Buddhist monks participating in the national Walk for Peace pilgrimage recently visited the Columbia area as part of their journey from Texas to Washington, D.C.
The monks are traveling on foot to promote peace, compassion, and nonviolence through walking meditation and community engagement. During their time in the Midlands, they took part in several publicly scheduled gatherings, including a visit to the South Carolina State House.
Following their State House gathering, the monks walked to the Lenoir-Rhyne University–Columbia campus. They later stopped at Fairlawn Methodist Church in Blythewood, where they were welcomed for a rest break during their journey.
The Walk for Peace is a nationwide Buddhist pilgrimage designed to be simple and inclusive, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds to participate in or observe peace gatherings along the route.
Rev. J.T. Brown, pastor of Fairlawn Methodist Church, greeted the monks during their Jan. 11 visit as they passed through the state.
More information about the Walk for Peace and updates on the pilgrimage can be found at dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace.
