Since October 2025, a group of 19 Buddhist monks — and their beloved canine companion, Aloka — have been on 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. After 109 days, they have arrived at the nation’s capital, where they will soon share an address to the nation about peace and unity.
During their journey, the monks have faced injuries, paused for Aloka to receive an orthopedic surgery, and have traversed inclement weather.
But it all culminates today in a reverent celebration of their efforts, which anyone can stream from home.
The monks entered Washington, D.C. on Tuesday morning. Photo courtesy of Walk for Peace
According to the Walk for Peace social media pages, the afternoon’s remarks will be held at the Lincoln Memorial at 2:30 to 4 p.m. EST. Following this, the group’s leader, Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, will lead a “global loving-kindness meditation” from 4:30-7:30 p.m. EST.
There are three places people can stream the afternoon’s events:
“We warmly invite you to be part of these moments, whether you join us in person or online from anywhere in the world,” the group shared. “Your presence and your meditation are a vital part of this collective energy for peace.”
After spending one day in D.C., the group has already held an interfaith prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral, led a unity walk with countless supporters on Embassy Row, and are about to begin their walk on Capitol Hill toward the Lincoln Memorial.
“Our hearts are overflowing with a quiet, profound gratitude … To be welcomed by thousands of souls in our nation’s capital was a gift beyond measure,” the group reflected on their first day in D.C.
“As we moved through the streets, we looked out and saw a beautiful river of peace — thousands of hearts walking side by side. People from every culture, tradition, faith, and walk of life moved together as one. In those gentle steps, we saw what unity truly looks like; we felt what peace truly is.”
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.
“We felt supported by your hope and strengthened by your shared belief that a more peaceful world is possible,” they concluded in a recent update, “one step at a time.”
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Header image courtesy of Walk for Peace
