For the past five years the South Sound Buddhist Peace Fellowship has sponsored a silent meditation peace walk around Capitol Lake here in Olympia, Washington. Traditionally, this event takes place on the Sunday before Martin Luther King Day as part of the Martin Luther King Day weekend activities. For the last three years the walk has been incorporated into the Open Gate Zendo Winter Sesshin, as part of our retreat schedule.
The annual walk is conducted in the walking meditation tradition of Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, who King himself had nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Our group participation allows members of the Order and of the Open Gate Sangha to share their practice with those in the greater community that are equally interested in supporting non-violence and silent meditative practices. Members of the Order, local sangha members and the general public are all encouraged to join in this silent hour of common unity, regardless of their spiritual beliefs and/or practices.
This year’s walk is on Sunday, January 15th and will begin at Marathon Park on the south side of the lake precisely at noon. Anyone wishing to walk in silent meditation in support of peace in the name of Dr. King is invited to attend. Sangha members are not required to attend the sesshin in order to participate in the walk. Please plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes early to help us get organized and receive instructions.
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