“Monks, there are five great benefits to the practice of walking back and forth. What are these five?
First, one becomes fit for long journeys. A monk who diligently practices walking develops strength and endurance. Whether traveling by foot to distant villages to spread the teachings or journeying across forests and mountains, one’s body remains strong and capable of enduring the hardships of travel.
Second, one becomes fit for striving. Walking meditation fosters a sense of determination. Just as one continues to place foot after foot on the ground, so too does one build the resilience and mental fortitude required for deeper meditation and the pursuit of higher states of mind. This continuous movement sharpens the mind, preparing it for the tasks of concentration, insight, and liberation.
Third, one has little disease. The body that is active remains free from illness. The walking monk, by engaging in this practice, allows the body’s natural processes to flow smoothly. Circulation improves, energy is balanced, and the ailments that often arise from a sedentary life are kept at bay. A healthy body is an essential foundation for the healthy mind needed for meditation and awakening.
Fourth, that which is eaten, drunk, chewed, and tasted goes through proper digestion. By walking after meals, the body aids in the digestion of food. The nutrients are absorbed more effectively, and the discomfort that sometimes follows eating is avoided. A body that digests well provides clarity and energy, making the mind more alert and focused.
Finally, the composure attained through walking back and forth is long-lasting. The practice of walking is not merely physical. It fosters a calmness of mind that remains with the practitioner long after the feet have ceased to move. The mindfulness cultivated in this simple act strengthens one’s ability to maintain composure and equanimity, not just while walking, but in all aspects of life.
These, monks, are the five benefits of walking back and forth.”
The Buddha then turned to the assembly of monks and said, “Consider these benefits not just as words, but as a practice. For in this walking, you engage both body and mind in a manner that leads to health, strength, and wisdom. Walk with awareness, step with mindfulness, and may the fruits of this simple practice lead you toward the cessation of suffering.”
The monks listened attentively, understanding that even in such a seemingly simple act as walking, there was profound value to be realized. And from that day onward, many among the Sangha took to walking meditation with renewed energy and determination. They walked not only to move their bodies but to still their minds, and in that stillness, they found a path toward inner peace and enlightenment.
Wisdom Tea 