Walking for Peace - Pt 1

We had been watching the evening world news on TV and there was this short reel on a group of Buddhist monks walking across the US for peace.

Suddenly, APK jumped up and cried, "Let's do it!"

"Do what?" asked the other nuns.

"Walk for peace, like these monks!" replied APK, visibly excited.

Head Nun almost choked.

"APK, are you crazy?"

"Head Nun, if the monks can do it, so can we!" she gasped, more excited than ever.

"APK," began Head Nun.  "Firstly, remember you're all women.  Do you think you can walk for miles in the hot sun and rain?  Secondly, it's not that simple.  You need to have back-up, in case one of you falls sick, or has an accident, things like that."

Ah Ying (our "Grab driver" who had taken us up to the hill temple a few times and who had also been watching the news with us) chipped in: "I can get two of my friends to join in.  They're nurses, and formerly girl scouts, they are experienced in outdoor life and they can be the support group and carry the food, water, first aid, etc.  I think it's a good idea, Head Nun!"

"I think you all have gone mad," said Head Nun, shaking her head.  

"How many are keen on this idea?" APK asked the nuns.

Five hands immediately shot up.  They belonged to the younger nuns, of course and I could see they were all bubbling with excitement.

"What about you, Vege Cat?  Will you come with us as our mascot?"

It was my turn to choke.  "Er ... I don't know....I haven't done this before..."

"You can do it, Vege Cat," said APK. "But first, we've got to plan what route we wish to take."

Head Nun's face had turned ashen.  "Are you serious?  Just because some monks started walking, you all get carried away!  No, sorry, I'm not going to let you  endanger yourselves..."

"Please, Head Nun," pleaded APK.  The other five nuns also started pleading, finally Head Nun said, "Alright, alright, let me think about it.  But first, ask yourselves, what are your intentions?  Are you doing this for publicity and fame or are you sincere like those monks?  If you can give me a satisfactory answer, then I may give you permission to go."

The six nuns huddled together whispering in low tones, then after about ten minutes, APK said, "Head Nun, you're right.  We got carried away by what we saw on TV but we are sincere, we want to bring the Dharma to the people out there.  We want to share the message of peace, love, unity and compassion. Since you worry that we may over exert ourselves, Head Nun, we shall take our time and stretch the walk into three days starting from the temple, through the village and along the river and back.  We need to stop and speak to the people living by the river who hardly know anything about the Lord Buddha's teachings. If we start from the temple at say 6.30 a.m., we should be back at the temple by 6 p.m. on the third day."

Head Nun hesitated.  It was true those families living by the river hardly come to the temple to pray or to hear sermons.  Three days with stops in-between did sound less back-breaking. The nuns would have plenty of time to rest.

"I will let you know tomorrow," Head Nun said.  It was not surprising that the nuns hardly slept that night, excited as they were and they kept insisting that I should follow them on the walk.  I told them I would only go if Head Nun agreed, so we left it at that.

The next morning, after meditation, we gathered in the kitchen for breakfast and everyone was looking expectantly at Head Nun, waiting for an answer.  

Seeing all eyes on her, Head Nun reluctantly said, "Alright, you may go as you plan from the village to the river and back......(here she was interrupted by cries of "Yay" and "Hurray" from the nuns).... but on two conditions.  This walk shall only be for three days, no more, and I want all of you to take a vow of silence, I don't want you to speak to anyone from the media or to anyone for that matter. You may give short sermons as and when appropriate, and that shall be all the talking you do.  Is that clear?"

Later, Head Nun said to me, "Vege Cat, I must be crazy to agree to this mad plan of theirs. I prayed to the Lord Buddha last night for guidance and this morning, when I woke up, something inside me told me not to refuse them,"  She sighed, then said, "I hope I'm doing the right thing. Oh dear, I won't be able to sleep until you all return."

"Head Nun, don't worry, we shall be safe."

The nuns chose the first day of the 12th month of the Chinese calendar to start their peace walk, this being an auspicious day.  They had about two weeks to get ready and they started exercising  and training themselves, while Ah Ying went to buy all the necessities.  Soon the word got round and people started donating mineral water, buns, etc.  Someone even donated fans with the word "Peace"!

The big day came and Head Nun was almost in tears as she bade us goodbye.  "Remember your mission, my dears and if you don't come back by the third day, I'm calling the Police," she wailed.  Ah Ying assured her that her friends would keep in touch through their mobile phones and that everything would be okay.

There was already a small group of people at the temple gate waiting for us to depart.  Some were fully supportive of our walk while some sneered and laughed at us. We ignored whatever comments they made and trudged through the village in single file and in high spirits.  It was still early and not many people had woken up yet. The two young nurses followed behind us carrying our supplies and first aid in their backpacks.  

On the way to the river, we had to pass Ah Hoe's hut and he was already waiting for us to serve breakfast.  We had hot sweet potato broth which warmed our insides and after about half an hour, we moved on.  A few members of the local press followed us and took some pictures but after seeing that we're not talking to anyone, they left.

And so began Day 1 of our Walk for Peace.

(To be continued)