Walking 2,700 kilometres barefoot might not be everyone’s idea of a spiritual journey, but for Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thích Minh Tuệ, it’s a path to enlightenment - and unexpected online fame.
Since beginning his pilgrimage to India in November, the 44-year-old has captivated social media, propelled by the enthusiasm of influencers documenting his every step.
Tuệ now has hundreds of thousands of followers on Facebook. Daily video clips posted by one of his travel companions regularly get more than 2 million views on YouTube.
His audience is captivated by his remarkable commitment to a minimalist lifestyle: Tuệ carries only a rice cooker, which doubles as his alms bowl.
Along the way, he relies on the kindness of strangers who line the roads to offer him food and water - though he insists on eating just one meal a day.
Most of his clothes are salvaged from garbage bins, reflecting his dedication to simplicity. On his journey, he is accompanied by several like-minded people.
"I walk barefoot to feel what is under my feet and to avoid stepping on insects and other living things," Tuệ tells local media. "Shoes and sandals also wear out faster than my feet."
He follows a strict interpretation of Buddhism, owning no more than three items of clothing. He lives off donations while striving to minimize his environmental impact by sleeping in places like forests, mountains or even graveyards.
Even his approach to rest is unconventional: Tuệ sleeps sitting upright to shorten his sleep time.
"When I'm very tired, I lean against a tree or a wall," he says.
Tuệ's devotion has not gone unnoticed back home in Vietnam.
In fact, his growing popularity has occasionally caused logistical headaches. Crowds of thousands gather wherever he appears, leading to traffic disruptions and public order concerns.
Last June, authorities intervened, prompting the monk to temporarily step out of the spotlight.
Meanwhile, his pilgrimage has so far taken him through Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, where he arrived in December.
His next challenge is crossing Myanmar - a nation grappling with political chaos and violence since a 2021 coup. Whether the authorities will permit him entry is uncertain.
Despite the hurdles, Tuệ’s companions are deeply inspired by his unwavering commitment. Doan Van Bau, 58, tells dpa that he is deeply impressed by the monk's humility.
"During the trip with Master Thích Minh Tuệ, I saw how he strictly adheres to the Buddhist commandments, never lets up for a moment, is modest and patient and at the same time has enormous compassion and great wisdom," Bau says.
The Vietnamese monk began his religious journey in 2015 and has since made several pilgrimages on foot throughout Vietnam.
Now, with thousands of devoted followers online and along his route, Tuệ is expected to reach India in May - a modern-day minimalist navigating the digital age, one barefoot step at a time. – dpa
