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The Monks Have Crossed the Line

  • Writer: Tiffany Holmes
    Tiffany Holmes
  • Feb 6
  • 3 min read


The Borderline of Virginia, that Is


Have you been following the monks' journey? Despite the most recent ice storm, they are expected to arrive in the RVA by February 1, from there continuing to their destination of Washington, D.C.


Take a "walk" with Me


If I’m being honest, as an early Millennial, I had no idea who these monks were, what they stood for, and what all the news coverage was about. The extent of my knowledge was the hit show Monk, which aired from 2002 to 2009, starring actor Tony Shalhoub. I loved that show!


Why does my colleague want me to take my kids out of school to get a 15-second glimpse of these monks walking up Route 1? She compared it to me driving 8 hours to see the eclipse in Buffalo! Is that even the same concept? The eclipse is a natural phenomenon that only happens every so often.


These, however, are real monks! Buddhist monks.


Bridging the Gap


In my life and culture, I am mostly surrounded by a Christian community, and this is all very unfamiliar territory. The best way for me to learn about something new is to start with what I already know. While they cannot be compared to pastors, priests, and elders, I would say that they are similar, in a sense. At least, that’s where my brain starts to get the other juices flowing.


These monks are men who have left their homes and families to devote their entire lives to the Dhamma. Unlike the Bible, this Dhamma isn’t a physical book you can pull off a shelf or an app on your phone. It’s a composed set of complex principles or values based on fundamental concepts from Eastern religions. I couldn’t break these down for you if I tried.


But think about this, whether you’re of a Christian denomination or not, haven’t you always heard the saying, “treat others the way you want to be treated”? It’s been tagged as the Golden Rule, but it originated from Jesus and is quoted in the Bible. While there aren’t any famous or popular quotes that we would naturally be familiar with in the Dhamma, some of the principles are showing kindness and compassion; honesty and respect; mastery over your senses and desires.


A Choice, Not a Cult


Leaving their families and devoting themselves to this lifestyle isn’t to be confused with a cult. This is a life that they choose. They can have contact with their family, if they choose to. They aren’t being held captive or following/worshipping any one person. This is by no means a David Koresh situation.


These Buddhist monks are taking a cross-country walk for peace. Starting from Fort Worth, Texas, they are literally walking 2,300 miles on foot to the capital of the nation. Their mission? To promote peace. To encourage others to look inside themselves, build compassion and empathy, and share that with others. While many are greeting them with flowers and prayers along this journey, they have been met with protests as well. Do a quick Google search of what happened in Monroe, Georgia. It's shocking!


Kudos!


Whether you are of their faith or not, whether this journey makes a difference or not, regardless of your political party, I think it’s commendable that these men, who have mainly kept to themselves and their faith, are taking a stand to promote peace in a world that is so disjointed right now. We don’t have to join them on this walk. I would be remiss if I didn't say kudos to the man who stands up for what he believes without ever waging war. 

 

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