Monks Walk for Peace passes through Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The monks Walk for Peace passed through the Carolinas on their 2300 mile journey to promote peace, compassion and mindfulness across 10 states. Thousands of people waited to greet them at Marion Diehl Rec Center in South Charlotte.

“With what else is going on in our country right now? I think everyone needs this,” Mary Moriarty from Gainesville Florida said.

People traveled from out of state to see the monks on their journey.

“We drove up here just to feel some of that energy and just watching everybody come together, of the whole community, the police, the people in the stores, the neighbors, people coming out, everyone’s out here it just feels like collective positive energy,” Leah Sherer from Gainesville Florida said.

The monks’ movement has more than one million followers on social media. Some of the monks even walk barefoot braving the weather conditions.

“I think about their feet you know, how much calluses and all this other stuff they must have on their feet, I hope they have a great medical team,” Regina Key from Charlotte said.

The monks spoke to the crowd and said a blessing while a sea of people watched. The crowd was so massive that people could barely hear the message. Some people hope the monks’ walk will inspire others to do good and show love.

“I really hope that we can get back to a place where we’re all on the same side and taking care of each other and caring for our neighbors and caring for our community,” Laura Doughty from Fort Mill said.

The monks rested at the Marion Diehl Rec Center Wednesday night. They will continue day 82 of their journey with a lunch stop at the Sugaw Creek Recreation Center before resting at zMax Dragway in Concord Thursday night. According to the overview map, they are scheduled to reach DC by February 10th.