By Shaun McInnish, Sr., City Beat Writer
Buddhist monks participating in the nationwide “Walk for Peace” pilgrimage made a meaningful stop in Pelahatchie Thursday evening, welcoming the community for an evening of reflection, conversation, and peace at Muscadine Park.
The monks entered Mississippi on December 5 and have since traveled through several communities. Earlier in the week, the group gathered at the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson on Tuesday, where hundreds joined them on the south steps for a large peace gathering. The monks then continued through Pearl on Wednesday before arriving in Pelahatchie.
From 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, residents were invited to Muscadine Park to visit with the monks. The evening included Buddhist chants, guided meditation, question-and-answer sessions, and warm beverages shared among attendees. The monks also welcomed photo opportunities, offered peace bracelets to visitors, and spent time speaking one-on-one with community members.
After the public gathering, the monks set up tents and slept outdoors beneath the Pelahatchie pavilion, continuing their tradition of living simply and in harmony with nature during the pilgrimage.
On Friday morning, the monks departed Pelahatchie and continued eastward, heading toward Fairway Foods in Morton for a lunchtime stop before walking on to their Friday night destination in Forest, Mississippi.
Throughout the journey, the monks follow ancient Buddhist practices, eating one meal per day, sleeping outdoors, and relying on donations and goodwill from the communities they encounter. Their pilgrimage began in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to conclude at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., in February 2026.
Despite facing challenges earlier in the journey, including injuries sustained in a traffic accident in Texas, the monks continue forward with perseverance, mindfulness, and gratitude.
Bringing Peace Home
During their visit, the monks encouraged residents to continue practicing peace at home through simple meditation and breathing exercises. They shared that even a few quiet minutes each day can help calm the mind and reduce stress.
A basic practice includes:
- Sitting comfortably with both feet on the floor or legs crossed
- Closing the eyes or softening the gaze
- Taking slow breaths in through the nose for four counts
- Holding briefly, then exhaling through the mouth for four counts
- Repeating for five to ten minutes while focusing on the breath
The monks emphasized that meditation does not require perfection — only presence.
For Pelahatchie residents, Thursday night’s gathering offered a rare opportunity to slow down, reflect, and connect — leaving many with a renewed sense of peace as the monks quietly continued their journey.
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