People always looking for someone OTHER THAN Christ
"The Walk for Peace, a procession of Buddhist monks making their way from Texas to Washington, D.C., arrived in Wake County on Friday. They arrived to Raleigh early Saturday morning.
After leaving the State Capitol, the monks are to spend the night in Raleigh before leaving toward Louisburg, North Carolina early Sunday morning. Their night stop location will not be disclosed.
Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, who is usually the main speaker at these events, begins speaking. At one point, he said, "Look around now. We have different backgrounds, different faiths and beliefs, different skin colors, different languages. But we are able to come here together in this weather in front of this Capitol, just to support the mission of peace. It means there's no difference between all of us."
Governor Josh Stein addresses the crowd and the monks. He said, "You've had a crowd following everywhere you've gone and a much larger crowd following you online. That is because you are bringing people hope."
Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell speaks to the crowd. She said, "As a person of faith who has become a little bit familiar with the teachings of the Buddhist tradition, I realize that all beings—human and otherwise—are integrally connected with each other in ways we can hardly imagine."
The monks left their lunch stop and walked toward the State Capitol. Thousands gathered to watch and walk behind them in this monumental walk for peace.
People line up outside Greg Poole Jr. All Faiths Chapel to watch the monks walk by. Durham resident Anne Dorey and her friend Pam said it was amazing to watch them go by in peace.
Pam added, "When I first saw them, I burst into tears because we need them so much right now."
Their presence brings large crowds of hundreds, sometimes thousands, to areas where they walk through. Many gathered all throughout downtown Raleigh, even amidst winter temperatures and an incoming ice storm that is expected to create dangerous road conditions and knock out power.
People have said that the bitterly cold temperatures will not stop them from seeing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
By the time they make their way to Raleigh, the monks — some of whom walk in bare feet by choice — could face another challenge. WRAL Severe Weather Center is tracking a system expected to bring freezing rain and ice to the Triangle.
The Walk for Peace will proceed regardless of the weather, a representative told WRAL News.
The “Walk For Peace” Facebook page states the proper way to greet the monks is by placing your palms together and bowing to them. Monks may bow in return, though they may avert their eyes as a sign of respect.
People are asked to avoid physical contact with monks like a hug or a handshake unless a monk extends an invitation to do so."
msn
