DOGKISSES A Personal Blog about Life, Health and Healing, Nature, Love, and Dogs.

The Buddhist monk’s Walk for Peace, from Texas to Washington, D.C., has been a breath of fresh air for many Americans to see, myself included. I must admit, their loyal companion dog, Aloka, captured a piece of my heart right away. The way he walks is with purpose and a prance. He reminds me of my girl, Bella, who is my own little Peace Keeper.

Peace-Dogs!

Above Image Link: https://share.google/S2mEbAMqAvlb8ycUr

Aloka is now recovering from recent surgery on his leg. A veterinarian practice in SC performed the operation as a gift. Rest is a part of his journey in the Walk for Peace.

Aloka has his own interesting backstory. He was a stray dog in India, getting into garbage and fights with other neglected dogs. Once Aloka saw the monks walking, he joined them right away. The monks say several dogs attempted to walk with them, but none lasted long. Only Aloka.

I’m happy that the monks decided to accept Aloka as family. I believe a dog is the perfect messenger of Peace in America. Dogs get our attention. We can trust dogs.

As I write, Aloka may be the most famous dog in the country. I love that so many of us wish to meet him.

Source: Walk For Peace – Aloka: A Heart of Unwavering Loyalty

We are now witness to widespread fear, suffering and an ongoing division within our own country. The images and headlines we see on our televisions are often too disturbing. Many people find them difficult to endure.

“I stopped listening to the news,” is a common phrase these days.

Seeing the walking monks for the first time surely caught my attention. I’ve been stuck at home a lot. My television has been on more than usual. Ignoring news is not always easy. Mostly, every channel shows shock and violence. Headlines are enough to put fear in the mind and heart.

I’m not alone in wondering when or if our country will settle down. Will we ever find common ground again? This applies not only between political parties, but also at our own dinner table, so to speak.

I’m grateful that my adult son and I have similar world views. The division between left and right is great.

Walking more than 2000 miles, the monks are spreading the message of peace, compassion and unity.

Peace. Compassion. Unity. In America.

My first instinct when I learned about the Walk for Peace was to tell someone. I called my son. He said he saw some monks on YouTube. Later, we’d talk about the walk and what we understand it to mean. We also both love Aloka.

As I write, the monks are in my state, North Carolina. I’m listening to a speech one of the monks gave in High Point, NC, yesterday.

“Breathe in and breathe out,” I hear him say. “One. Breathe in. Two. Breathe out,” he continues.

The monk is talking about bringing the mind to the fresh moment. Counting the breath helps train the mind, he tells us. Creating a path to peace for ourselves.

“There’s a light on the left side. A light on the right side,” the monk says.

“Reach to it (the light), ” the monk continues. “Try to find joy.”

The monks talk about the mind. They discuss how we chase after thoughts. This habit can take us away from our own inner peace. Counting the breath, while not giving attention to thoughts can bring us to the current moment.

Listening to the monks talk reminds me of sitting in meditation classes in the late 1980s. Hearing the talks aired across national television channels in the United States is a true gift!

I’m personally grateful to the monks and Aloka for their Walk of Peace. I needed to see something positive and hopeful going on in our country. The monks are sharing with us a way to peace. I walk in spirit on this great journey!

Peace be with us.

DOGKISSES.

Learn/Source: The Ancient Sacred Buddhist Scripture Stupas (https://dhammacetiya.com/Dhammacetiya).