19 Buddhist Monks Walk 2,300 Miles from Texas to DC for Peace
Nineteen Buddhist monks completed a 109-day, 2,300-mile barefoot journey from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., spreading a message of peace and unity. Their final address at the Lincoln Memorial drew the largest, most diverse crowd the head teacher had ever seen.
Imagine walking 2,300 miles in the name of peace. That's exactly what 19 Buddhist monks did over 109 days, completing an extraordinary pilgrimage from Fort Worth, Texas, to the nation's capital.
The "Walk for Peace" took the monks through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia. Three monks, including head monk Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, walked barefoot for much of the journey until winter storms forced them into shoes.
The journey wasn't easy. A truck struck their escort vehicle near Daytona, Texas, in November, injuring two monks. One later rejoined the group in January to continue the mission.
Along the way, a stray dog named Aloka from India became an unexpected companion. When chronic leg pain threatened to end his participation, supporters donated free surgery so he could ride along in a warm van.
Despite the challenges, the monks remained grateful to everyone they met. "We are so deeply grateful to be with each of you on this path," they shared on Instagram. "Your presence, your love, and your dedication to peace have made these final days in Washington, D.C. truly unforgettable."
On February 11, the monks delivered their final address at the Lincoln Memorial. The livestream proved so popular it crashed multiple times as thousands tuned in to watch.
"This is an assembly made up of people of all races and cultures without distinctions of faith or religion," said Venerable Ratanaguṇa, who taught the head monk. "People from all walks of life coming together here in the spirit of unity, love, empathy, and understanding."
The Ripple Effect
The gathering marked something special. Ratanaguṇa called it the largest and most diverse assembly he'd ever seen in his life, bringing together people from every background imaginable in America's multicultural capital.
The Dalai Lama sent a message through his niece, Tencho Gyatso. "May their walk help sow the seeds of greater peace, understanding, and compassion in the United States and beyond," he shared.
The monks promised their Walk for Peace won't end in Washington. They'll continue spreading their message of unity long after departing the capital, followed by a global loving-kindness meditation that brought thousands together online.
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Based on reporting by Good Good Good
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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