‘Walk for Peace’ Pilgrimage Passes Through Rock Hill
ROCK HILL, S.C. — On a gray, sodden Wednesday morning, a striking splash of deep orange moved steadily along the wet asphalt of York County. It was a sight that caused many local drivers to do a double-take: Buddhist monks, serene and focused, walking the shoulder of the highway amid the January chill.
These monks are part of a dedicated group currently undertaking a massive “Walk for Peace,” a cross-country pilgrimage aimed at spreading a message of unity, compassion, and non-violence.
The group’s journey today took them through Rock Hill on their way north toward Fort Mill and Charlotte. The monks, clad in traditional saffron and maroon robes, navigated the slick roads in simple sandals, a testament to the arduous nature of their undertaking.
This trek is no small feat. The group is in the middle of a roughly 2,300-mile journey that began in Fort Worth, Texas. Their ultimate destination is Washington, D.C., where they hope to arrive by mid-February to deliver their message of peace to the nation’s capital.
Their presence in Rock Hill highlighted the very sort of unity they seek to promote. On Tuesday night, the walkers found shelter and hospitality at the Catawba Baptist Church in Rock Hill before setting out again on Wednesday morning.
While the visual of the monks walking is powerful, they are supported by a team in a vehicle following closely behind. The support vehicle currently houses their unofficial mascot, a rescue dog from India named “Aloka”—often referred to as the “Peace Dog”—who is currently resting up after recent surgery.
Local residents who spotted the walkers today witnessed a quiet, moving demonstration of faith in action. As the rain continued to fall, the monks marched northward, one step at a time, toward Washington.
