Fact Files

Walk for peace

A wonderful sermon for peace - love yourself, love the world

But, unbowed

What an experience! PEACE

On January 8th I saw the monks in Saluda, SC. It was a smaller group at this point! I hadn’t heard much about them and decided to go the night before at the last minute. It was about a 45 minute drive. I arrived early at their lunch location not sure what to expect. As I saw them approaching I cannot explain the emotions I felt… first I was so excited like a little girl (and I’m 59) then the flood of tears!
As they prepared to get their food and proceeded to eat u could hear a pin drop! Everyone was so polite! There was such a calmness in the crowd! After the monks received and blessed their food they invited anyone in the crowd to join them! I made a plate for myself wanting to experience as much as possible! After the unbelievable unforgettable speech was made I received my peace bracelet! Then I had time to talk with them, cry and laugh with them! They do have a great sense of humor! And I even got to feed Aloka some treats I had brought him ❤️ What they are doing is amazing and they r doing it with such grace! They are tired, sick and in pain and still they walk for us with those beautiful smiles! They have had such an impact on me personally! The entire experience has truly changed my life! It was an honor to have meet them and just be in their presence. I feel like so many they have become a part of my family and I will be sad to see their journey end. They have done their part know it is up to us to carry their message!
Love, Peace, Kindness and Mindfulness
Today will be my PEACEFUL DAY✌️❤️✌️❤️✌️❤️

As the venerable monks walk for peace, they have faced misunderstanding and insults, yet their response remains simple and steady: “May you be well.”

This brings to mind an old story from the time of the Buddha, about Venerable Punna, one of the Buddha’s disciples, known as the foremost in teaching the Dhamma.

The story highlights a profound lesson on patience, non-attachment, and emotional resiliency. Before allowing him to teach in a rough and hostile land, the Buddha asked how he would respond to abuse, violence, and even death. Punna’s answers reveal what peace truly means — not the absence of harm, but the absence of hatred.

I’m sharing this story as a reflection on the inner training that makes peace possible, even in difficult conditions.

The Story of Buddha and Venerable Punna

One day, Venerable Punna went to see the Buddha and said:

“Bhante, I wish to go to the land of Sunāparanta to teach the Dhamma.”

The Buddha replied:

“Punna, the people of Sunāparanta are rough, fierce, and uncivilized.
What will you do if they abuse and insult you?”

Punna answered calmly:
“Bhante, if they abuse and insult me, I will think:
‘How good these people are — they do not strike me.’”

The Buddha then asked:
“But Punna, what if they strike you with their hands, clods, or sticks?”

Punna replied:

“Bhante, if they strike me,
I will think:
‘How good these people are — they do not wound me with a knife.’”

The Buddha continued:

“But what if they wound you with a knife?”

Punna said:
“Bhante, then I will think:
‘How good these people are — they do not take my life.’”

The Buddha pressed further:

“But Punna, what if they take your life?”

Punna answered:

“Bhante, then I will think:
‘There are disciples of the Blessed One who are weary of body and life; without violence, I have attained final Nibbāna.’”

Hearing this, the Buddha said:

“Good, Punna, good. Possessing such patience and gentleness,
you are fit to go to Sunāparanta.
Go, Punna. Established in Dhamma, you will live in peace.”

And the Buddha gave him permission.

Punna went to Sunāparanta, taught the Dhamma, and according to tradition, his teaching helped many people change their lives and find a deeper sense of peace and freedom.