By RHIANNON EVANS, IRIT SKULNIK, NOLAN ROGALSKI, ANDREW MOLLENAUER
Capital News Service
ANNAPOLIS – After 110 days and nearly 2,300 miles, nearly two dozen Theravada Buddhist Monks ended their ‘’Walk for Peace’’ Thursday at the Maryland State House.
Donning bright orange robes, the group embarked on the final leg of its pilgrimage — a stretch it wasn’t expecting.
“I thought yesterday was our last day of Walk for Peace,” Venerable Bhikkhu Paññakāra, the group’s spokesperson, told hundreds gathered in front of the State House. “But after receiving the invitation from Maryland, we are happy to be here with you all.”
Paññakāra called for peace and mindfulness at a time when the nation and the world are “deeply suffering.” The journey, Paññakāra said, serves as a reminder to himself and everyone else that peace is possible.
“We always carry the key with us to share with you– to hand it to you– so you can unlock peace and love and passion yourself,” he said. “Peace is always with us, it’s been with us, never left us. … It’s just that we’ve forgotten it.”
The stop at the Maryland capital was a last- minute addition, according to Paññakāra.
Due to scheduling conflicts and Washington’s holiday schedule, Maryland and other states were removed from the route that began in Fort Worth, Texas. Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller extended the invitation to visit the State House only a few weeks ago, said Rachel Sawicki, director of communications for the office of the lieutenant governor.
The monks visited Washington, D.C., earlier this week stopping by the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington National Cathedral.
The pilgrimage began at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in late October and serves as a reminder that peace is a practice, not a destination, according to organizers.
The group has attracted a large following along the way, in person and virtually. Thousands have shown up at stops, while the official Walk for Peace page and Facebook support group have garnered nearly 3 million followers combined.
Jill Tocco, a 50-year-old small business owner, has been following the monks’ journey over the past several months. Tocco, of Arnold, Maryland, said she planned to go to Virginia to see the monks until she found out last week they were coming to Annapolis.
“I felt it was kind of a blessing in a way that it came to Annapolis, it was totally unexpected,” said Tocco, who had arrived in Annapolis by 7:30 a.m. in preparation to see the monks. “We can’t change the whole world, but if we live within peace, it will.”
By 8 a.m., hundreds of people lined the streets in downtown Annapolis, bundled in coats and holding warm beverages, hoping to see the monks passing by.
The monks were scheduled to arrive at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium at 9 a.m. and make their way to the State House by 9:45 a.m., but delays postponed their arrival by roughly an hour. When the crowd at Lawyers Mall learned the monks were not arriving until 10:30 a.m., it still cheered
After his address, Paññakāra and the other monks climbed the steps of the state capitol to applause from the crowd. Once inside, the monks were introduced in the Senate and House chambers before joining a private meeting with the Council on Interfaith Outreach.
Justin Reitz, a 35-year-old cook from Annapolis, wanted to come see the monks to celebrate their mission.
“I just hope it opens people’s eyes,” Reitz said. “The world’s a big place, but it’s still our world, and I think peace is a huge message.”
Spectators held up signs promoting peace, waved LGBTQ+ pride flags and brought brightly colored flowers.
Reitz was one of many who arrived with flowers as a way to honor the monks. Onlookers said the monks take the flowers and give them to people along the route.
“Seeing so much love and support, it warms our hearts,” Paññakāra said. “But at the same time, I feel sad. I feel sad because as human beings, why do we have to suffer? … We truly deserve better.”
Leaders from local religious groups said they support the monks’ mission.
Rev. John Crestwell of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis said the monks’ visit is meaningful.
“It means that the spirit of love is emanating and calling us forward in this time of division,” Crestwell said. “In this very mindful way, they’re walking quietly and making a statement as a minority faith.”
Brian Grim, founding president of Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, said the monks’ walk illustrates hope for continued healing in a divisive America.
“Anything that is going to have a lasting impact is a journey. It’s not something that happens overnight,” Grim said.
Gloria Foley had followed the monks’ journey for six weeks. When the trip was extended to Annapolis, it made seeing them doable for the 101-year-old Centreville resident. She woke up at 5 a.m. and, with the help of caregivers, waited for hours outside the Navy stadium. Wrapped in a bundle of blankets with a “Walk for Peace” T-shirt draped over her lap, Foley said it was important to show support.
“Let’s get back to a world of peace,” Foley said.
