Buddhist Monks Complete 2,300-Mile Walk for Peace
Earlier this year, a group of about 19 Theravada Buddhist monks completed a remarkable peace pilgrimage — a 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace” across the United States from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. The journey began in late October 2025 and took 108 days, finishing in February 2026.
Dressed in traditional saffron and maroon robes and joined by a rescue dog named Aloka (often called the “Peace Dog”), the monks traveled on foot through nine states, drawing growing crowds wherever they went. Along the way, thousands of people greeted them, sharing flowers, bracelets, and messages of support for their mission of kindness, compassion, and inner peace.
Despite facing winter storms, frigid temperatures, and even a serious accident in Texas that resulted in one monk losing a leg, the group continued without political slogans or protest banners. Their message focused on awakening peace within each person, believing that inner calm naturally ripples outward into families, communities, and society.
The walk concluded with joyful gatherings in Washington, D.C., including visits to the Washington National Cathedral, interfaith ceremonies, and moments of reflection at the Lincoln Memorial.