When photographer Henry Eiland heard that Buddhist monks on a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace were coming to Alabama, he felt compelled to see them. So, on Christmas Day, he attended their peace gathering at a church in Opelika. There he saw people of every culture and background. As Henry told Stay Inspired News, “I haven’t seen that many different kinds of people come together since 9/11.”
The next day, Henry walked with the monks (and their adorable companion, Aloka the Peace Dog) to West Point, Georgia. “I believe in what they are doing,” said Henry. “This country needs more compassion. There are more people who love each other than those who don’t.”
The Walk for Peace began on Oct. 26, 2025, with the Sun in resourceful Scorpio and the Moon in determined Capricorn. On that day, 24 monks at a Buddhist center in in Fort Worth, Texas began walking cross-country – nearly 2,300 miles – to Washington, DC., aiming to arrive in February. Their goal is to spread love, kindness and inner peace during this time of division. The monks walk 15 to 25 miles daily, through all kinds of weather, often guided and protected by local law enforcement. They carry only essential belongings, eat one simple meal a day, and rely on others’ generosity for food, water, and rest. Most nights are spent in churches, community halls or outdoors. As it gains momentum and publicity (it now has its own Facebook group), the Walk for Peace has moved many people. Aloka, in particular, once a stray dog in India, has won hearts as a beloved ambassador of kindness.
Along the way, the monks have received so much food, water, and gifts that they’ve donated what they can’t use to help local communities in need. The monks are intentionally visiting cities with difficult histories, hoping to help break the cycle of generational anger and hatred. They sometimes face hostility and verbal abuse. Yet they always respond with kindness, even in the most extreme cases. Last November in Dayton, Texas, Maha Dam Phommasan, abbot of a Buddhist center in Atlanta, was seriously injured when a truck hit the vehicle escorting the monks (the incident is still under investigation). Maha Dam lost one of his legs due to the crash, yet he expressed no anger or blame. He stated that losing his leg was a sacrifice he accepted if it helped spread peace, love, compassion, harmony, and kindness.
The Walk for Peace requires discipline, humility, and fortitude. All of those qualities are available in spades at the upcoming Capricorn New Moon (Jan. 18 at 11:52 a.m. PST). The Sun and Moon at 28 Cap are conjunct Mercury and Mars at 26 Cap. Mercury (communication) and Mars (energy) help to publicize and galvanize events that move things forward. Those Capricorn planets make a helpful sextile to innovative Uranus in late Taurus, as well as to determined Saturn and heartfelt Neptune in late Pisces. No matter how grim the headlines look right now, this lunation reminds us to focus on what’s working and reinforce that.
At this New Moon, as the Capricorn goat trudges up the mountain, one foot after another, we’re asked to do the same. It’s a good time to launch useful, practical projects, or to commit to a long-term path. Also, Venus conjuncts Pluto in early Aquarius, offering a powerful glimpse of the future we can create. This combo of energies urges us to keep our eyes on the prize and our hearts open to one another.
Since 2023, Saturn in Pisces has been restructuring our spiritual lives, and instilling a little self-discipline along the way. But it’s been swimming with Neptune in Pisces, adding a touch of murkiness. On Feb. 20 they’ll unite at zero Aries, lighting a spark for a new era (more on that in the near future). Meanwhile, remember that we can all do something, however small, to change the world. Consider the profound impact that these Buddhist monks are making just by calmly walking. The Walk for Peace transcends divisions. It doesn’t demand that people agree. It simply asks us to remember our shared humanity.
At this New Moon, let’s be mindful of our daily actions, bringing intention to everything we do – the words we speak, the way we listen, the kindness we offer. May peace shine steadily in our hearts, and from that inner light, may compassion flow naturally to those who are struggling. May we remember that we are all walking this path together, bound by our shared longing for a more peaceful world.
sending positive healing thoughts for Thursday’s surgery
Thanks, Brenda!
Thank you Simone for highlighting the Monks journey. It gives me hope.
Such a wonderful and uplifting writing. Thank you
So glad you enjoyed it, Francesca! I’m just glad there’s something so positive to write about!
You’re so welcome, Susan! They give me hope, too.
Thank you, Simone. This was just the sweet inspiration I needed today.
So glad, Lisa! Many blessings…
I always look forward to your posts that spread uplifting thoughts from how you interpret the alignments in the skie even as far away as Wales. I count myself fortunate to have come across your lovely perspective a number of years ago. I had a ‘session’ with you when I moved four years ago and was facing a tough time and your words were very helpful.
So many people in the world right now are being challenged to their limits and being able to support your readers with your encouraging perspective is a gift indeed. Well done , thank you and may you be showered with love and blessings.
Bless you for your kind words, Em! I do try to be uplifting but it’s not always easy. It’s people like you that make it all worthwhile. Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know you appreciate what I do. Much love and many blessings to you!
Sending you LOTS of Reiki love for speedy and complete healing ! And I am very much praying for
This Walk for Peace and all involved ❤️❤️
Dear Simone
First of all blessing and speedy recovery from your surgery on Thursday.
It was a breath of fresh air what you shared with us. What and why is this all happening to our world. Hard to keep positive.
But the monks and Aloka are helping us focus blessings to all ❤️
Thanks for the blessings, Joyce! I look forward to being on the other side of this surgery and able to return to my thrice-weekly aqua fitness classes!
From one of the monks Facebook post- “We have never walked alone, not for a single mile, because everywhere we go we feel you, and we see that the garden of peace is blooming within you, sending out seeds that land in other hearts, creating more gardens, more beauty than any of us could create alone.
You have always been walking with us, from the first moment you decided this message mattered, from the instant you chose to let peace take root in your heart—and we are deeply honored to walk this path with you.”
Thank you, Simone, for your loving and inspiring blogs. I have read every single one of them for years now. They are the seeds of peace these monks are speaking about. I see you are having surgery and I am putting you on my prayer list. Speedy recovery. With love, Lisa
Thanks so much for the prayers – and affirmation of my work – Lisa! I’ve had such a response to this essay on the monks, it really hit a nerve in a good way. Let’s keep sending them love and protection! Cheers…
Hi Simone,
Thank you for this lovely message.
It is so inspiring and even the monk who lost a leg responded in kindness. wow.
I wish you a successful surgery and complete and full recovery✨ Sending so much love dear
So glad you enjoyed it, Ceslie dear! It’s going to be hard to top that one. 🙂 The surgery went well and I’m trying to rest, but that’s easier said than done at this time of year!