02/01/2026
“Aloka” - The Light of Noble Companionship
By: Bhante Devananda
When we hear the name “Aloka,” a truly extraordinary story comes to mind. It is the story of a dog who walks mile after mile alongside Buddhist monks in America, leading the way with them on a noble journey.
Once, Aloka was a stray dog wandering the streets of India, suffering from hunger, abuse, and hardship. Today, not only is the whole world speaking about him, but countless people are also blessing him. When these monks were on a walking peace pilgrimage in India, they encountered Aloka and decided to take him under their compassionate care and bring him with them to America. From that moment on, Aloka grew up under their loving protection.
Indeed, this world is truly wondrous. The story of Aloka, once a stray dog, beautifully demonstrates the immense power of associating with noble and virtuous people (kalyāṇa mitta – spiritual friends).
The Mangala Sutta teaches: “Patirūpa dēsha vāso ca - Pubbē ca katha Punnatā
“Living in a suitable place and having done meritorious deeds in the past are great blessings.”
Aloka’s life today clearly illustrates the truth of these words and the priceless value of good spiritual companionship.
Because of his association with noble friends, Aloka’s gentle behavior has become a topic of admiration everywhere. Having received the noble friendship of the Supreme Sangha, he is now blessed with the love and compassion of people around the world.
Like a messenger who extinguishes the flames of war and spreads the voice of peace, Aloka now walks many miles together with the Sangha on this Peace Walk. Although born as an animal, he teaches us humans a profound lesson—the value of noble friendship.
We all have friends in our lives. A good friend can guide someone who has gone astray back onto the right path. If the monks had left Aloka behind in India, he might still be wandering the streets, hungry, abused, and suffering. But because our monks looked upon him with compassion and extended their hands in kindness, he found refuge—and today the world loves him.
This shows us that whenever we perform wholesome deeds with pure intention, nature itself creates the conditions for goodness to flourish. Aloka demonstrates the timeless truth that compassion and loving-kindness can transform even the whole world.
If you, who are blessed with human birth, associate with the noble friend called the Dhamma, your life too will become even more meaningful and beautiful. Today, we can see large crowds in America gathering to receive blessings from the Sangha as they walk miles with Aloka on this journey of peace.
The Buddha’s words ring true:
“Bhikkhus, wander forth for the welfare of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans.”
Our venerable Sangha, who walk on this Peace Pilgrimage, exemplify this sacred instruction and stand as a shining example to the entire world.
Guided by the true essence of the Buddha’s teaching, Aloka—the dog endowed with Bodhisatta-like qualities—together with the Maha Sangha, has made the message of non-violence and peace a living reality across the world.
The Mangala Sutta also says: “Samanānan ca Dassanam - Ethan Mangala Muttaman”
“To see the Noble Ones is the highest blessing.”
Today, tens of thousands of devotees line the streets of America to see the Sangha, to offer alms, and to receive their blessings. How fortunate it is to see America adorned in saffron robes! Setting aside wealth and power, people are drawing closer to the true meaning of spiritual happiness and realizing where real treasure truly lies.
We respectfully bow in homage to Aloka and to our noble Maha Sangha, who carry the message of peace to the entire world.
May Aloka and the Maha Sangha, who have joined this Peace Walk to illuminate a world clouded by greed, hatred, and delusion with the light of wisdom, be successful.
May this pilgrimage help extinguish the fires of war and bring the dawn of peace to the world.
May you be blessed by the Triple Gem!
