3,700 kilometers for peace: Buddhist monks reach Washington on foot
World
A group of Buddhist monks is completing an unusual “Peace Walk” across the United States. Over 110 days, they walked more than 3,700 kilometers from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to remind Americans about unity, compassion, and inner peace.
The final event will take place on the steps of the Maryland State Capitol. A day earlier, thousands of people gathered at the Washington National Cathedral to welcome the monks, many waiting for hours with flowers and signs.
The Peace Walk passed through nine states: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South and North Carolina, and Virginia. After arriving in the capital, the monks met with religious leaders and the public and held an interfaith ceremony.
Group leader Bhikkhu Pannakara said the march was not a protest but a reminder of the peace that already exists within every person. He said the monks hoped to share that peace with the country and the world.
Nineteen monks of the Theravada tradition from different countries took part, united around the Vietnamese Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana center in Texas. They were accompanied by a mixed-breed dog named Aloka that became popular online.
The journey was not easy. Despite unusually cold weather, the monks often walked barefoot. In November, near Houston, a truck crashed into their support vehicle. Several people were injured, and one monk lost a leg. Despite the tragedy, the group chose to continue the journey.
Public interest grew rapidly, with millions following the walk on social media. In many cities, residents came out to greet the monks, even in the cold, as they passed through.
The Peace Walk passed through nine states: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South and North Carolina, and Virginia. After arriving in the capital, the monks met with religious leaders and the public and held an interfaith ceremony.
Group leader Bhikkhu Pannakara said the march was not a protest but a reminder of the peace that already exists within every person. He said the monks hoped to share that peace with the country and the world.
Nineteen monks of the Theravada tradition from different countries took part, united around the Vietnamese Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana center in Texas. They were accompanied by a mixed-breed dog named Aloka that became popular online.
The journey was not easy. Despite unusually cold weather, the monks often walked barefoot. In November, near Houston, a truck crashed into their support vehicle. Several people were injured, and one monk lost a leg. Despite the tragedy, the group chose to continue the journey.
Public interest grew rapidly, with millions following the walk on social media. In many cities, residents came out to greet the monks, even in the cold, as they passed through.
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