thanks, everyone for all your advise

[Maura Santangelo]

Dear Sarah

I am leaving home regardless of what else might be going on in the
world and think that at the very least I can walk for peace.  I already
have my ticket.

> Are there any
> Buddhists out there who have ideas about blending Buddhist and
> Christian
> spirit while on this very Christian pilgrimage? Thanks. Cheers, Sarah

Do the pilgrimage with mindfulness at every step, with gratitude that
we have the ability to do it, with loving-kindness and caritas toward
every living being.  Be open to the moment, take everything as it comes
with generosity, patience, discipline, perseverance, concentration and
wisdom.  Practice tonglen when you can't.  Dedicate the merit you
gained for the benefit of all living beings when you are done. And at
the end realize that it was all empty of inherent existence.

On the more prosaic side I am considering visiting Plum village
(http://www.plumvillage.org) in France after the pilgrimage, but I will
be at Assisi before the pilgrimage. And by the way when Lama Yeshe and
Lama Zopa visited Assisi, I have heard, that lama Yeshe recognized a
kindred spirit in the Franciscans and wondered whether Christianity
lacked the system of teaching the techniques which would help others
get to the same realizations.  You may also want to read Thomas Merton,
especially his Asian journals.

Best Maura