Obama's Call for "Change" Resonates In Buddhist Padyatra

June 1, 2009

Author: Kripa Krishnan

Source: The Buddhist Channel

Wire Service: PTI

http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=42,8227,0,0,1,0

What does Barack Obama have in common with the Gyalwang Drukpa, spiritual leader of the 800-year-old Buddhist sect? The answer involves some hundred volunteers who march alongside the monks and nuns of the faith through the Himalayas on a 'padyatra'.

Many of the volunteers like Carrie Lee from Los Angeles have been inspired by Obama's clarion call of "change" to take up volunteer work in the remote areas of the world like the villages in the upper reaches of the Himalayas they will be crossing during the 400 kilometre yatra.

"I have been a disciple for past 5 years and we have seen a spurt in the number of volunteers from the US. With Barack Obama coming to power, there has begun a huge movement in the American youth to go out in the world and do good.