CHARLOTTE — A group of Buddhist monks walking 2,300 miles for peace and unity reached south Charlotte Wednesday evening as they make their way from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington D.C.
The Buddhist monks and their dog, Aloka, have captivated people across the country, with some people traveling hundreds of miles to see them in person. Their goal is to promote national healing, unity, and compassion and remind Americans that peace is not a destination, but a practice.
The group walked from Rock Hill through Pineville and into Charlotte Wednesday.
The monks will rest overnight at the Marion Diehl Recreation Center on Tyvola Road. During this time, they will offer visiting hours from 6 to 9 p.m.
If you plan to observe the monks, remember these rules:
- Observe quietly and respectfully.
- To welcome the Venerable Monks, the group suggests a simple greeting by placing your palms together and bowing.
- Avoid touching, harassing, shouting or intrusive recording.
- You can join, just make sure to walk behind them and not in front or beside them.
- If you choose to stand and watch, please remain flexible and keep a clear path for them.
- Don’t bring pets.
- Listen to all law enforcement directions.
VIDEO: Buddhist monks on peace walk to face bitter cold on journey
The monks are about to experience very cold temperatures on their journey.
An Arctic front is moving, which will bring wind chill temperatures in the 20s and teens.
The monks are prepared. They have a caravan of support vehicles with warm clothing, hats, and shoes.
“We just going to have to put some more thermal,” said Bhikhu Pannakarava, the leader monk.
There are monks that are barefoot.
“When it comes to the snow and ice, definitely, we will have to put something on otherwise we cannot walk,” he said.
You can follow their journey with a live map here.
VIDEO: Monks, on a journey for peace and unity, stop in SC
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