Why We're Obsessed With the Monks Walking Across America

"A dozen Buddhist monks are walking across the United States. Along the way, they have gathered millions of followers online, and thousands of people are showing up every day simply to see them, to stand near them, and to watch them walk. People gather from morning to evening, often in tears of gratitude. This raises an interesting question: why? Most Americans are not Buddhist. Most Americans are unfamiliar with the culture these monks come from. And yet something about this moment is resonating deeply."

"What people are witnessing feels more meaningful than the endless stream of Instagram reels. More powerful than the barrage of negative, sensationalist news. More touching than the hostile, divisive language that fills so much of our public space. In the middle of all that noise, people are watching 12 human beings walk quietly with a single purpose: peace. And by walking across America, the monks are stopping us in our tracks."

A dozen Buddhist monks are walking across the United States, drawing millions of online followers and thousands of in-person observers who travel to stand nearby. People gather from morning to evening, often moved to tears of gratitude. The monks do not give sermons or attempt to persuade; their silent, steady presence communicates a simple purpose: peace. Observers report feelings of relief, recognition, gratitude, and shared humanity. The walk contrasts with constant media noise, sensationalism, and political division, offering a rare, benevolent example of compassion that reminds people of fundamental human identity beyond race or political affiliation.

Read at Psychology Today