eight states before ending their journey in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 11, where they met with the public and faith leaders. Along the way, the monks held meetings and meditation sessions to raise awareness for peace, and gathered a substantial social media following that followed their journey and supported their walk. The monks’ rescue dog Aloka also grew his fan base.
The walk was meant to raise awareness for peace, compassion and mindfulness in a divided world. The monks emphasized that they were not bringing peace, but hoped the walk would raise awareness for others and encourage them to find peace in themselves.
The walk formally ended in D.C. as planned, but the monks opted to make one more stop in Annapolis before heading home to Fort Worth. They are making planned stops for peace gatherings in Virginia and Tennessee on their bus ride home.
The crowd gathered early at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium hours in advance of the monks’ planned arrival despite the freezing temperature. People of all ages gathered to see the walk, holding signs and ready with flowers and gifts. Though they waited for hours, spirits were high and many were moved by the mission and by the opportunity to participate in such a profound event.
“I am just so lucky and feeling so grateful that I had the opportunity to be here,” said Jessica Jolly, who was in town from Great Mills in St. Mary’s County. “I think it’s once in a lifetime. Their message of promoting peace is so profound in today’s day and age and it’s so good to see so many people out here today.”
Former missionaries Gina and Rick Seyfried said they came to stand in community with everyone else who was inspired by the message. Rick Seyfried, a Vietnam-era Marine veteran, said they were also there to pray.
“Their message of peace, and all of my fellow humans being inspired by their message of peace brought me here today. It’s an honor to be here,” said Gina Seyfried.
Another observer, Olga Dewey, said she was inspired by the moments of calm, serenity and peace the monks created in a world filled with negativity.
Shannon Holsey, president of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, was joined by Michelle White-Denny of the Oneida Nation from Wisconsin and Margot Gray, an Osage citizen representing the 38 tribes of Oklahoma. They planned to present prayer shawls to the monks and Aloka.
“This is a way we honor someone,” Holsey said, explaining the ceremony of “robing.” “We put our nation’s hopes and prayers on the shawl, and bestow it on the individual to honor them in a quiet way.”
“We’re connected. All of us,” Gray added. “This is just a show of not only support and love, but it’s the highest form of respect that we know to give. We felt compelled to be here. This is aligned with our values.”
“It’s such an important reminder of humanity, this quiet message of resistance and love,” Holsey continued. “Having them display what real compassion and love looks like and the power of peace is exactly what the world needs right now. It really is a communal gathering of humanity and it’s interesting how something so simplistic can bring so many people together.”
As the monks began their walk, the people who’d spent hours in the cold on the sidewalks weren’t ready to go home just yet. They poured into the street, following close behind the monks as they walked to the Maryland State House, ready to participate in these final steps of a peace walk that captured the hearts of the nation.
Learn more about the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center and the Walk for Peace, and see photos and videos from the journey.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!