Monks Conclude 108-Day Walk for Peace in Washington DC
A group of Buddhist monks who embarked on a four-month, 2,000-mile march from Texas to Washington DC completed their journey on Tuesday. The monks, who sometimes walked barefoot or through snow, undertook this challenging trek known as the Walk of Peace.
Their journey has attracted widespread attention, going viral and resonating with millions of Americans amid a period of intense political division in the United States.
The group has promoted a message of mindfulness throughout their journey. Their leader, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, expressed his aspirations for the walk's impact:
"My hope is, when this walk ends, the people we met will continue practicing mindfulness and find peace."
The march began on 26 October 2025 at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center located in Fort Worth, Texas.
Activities in Washington DC
Upon arrival in the US capital, the monks visited the Washington National Cathedral, where they participated in an interfaith service. In the days following, they planned visits to the Abraham Lincoln Memorial and the Peace Monument, which is situated on the grounds of the US Capitol.
The group also intends to advocate for lawmakers to recognize Buddha's birthday, known as Vesak, as a national holiday. However, their expedition has garnered attention beyond this specific policy goal.
Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde commented on the significance of their journey, stating:
"Their long journey and gentle witness invite us all to deepen our commitment to compassion,"
She is scheduled to assist in hosting the monks at an interfaith reception, as reported by the Associated Press.
Details of the Walk and Participants
The 19 monks participating in the walk hail from Theravada Buddhist monasteries worldwide.
The final day of their single-file trek commenced on Tuesday morning in Arlington, Virginia, approximately five miles (9.1 km) from the US Capitol.
A livestream on the group's Facebook page showed the monks walking past snow piles as temperatures rose above freezing after weeks of record cold across much of the eastern United States. The video captured onlookers cheering the group.
One viewer expressed gratitude and support:
"May you be safe and warm. Thank you for your walk of peace. We desperately need this in our world now,"
For 108 days — a sacred number in Buddhism symbolizing spiritual completion — the monks maintained their single-file formation, progressing step by step. However, the journey was not without challenges.
In November, an escort vehicle accompanying the monks along a Houston highway was struck by a truck, resulting in injuries to two monks. One of the injured monks required leg amputation.
Their return to Texas is expected to be quicker and less strenuous, as they plan to travel back by bus, with an anticipated arrival in Fort Worth on Saturday.
