Buddhist Monks Complete 2,300-Mile Walk for Peace to U.S. Capitol

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A group of 19 Buddhist monks, along with their dog Aloka, completed a 108-day, 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington, D.C. On the final day, the monks walked to the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, where they concluded their journey. The monks, who practice and teach Vipassana meditation, faced some challenges along the way, including an accident that injured two monks, but were greeted by large crowds and millions of online followers as they spread their message of peace.

Why it matters

The monks' trek across the American South has captured the hearts of people across the nation and globe, highlighting the power of peaceful protest and the enduring appeal of ancient spiritual practices like Vipassana meditation. Their journey also raises awareness about the role of faith-based activism in promoting nonviolence and community-building.

The details

The group of 19 monks and their dog Aloka walked 2,300 miles across several Southern states, sometimes in frigid conditions, drawing large crowds in churchyards, city halls, and town squares. Two monks were injured in November when their escort vehicle was hit by a truck outside Houston, but the injured monk, Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan, rejoined the group near Washington and completed the final leg of the journey in a wheelchair. The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique focused on breath and the mind-body connection, and their peace talks along the way urged listeners to find peace within themselves.

• The monks began their 108-day Walk for Peace from Texas in late October 2025.
• The group completed the 2,300-mile journey and arrived in Washington, D.C. on February 10, 2026.
• On February 11, 2026, the monks walked to the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial to conclude their journey.

What they’re saying

What’s next

After an appearance at the Maryland State House, the group of Buddhist monks will take a bus back to Texas, where they expect to arrive in downtown Fort Worth early on Saturday. From there, the monks will walk together again, traversing 6 miles to the temple where their 2,300-mile journey began.