‘Peace Begins With Us’: Buddhist Monks Bring Pilgrimage to Cabarrus County

On a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace, head monk Bhikkhu Pannakara told hundreds gathered Friday that true peace cannot be given — it must be created through awareness and compassion.

Bhikkhu Pannakara and the other monks making their way through Cabarrus County. Photo credit: Michael Anderson.

Bhikkhu Pannakara stepped across rock and cracked pavement Friday morning as he and fellow Buddhist monks made their way from zMAX Dragway to Mount Olivet United Methodist Church. His pace was steady and unhurried, even as rocks pressed into his bare feet.