Around the Bluhmin’ Town

By

Judy Bluhm

Aloka, the Peace Dog, how we love thee. An Indian stray dog is now a global phenomenon. Last year, this dog began following a group of Buddhist monks, matching their pace, walking with them for over 100 days across India. Now he has joined the Buddhist monks on their Walk for Peace as they journey on their 2,300-mile cross country walk in the United States.

Walk for Peace is a long-distance pilgrimage initiated by Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Center in Texas, to promote peace, love and compassion. The monks wear traditional robes, striding down country roads and highways across the South, captivating Americans and people worldwide.

They are inspiring thousands of locals to greet the monks and cheer for Aloka. Police departments, churches, schools welcome them, and people line the streets as they pass by. One town of 3,000 in South Carolina had 1000 people show up as if a parade was passing.

The idea of peace and love is resonating in America. Maybe we are all worn out by conflict, politics, and war. So, we embrace the mission which is to spread peace, unity and healing. No politics, no protests, no flashy messaging. Just a group of 19 monks walking from Fort Worth, Texas to the United States Capitol.

The monks walk with minimal possessions, clad in orange robes and carrying walking sticks. And a few walk barefoot. Perhaps their feet wrapped. They go for 15 to 25 miles a day. They eat one meal a day. Aloka, walks every day with the venerable monks. He has found his purpose. From stray to internet sensation with a million followers on Facebook. The world cannot get enough of Aloka.

My dog Teddy would probably like to join the pilgrimage. His mission is not necessarily peace, but it is walking as much as possible. Every day. Teddy would not be phased by crowds but might get distracted by a rabbit. He would want to lead the group. As he does me, around streets, trails, parks and paths. Destination? Anywhere. I suppose after my husband died, Teddy and I “walked for grief,” because it was the only thing that seemed to help me. And he seemed determined to keep pushing forward.

On day sixty-five of the monk’s journey, it was cold and larger crowds kept forming. Aloka needed a rest, so he was given a ride in a van. Yet, throughout the entire ride, he was restless, crying and howling, because he knew exactly where he wanted to be. He didn’t want the comfort of a smooth ride and warm car. He wanted to walk with the monks. His job. His calling.

There is power to commitment and strength of a loyal heart. Aloka did not see himself as a pet or companion, but as a walker of peace, with dedication to the monks. This is his mission too. Aloka has required surgery for a leg injury. He will be out of the walk for a while, as the surgery requires limited mobility and plenty of rest.

One walk. One dog. For peace. It is what humanity is hungry for. No robes required.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local realtor. Contact Judy at [email protected] or visit www.aroundthebluhmintown.com.