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
—
photo images: Facebook walkforpeace
Discover more from I didn't have my glasses on....
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.



Aloka the dog appears to me to definitely have inner spirituality.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would say, and as you know very personally the connections between dogs and humans are very strong and real
LikeLike
Thank you, Beth, for the details of Aloka’s beginning and the meaning of his name.
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
<3
LikeLike
Peaceful
Beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
<3 the natural connections drawing them to each other
LikeLike
This is such an inspiring journey
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes, on so many levels
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed. We need this, we need peace to conquer hate.
LikeLike
Babies and dogs–give peace a chance. 💙
LikeLiked by 2 people
they know and understand
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing this, Beth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
these natural connections really stood out to me
LikeLike
Babies and animals know things deep in their souls. I loved watching the monks walk for peace. Has it worked?
LikeLiked by 1 person
they know and recognize the like minded, it may take some time –
LikeLike
Beautifully done, Beth. You quietly spoke on several levels at once. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
these connections really stood out to me
LikeLike
a message so needed today – perhaps the monks, babies and dogs are a reminder of an inner wisdom that we also have if we slow down and look for that quiet and peace within us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you’re right about that, I so agree
LikeLike
Lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A quiet presence is so powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
absolutely
LikeLiked by 1 person
The art of being…all of us are engaged; some of us pay attention.
LikeLiked by 1 person
well said
LikeLike
This whole post is lovely and spiritually fulfulling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was really drawn to the natural connections that happened
LikeLike
According to AI:
“All things are bound together. All things connect.” is widely attributed to Chief Seattle (Sealth) in a famous 1854 speech regarding environmental stewardship and indigenous rights. However, there is no definitive historical evidence that he used these exact words; the phrase is considered a modernized, paraphrased, or adapted version of his sentiments.
LikeLike
Dogs are special. Can’t say enough good things about them.
LikeLike