PeaceWalk – Buddhist Monks Conclude 2,300-Mile Journey in Washington
PeaceWalk – Nineteen Buddhist monks завершed an extraordinary 2,300-mile Peace Walk in Washington, D.C., where they were greeted by members of Congress, religious leaders, and thousands of supporters. Their arrival at the nation’s capital marked the end of a 108-day journey that began in Texas and carried a simple but resonant message: peace begins within.
Lawmakers Welcome Monks at Capitol Gathering
The monks were formally received at the Peace Monument, located west of the US Capitol, during a gathering led by Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. She was joined by 22 Democratic lawmakers from both the House and Senate.
Meng described the walk as a timely reminder of the need for empathy and unity. She noted that the monks’ cross-country journey had inspired people of varied faiths and backgrounds to reflect on compassion and mutual respect in daily life.
A Journey Marked by Endurance and Reflection
The group set out on October 26, 2025, from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Centre in Fort Worth, Texas. Dressed in saffron and maroon robes, the monks walked through changing seasons, braving freezing temperatures, heavy winds, and icy pavements. Accompanying them for much of the route was a rescue dog named Aloka, who became a familiar presence to supporters along the way.
Over more than three months, the monks advanced step by step through cities and small towns, maintaining a disciplined formation and observing periods of silence. As they entered Washington, crowds lined the streets to watch them proceed in single file.
Their first major stop in the capital drew nearly 3,500 people to American University’s Bender Arena. Attendees observed a moment of silence in solidarity with the monks’ message of loving kindness and mindful living.
Interfaith Support at National Cathedral
The walk also drew participation from other faith communities. At the Washington National Cathedral, more than 100 Buddhist monks and nuns joined the group for an interfaith gathering. The event was co-hosted by Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde and highlighted the shared values of peace and understanding across traditions.
Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, who led the delegation, described the welcome in Washington as deeply moving. He said the gathering would remain a defining memory of the journey and expressed hope that the spirit of unity would endure beyond the event.
Overcoming Hardship on the Road
The trek was not without serious challenges. In November, near Houston, the monks’ escort vehicle was struck by a truck. Two monks were injured, and Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan suffered injuries that led to the loss of his leg. Despite the setback, he rejoined the group near the capital, entering the university arena in a wheelchair to sustained applause from attendees.
Supporters who walked alongside the monks in various states said the experience offered a rare opportunity for peaceful civic engagement. Jackson Vaughn, who joined the procession after it passed through his hometown, said witnessing people gather calmly and respectfully provided a hopeful counterpoint to the tensions often seen in public discourse.
A Spiritual Message, Not a Political Campaign
Organizers emphasized that the Peace Walk was rooted in spiritual practice rather than politics. Long Si Dong, a spokesperson for the temple, explained that the journey was intended as an offering — an invitation for individuals to cultivate peace through mindful steps and compassionate actions.
The monks concluded their Washington visit with a closing ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial before boarding buses back to Texas. Upon returning to downtown Fort Worth, they plan to complete the final six miles on foot to the temple where their journey began.
Peace walks have long been part of the Theravada Buddhist tradition. The monks’ practice of Vipassana meditation, which traces its origins to ancient India, focuses on awareness of breath and the connection between mind and body.
In recent years, interfaith gatherings and public peace initiatives have gained greater visibility across the United States, particularly amid periods of political division and social strain. For many who witnessed the monks’ arrival in Washington, the walk served as a reminder that small, deliberate steps can carry a message far beyond the road traveled.