The five major world religions—Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism—share a foundational commitment to peace, compassion, and harmony, as affirmed through sacred texts, teachings, and ethical traditions. That shared value is coming to life in a powerful and visible way as Buddhist monks make their way through South Carolina during a 2,300-mile Peace Walk from Texas to Washington, D.C.
The Buddhist Monks Peace Walk, which began in Texas on Oct. 26, is scheduled to conclude in the nation’s capital in February 2026. Along the way, the monks are walking for peace and unity with all people they encounter. According to the Peace Walk’s Facebook page, the monks are expected to travel through South Carolina between Jan. 10 and Jan. 20, including stops in the Upstate.
Their South Carolina journey includes entering the state across the Savannah River into Lowndesville, passing through Donalds near Shoals Junction and Ware Shoals, walking along the Tyger River near Cross Keys, and continuing on to Rock Hill. Local residents are making plans to line the streets and roadsides to offer encouragement, prayers, and well wishes as the monks pass by—an outpouring of goodwill that organizers say has been repeated throughout the journey…