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Buddhist Monks Conclude Cross-Country “Walk for Peace” in Washington D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A group of Buddhist monks, whose cross-country “Walk for Peace” has captivated the nation, is set to arrive in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, completing a remarkable journey that began in Fort Worth, Texas.
The monks, recognizable by their saffron robes, have become a familiar sight on social media, often accompanied by their rescue dog, Aloka. Their simple message of peace, compassion, and nonviolence has resonated deeply across the U.S., offering a welcome reprieve from the country’s ongoing conflicts and political divisions. Thousands have lined Southern roadsides since late October to witness the monks’ quiet, single-file procession.
“My hope is, when this walk ends, the people we met will continue practicing mindfulness and find peace,” stated the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group’s soft-spoken leader, who has shared teachings on mindfulness at various stops along the route.
The final days of their “Walk for Peace” will include public appearances at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday and the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday. Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde, who will co-host an interfaith reception for the monks at the cathedral, remarked, “Their long journey and gentle witness invite us all to deepen our commitment to compassion and the work of peace in our communities.”
The monks have expressed surprise at how their message has transcended ideological divides. Millions have followed their journey online, and significant crowds have greeted them in diverse locations, from a church in Opelika, Alabama, to City Hall in Richmond, Virginia.
Mark Duykers, a retired mechanical engineer and practitioner of mindfulness, plans to drive 550 miles from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Washington to see the monks. “In these divisive times, we saw entire towns in the Bible Belt coming out for these monks – having no idea of what Buddhism is – but being uplifted and moved by it,” he noted. “That’s inspirational.”
Nineteen monks initially embarked on the 2,300-mile journey from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth on October 26, 2023. Hailing from Theravada Buddhist monasteries worldwide, they were led by Pannakara, who serves as vice president of the Fort Worth temple.
While in the nation’s capital, the monks intend to submit a request to lawmakers to declare Vesak – Buddha’s birthday – a national holiday. However, Pannakara and others have emphasized that this is not the primary objective of the walk.
Long Si Dong, a spokesperson for the temple, clarified that the walk is neither a political movement nor focused on advocacy or legislation. “It’s a spiritual offering – an invitation to live peace through everyday actions, mindful steps and open hearts,” he explained.
“We believe when peace is cultivated within, it naturally ripples outward into society.”
The trek has not been without its challenges. Local law enforcement agencies have provided security along the route. In November, outside Houston, two monks were injured, one requiring a leg amputation, when their escort vehicle was struck by a truck while they were walking on a highway shoulder.
Several monks, including Pannakara, have walked barefoot or in socks for much of the journey to maintain a direct connection with the ground and foster presence in the moment. Despite facing snow and cold, they have adapted by wearing winter boots when necessary.
Peace walks are a revered tradition in Theravada Buddhism. Pannakara first encountered Aloka, an Indian Pariah dog whose name signifies “divine light” in Sanskrit, during a 112-day journey across India in 2022.
The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique central to attaining enlightenment as taught by the Buddha. This practice emphasizes the mind-body connection, utilizing observation of breath and physical sensations to comprehend reality, impermanence, and suffering.
On Tuesday, the monks will complete 108 days of walking, a number held sacred in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, symbolizing spiritual completion, cosmic order, and the wholeness of existence.
Their return trip promises to be less arduous. Following an appearance at Maryland’s Capitol, a bus will transport them back to Texas, with an anticipated arrival in downtown Fort Worth early Saturday. From there, the monks will once again walk together, traversing 6 miles to the temple where their remarkable journey began.