Thu Jan 15 02:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Monks Embark on 2,300-Mile Peace Walk to Washington, D.C., Amid Divisive Times
The Story:
A group of nearly two dozen Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, led by Bhikkhu Pannakara, have commenced a 2,300-mile peace walk to the White House in Washington, D.C. The pilgrimage, which began on October 26, is intended to promote national healing, unity, and compassion during a period of political division. The monks are traversing 10 U.S. states, stopping at state capitols, historic landmarks, and local communities to share their message of peace.
The journey, expected to conclude on February 12, is also raising awareness for the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center’s ambitious project to build a $200 million Buddhist temple complex in Fort Worth. The monks emphasize that their walk is not a protest, but an effort to awaken inner peace and radiate kindness outward. The group is accompanied by Aloka, a former stray dog from India who has become a symbol of their journey, though he is currently recovering from surgery.
Key Points:
* Nearly two dozen Buddhist monks are walking 2,300 miles from Texas to Washington, D.C.
* The walk, led by Bhikkhu Pannakara, aims to promote national healing, unity, and compassion.
* The journey began on October 26 and is expected to end on February 12.
* The monks are raising awareness for a $200 million Buddhist temple project in Fort Worth.
* The monks emphasize that their walk is not a protest but an effort to awaken inner peace.
* The group is accompanied by Aloka, a former stray dog from India, who is recovering from surgery.
* The walk encountered a setback when the security vehicle was involved in an accident on November 19, resulting in the amputation of one monk’s leg.
* The monks crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and offered prayers for Civil Rights marchers.
* Peace walks originated in Cambodia in 1992 during the repatriation of refugees.
Key Takeaways:
* The monks’ peace walk is a timely initiative in a period of heightened political division in the U.S.
* The pilgrimage highlights the growing presence and engagement of Buddhist communities in American society.
* The journey demonstrates the monks’ commitment to promoting peace and compassion through direct action.
* The accident involving their support vehicle underscores the challenges and risks associated with such a long journey.
* The story of Aloka, the “Peace Dog,” adds a heartwarming element to the monks’ mission.
Impact Analysis:
The monks’ peace walk has the potential to foster dialogue and understanding across diverse communities in the U.S. By engaging with people of different faiths and backgrounds, the monks can contribute to building bridges and promoting tolerance. The visibility generated by the walk may also encourage others to take action in their own communities to promote peace and compassion. Furthermore, the construction of the new Buddhist temple complex in Fort Worth could become a significant cultural and spiritual center for the Buddhist community in the United States. The attention garnered from the event is raising awareness for the Buddhist religion in America.
First Piper 