Thousands gather to greet monks on their peace walk through SC
ROCK HILL, S.C – A viral movement is making its way through the Carolinas. A group of monks are walking across the country to promote peace and their latest stop was in Rock Hill Tuesday evening.
Thousands of people lined Highway 21 and packed the parking lot of Catawba Baptist Church for what they say was a spiritual experience.
Monks have been marching across the US since October starting their journey in Texas to promote peace, compassion and mindfulness.
The group made their way to Catawba Baptist Church where thousands of people welcomed them with flowers and thank yous.
A crowd gathered around the monks for a blessing and a message of mindfulness that the monks say fuels them on the long journey.
“When we are mindful that creates energy for us to walk, mind over body,” Monk Bhante Pannakara said.
Steadfast and steady in every step, the monks say everyone along the path is not always friendly but monks practice self control.
“There are people that step on the gas pedal with big truck so that black smoke covers the monks.” Pannakara said. “In those times, if we cannot manage cannot control the wild animal whatβs going to happen?”
The monks will continue their Peace Walk until they reach Washington DC for a total of 2300 miles across 10 states.
The monks will rest in Rock Hill Tuesday night before a stop in Fort Mill Wednesday. They will be at Marion Diehl Recreation Center on Tyvola Rd in Charlotte Wednesday. You can track the monk’s movements on this map.
