This baby crawled up to Venerable Pannakara, who said that he is one of 10 siblings with nieces and nephews who come to him and they talk. it is not surprising this baby found his way into his arms, peace like his is familiar and transcends time, especially for a baby who hasn’t been away from it long enough for life to clutter it with noise. A forever memory. A baby naturally recognizes and senses peace and a kind person. – Michelle Myers

His name is Aloka, the Peace Dog. He is believed to be a Pariah dog. 

In Sanskrit, Aloka means light, brightness, vision, splendor, and symbolizes knowledge, clarity, and enlightenment. He has a distinctive heart-shaped marking on his forehead and recently walked with the group of Buddhist monks across the United States in their Walk for Peace.

Before Aloka was walking here, he was a stray dog in India. When a group of Buddhist monks began a peace walk in India, he started following them, and never stopped. He stayed by their side through bad weather, illness, and even after being hit by a car.

While most dogs eventually wandered off, Aloka chose to keep going. That quiet loyalty is what led the monks to officially welcome Aloka as part of their group. They brought him with them to the United States.

Their months-long, mindful journey was focused on compassion, kindness, and connection. The Buddhist monks and Aloka began their Walk for Peace in Texas and made their way to Washington, D.C. Aloka walked when he wanted to and rode in a small cart when he needed rest. Along the way, local veterinarians met Aloka and offered to give him checkups, medical help, and massages as needed.

If you were fortunate enough to see Aloka and the monks during their Walk for Peace, you were welcome to observe, walk alongside them for a bit or simply wave from a safe spot. There were no signs, just presence.

The art of being. – Kaitlin Ross

‘all things are bound together. all things connect.’

-chief seattle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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photo images: Facebook walkforpeace