Buddhist Monks Complete Peace Walk to Washington, D.C.

Tue Feb 10 2026 11:48:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A group of Buddhist monks has completed a 2,300-mile walk advocating for peace, arriving in Washington, D.C. on a message of mindfulness and unity.

Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center have walked from Texas to Washington, D.C. over 108 days, advocating for peace and mindfulness. Their journey, which included an injured monk and community gatherings, illustrates the transcendent power of their spiritual message across the nation. While in D.C., they plan to request Buddha's birthday to be recognized as a national holiday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A group of Buddhist monks is set to conclude their long journey in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, finishing a remarkable 2,300-mile trek from Texas that has captured nationwide attention.

The monks, adorned in their traditional saffron robes and accompanied by their rescue dog, Aloka, have walked to advocate for peace—a mission that has resonated deeply across the U.S. amid a backdrop of political divisions and societal conflict. The group, which started their journey on October 26, has seen a surge of support as thousands gathered along the Southern roads to witness their peaceful procession.

“My hope is, when this walk ends, the people we met will continue practicing mindfulness and find peace,” expressed Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group's leader, whose teachings on mindfulness have accompanied their journey.

To commemorate the final days of their walk, the monks will hold outdoor events at notable locations in Washington, including the Washington National Cathedral and the Lincoln Memorial.

Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde voiced support for the monks, stating, “Their long journey and gentle witness invite us all to deepen our commitment to compassion and the work of peace in our communities.” An interfaith reception will also be held in their honor at the cathedral.

The monks have been surprised by the widespread appeal of their message, which transcends ideological boundaries. As they approach D.C., the monks plan to submit a request to lawmakers advocating for the declaration of Vesak—Buddha’s birthday—as a national holiday, although they clarify that the walk’s principal purpose is not legislative but spiritual.

“It’s a spiritual offering—an invitation to live peace through everyday actions, mindful steps, and open hearts,” emphasized Long Si Dong, a spokesperson for the temple. The monks view the act of walking as a meditative practice, focusing on the mind-body connection important in Vipassana meditation.

The journey has not been without challenges; tragic incidents such as a truck colliding with an escort vehicle, which resulted in injuries to two monks, highlighted the journey's physical toll. Yet, the monks persisted, with many choosing to walk barefoot to deepen their connection to the earth.

On Tuesday, the monks will complete their 108-day journey, a number rich in spiritual significance across various Buddhist texts. Their return trip will be less taxing as they plan to travel back to Texas by bus, concluding with a short walk from downtown Fort Worth to their temple.

The story of these monks and their commitment to peace invites reflection in a society longing for unity and mindfulness amidst the chaos.