Sometimes we don’t realize our connection until an event causes us to converge. We’re seeing America’s Buddhist moment. We may not know the names of the trekking monks, but we know Aloka, who’s showing us the value of a mascot, a team representative. We can converge around him–a dog.
I’ve had some memorable monastery moments: Abbey of Gethsemini in Kentucky; Glenstal Abbey in Ireland; Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center in Alabama; and Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Georgia. The Buddhist monks are introducing the monastic tradition to millions of Americans.
Aloka and friends remind me of E. Stanley Jones (1884-1973) who was elected a Methodist bishop in 1928, a position he resigned twenty-four hours later so he could continue to be a missionary in India, where he established Ashrams–places of interfaith spiritual retreat, focused on simplicity and silence.
From Gandhi: Portrait of a Friend, by E. Stanley Jones, 2019 (digital version)
ted.today 
I just ordered a copy of the Gandhi book. My first introduction to Christian writing was my utmost for his highest by Jones.
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Thank you for sharing that, Kathy. The connection between King and Gandhi has been fairly well documented, although I fear the percentage of Americans who know this connection is growing smaller each year. We have a big amnesia problem, which is one reason MAGA grew so rapidly. Voters literally had no idea what they were getting into. I guess each generation has to learn pitfalls by falling into them.
So, Kudos to you for exploring this important link. India without Gandhi is like America without George Washington or Abraham Lincoln. America without ML King, Jr. is like–well, now we know what it’s like.
You’ve taken it another step by exploring E. Stanley Jones’ book about Gandhi and the formative role it had for King. Very, very few people in 2026 have ever heard of Jones. As the world becomes smaller and the various faiths become more interactive, Jones’ groundbreaking work with Ashrams is significant.
Enjoy!
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I read Jones in 1978, right after I stopped being an atheist and right before I moved to Alabama and joined your church. I had a wonderful mentor who introduced me to his book. We have been lifelong friends and I visited her last year in Houston, where she has been living for many decades. We even took a road trip together a couple years ago around New Mexico.
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Thanks for the memory refresher! I find myself returning full circle to Gandhi, Jones, Merton, King, Cosby and others who were helpful in my young adulthood. Your presence in this cyber community, and reunions like you had with your old friend keep the embers burning for those of us with long memories!
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