DECATUR, Ga. — A 2,300-mile Walk For Peace featuring Buddhist monks will be passing through Decatur on Dec. 30.
According to Fox 5 Atlanta, the group is marching from Texas to Washington, D.C. with numerous stops along the way.
The group’s plans are fluid, but according to the latest itinerary provided to Decaturish, the current trajectory of the walk has the two dozen monks gathering at the Beacon Hill Municipal Complex at 105 Electric Avenue in Decatur at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. A city of Decatur news release said a “Peace Gathering” will be held at 3 p.m.
“The event is open to the public and will include remarks, a moment of reflection, and an opportunity to welcome the monks and learn more about their journey,” a news release from the city of Decatur said. “Attendance is expected to include residents, civic leaders, community organizations, and local, state, and federal officials.”
The Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara leads the group. They’ll be joined by their dog, Aloka the Peace Dog, who has a prominent social media following.
How will the Buddhist monks’ “Walk For Peace” affect road closures?
In a social media post, the city of Decatur noted there will be road closures starting at 1 p.m. They will remain in effect until the monks continue to their next destination.
The impacted streets include West Trinity Place from Water Street to Commerce Drive, Swanton Way from Ponce de Leon Place to West Trinity Place, and Electric Avenue from Chewning Way to West Trinity Place. There will also be limited access maintained from Atlanta Avenue.
Here is a map tracking their journey in real time:
Fox 5 reports the walk began in October and is expected to wrap up in February. The monks are working to promote peace, unity and compassion. The monks will also be handing out free blessing cords, according to the event website.
“Receiving a blessing cord is a precious moment of connection of the journey,” the website said.
The journey has not always been easy. Before they left Texas, one monk was hit by a driver and had to have his leg amputated, Fox 5 reported. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with his medical expenses.
Monks no longer accepting material gifts
Many visitors have given the monks donations of food, water and other supplies, but the venerable monks are pausing the acceptance of material items.
“At this time, however, the escort vehicles have exceeded their storage capacity and can no longer hold additional items,” a Facebook post from the Walk for Peace said. “For safety and practical reasons, we must temporarily pause the acceptance of material donations, including water, food, supplies for the monks, and items for Aloka.”
The group encouraged those interested to consider making a monetary donation instead. To donate, click here.
“Thank you sincerely for your compassion and encouragement. Your support continues to bring peace, strength, and inspiration to the venerable monks as they walk forward,” the post said. “And remember, you can always support us by following us daily, sending peaceful prayers, walking with us in spirit, bringing peace to your life every day, and helping us spread this powerful message.”
Assistant Editor Zoe Seiler contributed to this article.
This story was provided by WABE media partner Decaturish.
