It was a day that some locals described as once in a lifetime when a group of Buddhist monks arrived barefoot on the steps of the National Cathedral while there was still snow on the ground.
“This is the moment I will remember for the rest of my life,” said the leader of the group of monks, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara. “And I hope you do too.”
For months, the nation has watched closely as some 19 elderly monks, known as Bhikkhus, left the Hương Đạo Bhavana Vipassana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, and walked 2,300 miles to the nation’s capital in the cause of peace.
These 19 men came from monasteries around the Theravada Buddhist world to participate in a long-standing tradition that seeks to spread peace by walking long distances. The word “Vipassana” refers to a meditation practice taught by the Buddha, which Ven. Pannakara gave Dharma talks throughout his 15-week journey.
In a country often considered a Christian nation, the sight of monks walking silently barefoot along the roads captivated the city and the country, drawing millions of followers to the Peace Road social media pages.
As they headed down Wisconsin Avenue, thousands applauded, but many more understood that it was more appropriate to remain silent, or say “Sadhu!”, which means “well done,” in Pali, the language Buddha spoke.
The first public stop in DC was at American University’s Bender Arena, where 3,500 people watched in silence as the monks entered to speak. Their journey later culminated in front of the National Cathedral where Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde hosted an interfaith gathering to welcome them.
There, the Ven. Pannakara, himself soft-spoken, invited the thousands of spectators to share the moment in silence and with bated breath, as the cold air passed between the bare branches of the trees and the bells echoed overhead. To each one, the Bhikkhu told them to recite this mantra: “Today will be my day of peace.”
After resting in a fire department, which had been their accommodation since the beginning of their trip, Wednesday saw them pass in front of the Capitol, before their final public event: a huge gathering on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
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“In the 40 years I have lived in Washington I have NEVER experienced such a beautiful, respectful and loving series of public events,” commented one resident, Nicole Krakora, in a Facebook post after the event. “Beautiful silence.”
Many noted the similarities to Martin Luther King’s speech on the same steps.
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