Peace Flags
From Wikipedia: : The Walk for Peace is a long-distance pilgrimage in the United States initiated by Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., promoting peace, compassion, and nonviolence. The walk began on October 26, 2025, and is planned to span approximately 2,300 miles in 110 days, concluding in February 2026."
Yesterday the 19 monks on their Walk for Peace came through Raleigh. I didn't get to go see them in person, but luckily, I clicked on the news just as they were a few blocks from the domed old state Capital building. As I watched the "live video" I was struck by the quiet that surrounded their walk down Hillsboro Street.. en route from Texas to Washington D.C... A single line of saffron robed monks walking in the middle of the 4-lane city street...solidly lined on both sides with layers of people bundled up against the 26 degree weather... the hum of the WRAL drone the only noise.
A few minutes later the lead monk gave his talk to the crowd of several thousands... all races, ages, and denominations.. he encouraged us to watch our breath... inhaling and exhaling while creating mindfulness and living in that state of mindfulness. He admonished us to look at ourselves in the mirror every day and clean away the dirt and soil of our lives so we could see ourselves clearly. And he counseled us to write down the words, "Today is going to be our peaceful day." He said if we wrote it down, then it would be more powerful, then it would "stick". I have always thought the written word was powerful... chisled in stone... As a book artist I have made that concept a part of my work.
I was reminded of a book I made years ago and constructed as Buddhist prayer flags. These are the flags and the poem Peace Flags... hand-dyed, handwritten, and block printed... to make it stick.
The Blue Flag.. representing sky and space, symbolizes calmness and wisdom.
Peace, Come in
enter through this gate
and fill this place
with love
forever.
The White Flag... representing air and wind, symbolizes purity, truth, and compassion.
Peace, sleep here...
The Red Flag.. representing fire, symbolizes warmth, passion, and transformation.
Peace, whisper the words
that will end all wars
in the hearts of man
and the kingdoms of
the world.
The Green Flag... representing water, symbolizes balance, harmony, and the nurturing aspects of nature.
Peace, fly in the wind
become like the breath
invisible, irresistible, indomitable, inviolate.
Surround us in Eden's aura.
Yellow Flag... representing earth, symbolizes stability, grounding, balance.
Peace, sing hymns
for the trees and the small creatures,
for the heavens and the earth,
and for
me.
The Purple Flag....is not a traditional prayer flag color, it represents the highest power.
Peace, spread your arms
and wrap the world
in understanding
and acceptance
for all.
