As the 21st century began with promises of progress, it quickly became permeated by normalized violence, characterized by aggressive leadership and hate speech, amidst a backdrop of a global pandemic and undeniable climate change. In this troubling landscape, empathy appears increasingly naive rather than an essential condition for democratic coexistence, transforming aggression from an excess to a preferred method of interaction. The adversary is misconceived not as a potential partner for dialogue but as an enemy to be destroyed.

Amidst this tumultuous environment rife with noise and chaos, a profound question arises: what resonates more deeply with humanity, explicit violence or silent testimony? Responding to the latter, a group of Buddhist monks has embarked on a remarkable journey, walking over 3,700 kilometers from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C. Their approach diverges from the conventional as they neither raise banners nor shout slogans, but choose to simply walk, embodying peaceful resistance.

This silent pilgrimage attracts the attention of onlookers, as individuals from various backgrounds pause to reflect and bow their heads in contemplation. The monks are demonstrating that there are alternative, quiet methods to express dissent, challenging society to consider the impact of silence in contrast to the cacophony of aggressive rhetoric. Their journey not only highlights the urgency of their message against violence but also emphasizes the power of peaceful existence and the strength found in community over conflict.