Buddhist Monks’ Peace Walk Across America Captivates Communities

A group of Buddhist monks walking from Texas to Washington D.C. have captured the attention of thousands as they make their way through the American South on a 2,300-mile journey for peace. Dressed in flowing saffron and ocher robes, the monks and their rescue dog Aloka have become an unexpected source of solace for many Americans seeking respite from national division and conflict.

The journey, which began on October 26, 2025, at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, is scheduled to conclude in mid-February in the nation’s capital. There, the monks plan to petition Congress to recognize Buddha’s day of birth and enlightenment (Vesak) as a federal holiday.

“My hope is, when this walk ends, the people we met will continue practicing mindfulness and find peace,” said the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group’s soft-spoken leader who is completing the trek barefoot despite injuries from stepping on rocks, nails, and glass.

The 18 monks, who practice Theravada Buddhism, have attracted growing crowds at each stop along their route through six states. Their message of peace and mindfulness has resonated across ideological lines, with thousands gathering in churchyards, town squares, and city halls to meet them. Their social media accounts have amassed millions of followers who track their daily progress.

Last Saturday, the monks received an especially warm welcome in Columbia, South Carolina, where they chanted on the State House steps and received an official proclamation from Mayor Daniel Rickenmann before thousands of onlookers.

Physical Challenges and Dedication

The journey has not been without hardship. On November 19, as the monks walked along U.S. Highway 90 near Dayton, Texas, a distracted truck driver struck their escort vehicle, injuring two monks. One monk lost his leg in the accident, reducing the group from 19 to 18.

At their stop in Saluda, South Carolina, Audrie Pearce was moved to tears after driving four hours from Little River to see the monks. “There’s something traumatic and heart-wrenching happening in our country every day,” said Pearce, who describes herself as spiritual but not religious. “I looked into their eyes and I saw peace. They’re putting their bodies through such physical torture and yet they radiate peace.”

The monks have maintained their practice of sleeping outdoors in tents throughout the journey, regardless of weather conditions. While this walk is Pannakara’s first in the United States, he previously walked across several South Asian countries, including a 112-day journey through India in 2022.

During that Indian trek, Pannakara met Aloka, an Indian Pariah dog whose name means “divine light” in Sanskrit. Once a stray, the dog followed Pannakara and other monks from Kolkata to the Nepal border. When Aloka fell critically ill during the journey, Pannakara nursed him back to health. Now, the monk says Aloka inspires him to continue when he feels like giving up.

Community Connections

The monks’ presence has sparked unexpected gatherings in small towns across the South. In Opelika, Alabama, the Rev. Patrick Hitchman-Craig hosted them at his United Methodist congregation on Christmas night. He anticipated a small turnout but was stunned when approximately 1,000 people arrived.

“Anyone who is working for peace in the world in a way that is public and sacrificial is standing close to the heart of Jesus, whether or not they share our tradition,” said Hitchman-Craig. “I was blown away by the number of people and the diversity of who showed up.”

The following day, about 200 people gathered at Collins Farm in Cusseta, Alabama, to greet the monks. Judy Collins Allen, whose family operates the farm, described an unusual sense of community among strangers. “There was a calm, warmth and sense of community among people who had not met each other before and that was so special,” she said.

A Tradition of Peace Walks

According to Brooke Schedneck, professor of religion at Rhodes College in Memphis, the tradition of peace walks in Theravada Buddhism originated in the 1990s with Venerable Maha Ghosananda, a Cambodian monk who led marches through landmine-riddled areas to foster healing after his country’s civil war and genocide.

“These walks really inspire people and inspire faith,” Schedneck explained. “The core intention is to have others watch and be inspired, not so much through words, but through how they are willing to make this sacrifice by walking and being visible.”

Long Si Dong, a spokesperson for the Fort Worth temple, emphasized that their Congressional appeal for recognizing Vesak would “acknowledge it as a day of reflection, compassion and unity for all people regardless of faith.” Pannakara has repeatedly stated that the monks aren’t seeking to convert people to Buddhism but rather to help individuals achieve peace in their lives.

For many attendees, the impact has been profound. Becki Gable drove nearly 400 miles from Cullman, Alabama, to meet the monks in Saluda, seeking solace after losing her daughter and parents. “I just felt in my heart that this would help me have peace,” she said.

Following Pannakara’s teaching, Gable now begins each day by writing five words on a piece of paper: “Today is my peaceful day.”