In a world filled with division, greed, hatred and delusion, we are in need of peace, not separately, but together. As part of the Buddha’s path, we cultivate and practice mindful walking, embodying wholesome qualities, such as kindness and peace for ourselves and all beings. Drawing on inspiration from the the recent 2,300 mile, 108-day Walk for Peace, led by Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara and his fellow Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center that began in Fort Worth, Texas and concluded in Washington DC on February 10th this year, InsightLA invites you to join in this opportunity to walk together in peace in this spirit. The intention is to raise awareness for peace, inner mindfulness and unity amidst social and political division in Los Angeles, the US and beyond.
We’ll be adapting this walk of peace to take place in one day, beginning in the morning with community intention setting at 9am at Hollywood Forever Cemetery (where InsightLA offers a weekly Monday night Community Sit) and ending with lunch together at Tongva Park (1615 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica), this 12-mile walk (approximately 4.5 hours), will be led by InsightLA teachers. Participants are invited to walk the entire length, or walk for part of the way.
Alternative shorter walk option (1.5 Miles)
If you prefer a shorter route, join us at 1:15 PM at the InsightLA Santa Monica Center (1430 Olympic Blvd) for instructions and a guided meditation. At about 2:00 PM, the Hollywood walkers meet at ILA for a brief break and all will walk the final 1.5 miles together to Tongva Park.
What to wear/bring
To signify the walk, those participating are invited to wear a simple white top, such as a t-shirt, preferably without any prominent words or designs. Wear comfortable shoes, bring friends, pets welcome, bring your own water, snacks, and lunch.
Volunteers Needed
We need 6-8 safety monitors to help guide both groups and greet walkers at the finish line. Please click the “Volunteer for this event” button on the left menu to register your interest.
Transportation
Carpooling or using rideshares (like Uber/Lyft) to and from the start or end points is highly encouraged for ease of parking.
Parking and Driving Instructions
If beginning at Hollywood Cemetery, kindly park on surrounding streets, not inside the gates of the cemetery. Please arrive by 8:30-8:45, and gather at the grass area out front of the gate by 9am for practice and guidance together before we
will begin our walk.
The walking route from HFC to InsightLA Santa Monica, and ending at Tongva Park.
Walk west along Santa Monica Blvd through Hollywood, West Hollywood (their will be a short restroom break at West Hollywood Park) and Beverly Hills. After passing under the 405 freeway, turning left on Corinth Ave and then right onto Colorado Boulevard, continuing to head west. Then turning left again onto 20th St. and right onto Olympic Boulevard all the way to the InsightLA Center at 1430 Olympic. Both groups will come together here, turning right on 14th St. and then left on Colorado Boulevard walking all the way to Tongva Park, where the walk ends with a picnic (exact spot will be nearby restrooms on the large grass area or nearby picnic tables)
We can walk together. Not in protest. Not in anger, but in peace, making every step a prayer, every mile a message that peace is possible. Kindness and peace is the footprint left on every heart that is passed.
For more about the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center’s Walk for Peace: https://dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace/
