In late October 2025, a group of 19 Buddhist monks — and their beloved canine companion, Aloka — set off for a 2,300-mile trek across the United States, calling for peace.
They began their “Walk for Peace” in Fort Worth, Texas, with a final destination of Washington, D.C. They are expected to arrive in D.C. soon, where they will host a gathering at the United States Capitol to share remarks about healing and unity with the public.
The monks have traversed inclement weather, faced injuries, and even paused for Aloka to receive an orthopedic surgery, but nothing has deterred them from the matter at hand.
And in a recent update, they shared that their journey, though soon coming to a close, will never truly end.
“As we draw closer to Washington, DC, we sense that many people are worried that this journey is coming to an end — that once we reach our destination, the Walk for Peace will be over,” the monks shared on social media.
“Please be assured: while this physical journey will conclude, the Walk for Peace will not end.”
The monks walk through Raleigh, North Carolina in January. Their journey has taken them across eight states. Photo courtesy of Raleigh Police Department
They reiterated that their 2,300-mile journey will soon meet its final destination, but that peace itself is “not a destination we reach and then leave behind.”
Their message of peace itself is something that has no finality.
“Peace is a path we walk together every single day — in every choice made, every kind word spoken, and every compassionate action taken,” they wrote.
“The miles may end, but the journey for peace continues. The road may conclude, but the spirit of peace nurtured together will keep growing, blooming, and spreading through each and every one of us.”
The monks encouraged followers to “stay tuned” on their page, as they plan to share more updates, continue to “nurture” peace, and foster community, compassion, and unity long after the physical walk ends.
Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group’s leader, speaks at a recent gathering in Raleigh, North Carolina. Photo courtesy of Raleigh Police Department
In fact, they affirmed that most of the growing support of their movement has been a fully spiritual experience, with people following along, not only in-person, but in their own individual lives.
“Everyone has walked with us in spirit. Everyone has welcomed us with open hearts and shown us that peace is alive and possible,” the monks concluded.
“Now, together, we will continue this walk —not just for a season, but for a lifetime.”
After a large greeting of an estimated 10,000 people in Richmond, Virginia last weekend, and completing their 103rd day of walking on Thursday, the group estimates they will arrive in Washington, D.C. on February 10.
They have also called for other venerable monks and nuns to meet them there.
“With deep respect and warm hearts, we extend a sincere invitation to all venerable monks and nuns from all traditions to join us at our peace gathering and events in Washington, DC, on February 10 and 11, 2026,” the group shared in a blog post.
“As we approach the destination of this 2,300-mile journey for peace, we would be profoundly honored to welcome monastics from all Buddhist traditions to walk and gather with us in our nation’s capital. This is a precious opportunity for everyone to come together in the spirit of unity, compassion, and shared purpose.”
After spending two days in D.C., the group is expected to take a bus back to Fort Worth, Texas, where they will walk six miles back to their temple. All are invited to join them on their final walk home.
“With deep gratitude and endless hope,” they concluded in an Instagram post, “we walk forward together.”
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Header image courtesy of Walk for Peace
