Enduring heat, rain, cold and fatigue with mindfulness and compassion.
Walking hundreds of miles for peace is not easy. The monks face harsh conditions every single day with the sun beating down, sudden rainstorms, cold nights, long stretches of uneven roads and .. ‘ouch!’ sore, bruised feet. Yet, they walk on.
Also, it is not just their endurance, but the way they carry it, with patience, humour and care for one another. They notice small things, if someone needs warmth, if someone’s shoes are wet, if someone is hungry and they respond without complaint.
Sometimes, I worry about them facing snow in the coming days. But watching them now, I know they will meet it as they meet every challenge, calmly, with preparation and with faith.
Every step is mindful, every pause intentional. They are not walking blindly, they are walking with purpose.
Even in exhaustion, they share smiles, jokes and gentle words. They laugh about minor discomforts, tease one another lightly and look out for each other. And yet, beneath the laughter, there is steadfastness, a quiet commitment to continue, regardless of the conditions.
This walk is more than miles. It is a living test of faith, patience, compassion and endurance. And through it all, they remind me that true courage is not about avoiding hardship, but about continuing with kindness and mindfulness even in the face of it.
I am left in awe. And I am learning from them to meet my own challenges ie physical, emotional or spiritual, with a little more patience, a little more care and a little more grace.
(Next blog: Peace Beyond Religion)
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