A Dog Traveling for Global Peace and Compassion
News Summary
- ‘Peace Dog’ Aloka, a messenger of world peace, has arrived in Kathmandu via Lumbini.
- Aloka came to Nepal with Vietnamese monk Panyakar and plans to perform the Swayambhu parikrama and meet President Ramchandra Paudel.
- Found abandoned on Indian streets, this dog gained fame after completing a 2300-mile walk in the U.S. alongside Buddhist monks.
It was midday. The sun blazed high. At Swayambhu’s elevation, a cool breeze stirred multicolored prayer flags. At that moment, climbing the stairs of Anandkuti Bihar, a dog appeared. Around its neck was a scarf inscribed with Aloka: Peace Ambassador.
This was the same dog who serves as a messenger of world peace and compassion.
This was the dog who walked 2,300 miles across the United States, accompanying 19 Buddhist monks on a peace walk.
This was the dog who once lived a stray life on the streets of India.
Once wandering in search of a meal and safe shelter, this dog has now become a ‘celebrity.’
Aloka, the Peace Dog—today, this name is known worldwide. Traveling with Buddhist monks on a global peace mission, Aloka just landed in Kathmandu from Lumbini by a Buddha Air flight. The airline expressed its joy on social media for welcoming Aloka on board.
Accompanied by the group of monks, Aloka rested at Anandkuti Bihar after arriving from the airport. Later, he climbed to Swayambhu with a long crowd of admirers following him. After completing the circumambulation of Swayambhu, the dog headed to the presidential residence.
Throughout this dynamic journey, Aloka appeared calm and gentle. There was a crowd eager not only to take photos with him but also to touch him.
Who is Aloka? How did he come to accompany Buddhist monks? How did he embark on this global peace journey? Before delving into this story, let’s review his current itinerary.
Aloka accompanied Vietnamese monk Panyakar, who has been touring India for over a week. They arrived in Lumbini via Sunauli and completed a peace walk from the Eternal Peace Island to the Mayadevi Temple. The monks received a grand welcome at the Mayadevi Temple.
After arriving in Kathmandu today, Aloka is scheduled to perform parikrama of Buddhist sites including Swayambhu and meet President Ramchandra Paudel before returning to India tomorrow.
Now, let us turn back to Aloka’s story.
Aloka’s journey began in India when he was about four years old. While Buddhist monks were walking on foot, Aloka spontaneously joined their group. He was not trained, nor was he coaxed into following them. He chose the company of the monks himself.
Photos: Aryan Dhimal.