Monks Walk 2,300 Miles to Spread Peace Across America (Full Transcript)
[00:00:00] Speaker 1: A walk for peace has turned from a moment to a movement, as thousands of people line the streets across the South, hoping to connect with the two dozen monks on their 2,300-mile journey. Back in October, the Buddhist monks and their dog, Aloka, set off on foot with the plan to walk from Texas to Washington, D.C. in 120 days. Stopping in 10 states along the way, the monks say they hope to spread peace on their journey.
[00:00:32] Speaker 2: This is not about religions, it's not about converting, it's not about anything else but peace.
[00:00:38] Speaker 1: It hasn't been without challenges. One of the monks lost his leg in a car accident near the beginning and their furry companion, Aloka, had to have surgery. But as word of their mission spread online, huge crowds began to gather in support of them along the way, with many people saying this is what America needs right now.
[00:01:00] Speaker 2: I think all of us are tired of all the hate, all the violence, and we just need a little bit more peace.
- Two dozen monks are undertaking a 2,300-mile walk from Texas to Washington, D.C. to promote peace.
- They stress the effort is not about religion or conversion, but about fostering peace.
- The journey includes planned stops across 10 states over about 120 days.
- Significant challenges occurred, including a serious car accident and the dog’s surgery.
- Online visibility has helped mobilize large crowds who resonate with a message of reducing hate and violence.