A group of 25 Buddhist monks from Thailand recently concluded the Walk for Peace from Thailand to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha with the aim of spreading the message of peace, non-violence, and human unity around the world.
The team named ‘Mahan Dhamma Yatra’ led by the head monk of Thailand’s Thampayal Vihara, Achan SufitBhante. They travelled on foot for 58 days to cover the distance of 4,800 km.
The pilgrimage, carrying the slogan “Dhamma Yattra for Peace: To Lumbini, the Birthplace of Gautam Buddha,” is being coordinated by monk MedhangKaresath Sthavir. He said the Nepal-bound team is one of five groups currently undertaking a global peace pilgrimage.
The monks embarked on the nearly 5,000-km journey with prayers for peace, aiming to help curb violence, killings, and criminal activities around the world. Sthavir said the monks have been enduring an arduous journey for many days for the welfare of all living beings and expressed confidence that the pilgrimage would spread the message of peace, non-violence and moral living. After entering Nepal, the group reached Chitwan on the seventh day and plans to walk a total of 319 kilometers within the country before arriving in Lumbini. Their journey in Nepal will continue until February 22, marking 15 days since their entry. Along the route, they are coordinating with monasteries and Buddhist stupas for rest and community interactions.
The monks were walking approximately 35 kilometers per day as they continue their spiritual mission.
Along with them, a team of 28 people, including monks from Laos, India and Nepal, started their journey on foot with the main slogan ‘DhammaYatra for Peace – To Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha’.
After reaching Lumbini, the participants will perform puja and return to their respective countries, said Bhante Medhakar Sthabir. “The 15-day walking tour will be conducted with the aim of spreading the message of peace, coexistence and compassion,” he said. “It is believed that the tour will make a significant contribution to promoting world peace as well as spreading the teachings of Buddha internationally.”
Highlights of the Walk
The Mission: Carrying the main slogan “Dhamma Yatra for Peace – To Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha,” the walk aims to spread messages of non-violence, coexistence, and compassion.
The Team: The group includes approximately 22 Thai monks, joined by a total delegation of 28 people, including monks from Laos, India, and Nepal.
The Route: The team entered Nepal via India (specifically through Assam and Tripura) and began the Nepal leg of their journey from the Golmaraja Buddha Vihara in Chandrapur, Rautahat.
The Arrival: After 15 days of walking through various parts of Nepal, they are scheduled to reach the sacred Mayadevi Temple in Lumbini on February 21th to perform special prayers for world peace.
This pilgrimage is considered a historic initiative, strengthening the spiritual and cultural ties between Thailand and Nepal while honoring the 2,500-year-old teachings of the Buddha.
