India, Jan. 6 -- Aloka's journey began not with intention, but with instinct.

During a 100-daypeacewalk across India, a group ofBuddhist monksencountered a stray dog who quietly began following them.

Without training, command, or coaxing, the dog appeared to choose the monks as his family.

They named him Aloka, a word associated with light and clarity, and continued their march for harmony with their unexpected companion walking faithfully beside them.

Believed to be an Indian Pariah dog, Aloka stayed with the monks through long days on the road, heat, fatigue, and uncertainty, gradually becoming an inseparable part of the walk.

Loyalty tested on Indian roads

Aloka's devotion was tested early in the journey.

During the Indian leg o...