Michael McNally
Someone asked for the full speech given by the George Washington University Buddhist Chaplain Amitha Khema at the Cathedral because the audio was too soft to understand. Here is it With deep gratitude,I offer my heartfelt thanks to the Bishop and to all the Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Sikh, Bahá’Ă, Indigenous, and interfaith spiritual leaders who embraced our call and joined the National Cathedral’s welcome on such short notice. You opened your hearts and made this sacred place feel like home for everyone. When the George Washington University Center for Interfaith and Spiritual Life ran out of options to host the Peace Walk monks in this cold weather, we will never forget how you opened every door—of the Cathedral, of the Methodist Church, and of its Sanctuary—to give the venerable monks warmth, space, and care. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” It teaches that hospitality is a sacred duty, and that when you welcome a stranger, you may be welcoming someone far more important than you realize. These monks, and our beloved Aloka, have shown us how peace, unity, mindfulness, and acceptance can be lived every day. I want to share a small story. When we told the Reverend, “We need a bigger hall for devotees to offer lunch,” he said immediately, “Take the Sanctuary.” I hesitated and said, “Are you sure? People may spill drinks, and you may have to wash all the cushions. I studied in a Catholic school—I know how sacred the Sanctuary is.” His answer was simple and full of wisdom: “When a visitor comes to your house, you treat them the best way you can. We can clean after. Welcoming them comes first.” That small moment showed how deeply all of you prepared, cared, and stood together to welcome the monks. A Sanctuary is not opened by one person alone—it opens only when the whole community shares the same generosity. The monks themselves walk not only 2,300 miles, but the most profound path the Buddha taught—a path where even in the face of hardship, one holds no anger. The Buddha said, “Even if someone cuts you into two pieces, if you hold anger, you are not following my path.” These monks embodied that teaching. Their gratitude shines in the story of Aloka, the humble dog who walked with them and received their boundless care. Their loving-kindness was tested and proven after the tragic accident on their journey, yet they continued walking with compassion, not bitterness. They showed the world what inner peace truly looks like. Hosting the Peace Walk monks in Washington, DC involved many moving pieces—some well-planned, some completely last-minute—but all united by one intention: peace. On behalf of the Peace Walk monks DC hosting team, I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced. Your patience and support carried this effort more than you know. May all of you be well, peaceful, and happy. May the blessings of this gathering continue to uplift our communities.
