Walk for Peace - updates on Kadampa Center's possible involvement

WALK FOR PEACE 2026

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24th:  Here are the plans for the Walk for Peace monks on Saturday, January 24th...to the best of our knowledge. Due to the nature of impermance, please anticipate changes in plans and timing.  Unfortunately, we were unable to determine a meeting time and place for the Kadampa Center community to gather together to welcome the monks as they enter Raleigh, therefore please make your own plans as you see fit based on the information posted here and/or on social media outlets.

~6:30/7:00 am:  Monks depart Apex High School and walk to Dix Park (note: the exact route into Raleigh is unknown at the time of this writing).

~10:30am - 1:00 pm:  All are invited to visit the monks during their lunch stop at the Greg Poole Jr All Faiths Chapel located at 1030 Richardson Drive on the campus of Dix Park in Raleigh.  Our dear Geshe Gelek and Geshe Sangpo were invited to join the Walk for Peace monks for lunch.  See pics below or via Facebook.

~2:00 pm: Gather at the Greg Poole Jr All Faiths Chapel at Dix Park and join the walk to the North Carolina State Capitol building in downtown Raleigh at Union Square.

~3:30 pm: Join the Peace Gathering on the Capitol grounds.  Afterwards, the monks will continue their walking journey to their overnight location.

NOTE regarding this evening: Visitation with the monks at their night rest stop has been canceled.

        

ETIQUETTE WHEN SEEING THE MONKS IN PERSON

 How to greet the monks

  • Do not touch the monks - no handshakes, hugs or high-fives.
  • The traditional greeting is to place your hands together in prayer and bow slightly, called wai.
  • Monks may bow in return, but often they will avert their eyes, which is a sign of respect, not dismissal.  This is different than what many in our country are used to so respecting it is of great importance.
  • If they are walking, it may be difficult for them to respond at all - your bow alone is enough and is appreciated!
  • If crowds gather, they ask that people split on both sides of the road, allowing the monks a clear path forward without interruption or physical contact. This is very important. In other traditions, people may meet a faith leader by touching the hands or gathering around.  In this case however, that is not appropriate. 
  • Remain quiet and respectful of this journey for peace.  As the monks' spiritual leader explains, the Walk for Peace is meant "to awaken the peace that already lives within each of us".

How to most respectfully walk with the monks

  • You may walk with the monks at any point along their journey.
  • If you decide to walk with the monks, walk behind them - not in front of them - and give them plenty of space.
  • Remain quiet and respectful, keeping in mind their journey is to promote peace.

Physical contact and gender respect

  • Many monks take vows that prohibit physical contact with people of the opposite gender.
  • Please do not hug or reach out to touch the monks.
  • If a monk looks away, understand that this is an act of respect, not avoidance.

Offerings and donations

  • See the How to Support Walk for Peace webpage for ways in which you can best support the monks on their spiritual journey.
  • The monks live under a vow of non-attachment and poverty; generally speaking, this means:
    • They have no belongings beyond their robes and a few self care necessities.
    • They do not handle money.
    • They eat one meal a day, and only what is offered - called "alms".

We’ll do our best to keep you informed as to how we can be involved as the time draws near.  In the meantime, please refer to their official website for updates on all of their locations and needs.  More can also be found on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

THANK YOU for your tremendous interest and support!  You are MOST appreciated!!!