Be Well, Happy and At Peace

May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace. 

I really like this quote that the venerable Buddhist monks use to close their Facebook posts. This is the group of monks that walked some 2,300 miles across part of the United States in the name of peace. They have done similar walks in other countries. This group of monks is based in the Dallas area. 

The monks are Vietnamese and Vietnamese-American. During their walks, they aim to spread mindfulness, non-violence and inner healing. They are accompanied by Aloka, known as the peace dog. Aloka is a former stray dog from India.The group's spiritual leader walked most of the route barefoot despite winter weather.

It was amazing to see how people were drawn to the monks. Everywhere the monks walked, they were greeted by crowds of supporters.

They also published the following: May all beings everywhere be free from hatred, be healthy, be safe, be peaceful and at ease in body and in mind, and may they meet no obstacles in their daily lives 🙏

What a lovely thought, especially during this chaotic, greed-filled time in our country country. Many find peace and solace in their dogs, so it shouldn't be a surprise that so many have been drawn to Aloka.

May he be well, happy and at peace. And may he have many more years of helping the monks spread their message, a message this world is sorely in need of hearing at this time.