Monks Set To Conclude ‘Walk for Peace’ in D.C., Drawing Global Attention

A group of 19 Buddhist monks is set to arrive in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, concluding a 2,300-mile (3,700 km) trek from Texas that has captured the attention of millions across the U.S.

Clad in saffron robes and accompanied by their rescue dog Aloka, the monks have walked to promote mindfulness and peace, drawing crowds along the way from Southern towns to major cities. “My hope is that people we met continue practicing mindfulness and find peace,” said Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the walk’s leader.

The monks plan appearances at the Washington National Cathedral and the Lincoln Memorial before submitting a request to recognize Vesak, Buddha’s birthday, as a national holiday — though they stress the walk is primarily a spiritual, not political, initiative.

Their journey has been challenging, with cold weather, snow, and accidents along highways, yet the monks persisted, walking barefoot or in socks for much of the route to remain fully present. The trek has also inspired observers, including Mark Duykers from Michigan, who traveled over 500 miles to witness the walk firsthand.

The 108-day journey, a sacred number in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, emphasizes living peacefully through mindful steps, a principle the monks hope will ripple outward into communities nationwide. After completing the walk in D.C., the monks will travel by bus back to Texas and finish with a short return walk to their temple in Fort Worth.