Buddhist Monks Complete 2,300-Mile 'Walk for Peace' to Washington, DC

The group of 19 monks and a rescue dog from India braved frigid temperatures and a winter storm to raise awareness of peace, loving-kindness, and compassion.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A group of 19 Buddhist monks and a rescue dog from India completed a 2,300-mile 'Walk for Peace' across nine states, culminating in a gathering at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. The monks, wearing traditional robes and some with bare feet, endured challenging weather conditions during the 108-day journey to 'raise awareness of peace, loving-kindness, and compassion across America and the world'.

Why it matters

The monks' peaceful pilgrimage through the United States drew attention to the message of unity, understanding, and compassion at a time of political and social division in the country. Their commitment to nonviolence and spiritual renewal resonated with many Americans who gathered to support their cause.

The details

The group of monks, led by Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, began their journey in Texas and faced obstacles along the way, including a highway accident that resulted in one monk having his leg amputated. Despite the challenges, the monks persevered and arrived in Washington, DC, where they were greeted by thousands of supporters at the Lincoln Memorial.

  • The 'Walk for Peace' began 108 days ago in Texas.
  • The monks arrived at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on Wednesday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Bhante Saranapala

Also known as the 'Urban Buddhist Monk', he led the group of monks and addressed the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial.

Tencho Gyatso

A niece of the Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, she read a letter paying tribute to the monks.

Bhikkhu Bodhi

A monk originally from Brooklyn, he described the walk as one of the most important events of the 21st century.

Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan

The abbot of a temple in Snellville, Georgia, he rejoined the monks near Washington and addressed the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial from his wheelchair after having his leg amputated in a highway accident.

Martin Luther King III

The son of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., he posted on social media that the walk is 'a powerful reminder that peace is practiced step by step'.

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What they’re saying

“These monks are awesome! Their determination should be greatly appreciated. Walking from Texas to Washington DC, 2,300 miles; it requires strong determination!”

— Bhante Saranapala (newspub.live)

“Their commitment, including enduring physical hardship and challenging weather conditions over a journey of more than 2,000 miles, has drawn attention both within the United States and internationally. The message of peace and mutual understanding conveyed through their conduct, marked by humility and calm presence, has resonated with many people as they encountered along the route … May their walk help sow the seeds of greater peace, understanding and compassion in the United States and beyond.”

— Tencho Gyatso, Niece of the Dalai Lama (newspub.live)

“It seems to me that this walk for peace has brought out the greatest quality of the American character, which is the recognition stated in the words of Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg address that this is a nation founded upon the principle that – he said all men are created equal. We have to revise that and say all people are created people. And this walk has shown that no matter what race you might belong to, whatever ethnicity you might come from, whatever religious faith you might adhere to, whatever the color of your skin might be, we all celebrate peace.”

— Bhikkhu Bodhi, Monk (newspub.live)

What’s next

The monks' 'Walk for Peace' will end in nearby Annapolis, Maryland on Thursday, February 14, 2026.

The takeaway

The Buddhist monks' inspiring 2,300-mile journey across America to promote peace, understanding, and compassion has resonated with many people and serves as a powerful reminder that these universal values can transcend divisions and bring people together, even in challenging times.