Buddhist Monks' Peace Walk Concludes in Washington, D.C.

Wed Feb 11 2026 01:43:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A group of Buddhist monks has completed a monumental peace walk from Texas to Washington, D.C., captivating Americans with their message of mindfulness and compassion.

The Buddhist monks, joined by their rescue dog Aloka, have inspired people across the U.S. with their 2,300-mile journey advocating for peace. The trek concludes with public appearances in Washington, D.C., highlighting the importance of mindfulness in overcoming divisiveness. Festival-filled crowds greeted the monks along their route, with reflections on compassion resonating deeply in today's polarized society.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Concluding a journey that has touched the hearts of many across the nation, a group of Buddhist monks is set to arrive in the U.S. capital to advocate for peace, capping a captivating 2,300-mile trek from Texas.

Dressed in saffron robes and accompanied by their rescue dog Aloka, the monks have captured the attention of social media and local communities, drawing thousands of supporters who came out to witness their peaceful procession since they started their journey on October 26, 2025.

My hope is that when the walk ends, those we've met will continue practicing mindfulness and strive for peace, remarked Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group’s leader, who has shared teachings on mindfulness at various stops along the way.

As part of their concluding days, the monks are scheduled to hold outdoor events at Washington National Cathedral and the Lincoln Memorial, expected to further inspire commitment to compassion and community peace.

Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde expressed support for this initiative, stating, Their long journey invites us to strengthen our dedication to compassion and peace. A special interfaith reception is planned for the monks at the cathedral where diverse leaders will gather to celebrate their message.

The monks have amazed crowds from small towns to major cities as they traversed the southern states, inspiring engagement and openness toward ideas of Buddhism, often unfamiliar to many.

Mark Duykers, a retired engineer and mindfulness practitioner, and his wife plan to travel 550 miles to witness the monks’ final arrival in person, reflecting on how their peaceful march has fostered unity in a time of division across the country.

Starting this monumental walk with 19 monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, the journey was about spiritual offerings rather than political statements. While they have plans to promote the declaration of Buddha’s birthday as a national holiday, Pannakara emphasized the main goal was to encourage peace through everyday actions.

Their experience has not been without challenges, including a serious incident involving their escort vehicle that left two monks injured. Despite setbacks, the monks engaged in the walk barefoot at times to foster a deeper connection to the earth, embracing both trials and triumphs of their pilgrimage.

As they prepare to conclude their journey, marking a sacred number of 108 days of walking recognized in Buddhist tradition as a representation of spiritual wholeness, the impact of their message continues to resonate far beyond their physical presence.

Post their appearance events, a bus will transport them back to Texas, with plans to once again walk the final six miles to the temple where their journey began, symbolizing a community united in peace and mindfulness.