While chaos, violence and unrest grab the headlines, something hopeful is happening at the same time.
Buddhist monks have undertaken a 2,300-mile pilgrimage coined the “Walk for Peace.” Originating in Texas during October 2025, the trek is expected to end in Washington, D.C., in mid-February. Playing out across 10 of these United States, it is gaining worldwide attention for promoting peace, loving-kindness, and compassion.
The monks are from various Theravada Buddhist monasteries around the world but set out on this journey from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth. Dressed in saffron robes, the monks are in mindful meditation as they walk single file down the edge of small country roads and highways alike. Some are even barefoot as they walk 20-30 miles per day. Drawing crowds of supporters, the monks welcome guests along the way and share blessings, wisdom, and their nightly message, the Peace Sharing Talk.
The huge undertaking has not been without peril. Early in the trip, near Houston, a truck hit the escort vehicle accompanying the procession. That vehicle, in turn, struck two of the monks. One monk was severely injured, requiring one of his legs to be amputated. He has since recovered from surgery and reunited with the others.
Another member of the “Walk for Peace” is a dog named Aloka. Once a stray, Aloka found and followed the monks during a different peace walk across India in 2022. Bhikkhu Pannakara, the spiritual leader of the current peace walk, found the dog and named him. Aloka means divine light in Sanskrit. While in South Carolina on the current “Walk for Peace,” Aloka required surgery but is recovering well.
The monks’ message is not political; it is one of peace. Pannakara explains, “We walk not to protest, but to awaken the peace that already lives within each of us. The Walk for Peace is a simple yet meaningful reminder that unity and kindness begin within each of us and can radiate outward to families, communities, and society as a whole.” The monks teach that peace is not a destination, but a daily practice.
Peace walks are not uncommon, especially in South Asian countries. Essentially a prayer in motion, the goal of this walking meditation (kinhin) is to spread kindness, love and understanding. The message seems to be resonating and transcends ideologies. The monks are drawing huge crowds along the way. And even from afar, anyone can follow them on social media. Their “Walk for Peace” event has grown to over a million followers on both Instagram and Facebook in a very short time.
Those fortunate enough to see the monks in person are encouraged to follow etiquette. Silence is key. Show respect by putting your hands together and bowing your head. Refrain from making noise. While you may feel joyful, do not clap, cheer, or shout. As a show of respect, keep your head lower than theirs and avoid any physical contact. If you wish to offer something, like water or simple food, find a layperson accompanying the monks rather than reaching out to the monks directly.
If you’d like to virtually accompany the Walk for Peace, you can follow them on Facebook and on other social media. You can also watch their daily progress on their live map.
The Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara and his brothers urge us all to begin each day with a simple message:
“Today is going to be my peaceful day.”
The monks say we should write this idea down, think about it, and then say it aloud. Followers seem to agree with this intention of peace, as it is now being shared widely on signage and social media.
