Walk for Peace – Day 11 – Dhammacetiya – The Ancient Sacred Buddhist Scripture Stupas

Day 11 of Walk For Peace — Austin Walk For Peace Day

The dawn broke over a chilled morning as the Sangha rose from the stillness of night, gathering before sunrise in mindful discipline. Their day began, as always, with sacred chanting and prayers—voices carried gently across the quiet air, dedicating compassion and loving-kindness to all beings. With hearts centered and feet prepared for the long road ahead, the monks continued their journey toward the Texas State Capitol.

From Ferguson Lane, the Sangha walked approximately eight miles before arriving at Waterloo Park on East 12th street. There, they were warmly greeted by Buddhists, practitioners, and representatives of interfaith communities—many who had gathered early to honor the moment. Among them was Texas State Representative Salman Bhojani, accompanied by his wife Neems and Daughter, arrived ahead of time to welcome the Sangha personally, embodying the unity and shared purpose of the Walk for Peace. Together, they continued the final stretch, walking in solidarity toward the Capitol.

At approximately 1:00 PM, the monks arrived at the Texas State Capitol to a powerful reception of reverence and celebration. Local monks, devoted supporters, and city officials assembled to witness the significance of the day. The milestone was formally marked by meaningful addresses from Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, State Representative Salman Bhojani, and Philip Dulin, Director of Community Engagement for the City of Austin, who delivered heartfelt remarks on behalf of Mayor Kirk Watson.

The officials expressed profound gratitude and recognition of the Walk for Peace’s expanding impact. In an historic gesture of solidarity, they issued official Proclamations honoring the peaceful mission and calling upon all communities and interfaith partners to continue supporting this effort. With deep respect, they declared November 5th as the Annual Austin Walk for Peace Day, anchoring the Sangha’s journey into the civic heart of the state.

Following the ceremony, the Sangha and supporters were guided on a reflective tour inside the Capitol—walking through halls where decisions shape the future, now blessed by mindfulness, humility, and aspiration for peace.
Soon after, the monks continued onward toward Manor, Austin. Moments filled with quiet emotion unfolded as Buddhists, practitioners, and friends accompanied the Sangha for part of the path, eventually offering soft bows and heartfelt farewells as the journey continued. After another 6.5 miles, the monks paused for rest at the Texas Welding Supply Store on Commercial Park Drive, carrying the day’s merits into the night.

Reflection — The Steps Toward Inner Peace

Milestones celebrated in grandeur may inspire the world, yet the essence of this journey lives within the quiet steps taken in silence—where peace is not demanded, but practiced; not declared, but embodied. Day 11 reveals that peace is not a distant destination, nor a title conferred by proclamation. It is the transformation of the heart that happens when one walks selflessly for others, when communities meet in empathy, and when differences dissolve in shared humanity.

As the monks walk onward, they remind all who witness them that true peace is first discovered within. Only when we cultivate stillness in the face of noise, compassion in the face of division, and humility in the rise of recognition, can each step become a sacred passage toward healing the world—beginning with the one within ourselves.

With every mile traveled, the Sangha teaches us this gentle, timeless truth:
The road to world peace begins on the path toward inner peace.