Buddhist Monks Conclude 2,300-Mile "Walk for Peace" in Washington D.C.

A group of 19 Buddhist monks has concluded a 2,300-mile "Walk for Peace," arriving in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The journey, which began on October 26, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, aimed to spread a message of peace and mindfulness across the United States.

Journey Details

The pilgrimage originated from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Nineteen monks from Theravada Buddhist monasteries in Thailand, Vietnam, France, the USA, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka participated, accompanied by an Indian rescue dog named Aloka.

The group, led by Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, completed the 3,700-kilometer trek in 108 days, a number significant in several Eastern religions. A support team managed logistics, including meals and lodging, as the monks walked daily through varying weather conditions, including snow and cold. Some monks, including Venerable Pannakara, walked barefoot or in socks for much of the journey.

Purpose and Message

The stated purpose of the walk was to advocate for peace, foster inner peace, and promote compassion.

According to Chien Lee, the walk's coordinator, and Long Si Dong, a spokesperson for the originating temple, the journey was not politically or religiously motivated despite its route through various state capitals and its eventual destination in Washington D.C.

It was described as a spiritual offering intended to cultivate peace through daily actions and encourage individuals to "unlock" their inner peace through mindfulness, a practice Venerable Pannakara emphasized is not exclusive to Buddhism.

Public Engagement and Challenges

The "Walk for Peace" garnered significant public attention and support throughout its duration, with its social media pages accumulating millions of followers. Thousands of individuals observed the monks' procession, gathering along roadsides and at venues such as a church in Opelika, Alabama, and City Hall in Richmond, Virginia. Crowds offered support, flowers, snacks, and shared stories.

However, the journey also encountered challenges. In November, an escort vehicle for the monks was involved in a collision with a truck outside Houston, resulting in injuries to two monks. Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan, abbot of a temple in Snellville, Georgia, required a leg amputation as a result of the accident but later rejoined the group near Washington D.C., participating in events from a wheelchair. Additionally, over a dozen Christian protestors followed the monks at various points, displaying signs such as "Jesus Saves" and, in some instances, yelling "Christ is coming to set you free," viewing the walk as a religious movement promoting Buddhism.

Conclusion in Washington D.C.

Upon their arrival in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, the monks crossed the Chain Bridge into the District of Columbia. The Metropolitan Police Department provided traffic advisories and rolling road closures for their safety and that of spectators.

Their public engagements in the capital included a visit to the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday afternoon, where they were welcomed by thousands of attendees and leaders from various faith traditions, including Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde, who hosted an interfaith reception.

Venerable Pannakara addressed the gathering, expressing being moved by the shared commitment to peace and guiding attendees in a brief mindfulness exercise.

The monks were also scheduled to appear at the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday.

Kimberly Bassett, Secretary of State for the District of Columbia, presented the monks with an official proclamation acknowledging their pilgrimage's role in bringing people together. While in Washington D.C., the monks intend to submit a request to lawmakers to establish Vesak, Buddha's birthday, as a national holiday, though temple representatives clarified this is not the primary objective of the walk.

Return Journey

Following an appearance at Maryland's Capitol, the monks will travel by bus back to Texas. They are expected to arrive in downtown Fort Worth on Saturday, where they will complete a final 6-mile (9.6-kilometer) walk to the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center, the temple where their journey began. Venerable Pannakara expressed a hope that participants and observers would continue practicing mindfulness after the walk's conclusion.