Buddhist Monks Greeted With Cheers And Support In Annapolis

The monks completed the final leg of their 2,000-mile "Walk for Peace" from Texas to Washington, D.C.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A group of Theravada Buddhist monks who walked over 2,000 miles from Texas to Washington, D.C. to promote their teachings of compassion and mindfulness arrived in Annapolis, Maryland on Thursday. The monks were greeted with cheers and support from onlookers as they completed the final leg of their "Walk for Peace" journey.

Why it matters

The monks' walk was a symbolic gesture to spread their message of peace and unity in a world that can often feel divided. Their arrival in Annapolis, where they were hosted by the Maryland Lieutenant Governor for an interfaith discussion, highlighted the community's openness to diverse religious and spiritual traditions.

The details

The group of 19 monks, along with their dog Aloka and dozens of volunteers, began their walk in Fort Worth, Texas on October 26th. Despite facing challenges like bitter cold weather and a traffic accident that left two monks injured, the group made it to Washington, D.C. on their target date of February 10th. Annapolis was an additional stop added to their route, where the monks were welcomed by cheering crowds as they walked from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to Lawyer's Mall.

  • The walk officially started on October 26, 2025.
  • The monks arrived in Washington, D.C. on their target date of February 10, 2026.
  • The monks arrived in Annapolis on February 12, 2026.

The players

Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara

The vice president of the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center who led the entirety of the peace walk from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C. and then Annapolis.

Aruna Miller

The Maryland Lieutenant Governor who hosted the monks for an interfaith discussion at the Maryland State House.

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What they’re saying

“In a world that can feel divided, lonely and overwhelming, your walk is a reminder that peace and compassion begin within each of us. One step at a time.”

— Aruna Miller, Maryland Lieutenant Governor

“I thought yesterday was our last day. But after we received the invitation from Maryland, we are honored to be here this morning. Thank you for your love and support and hospitality.”

— Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, Vice President, Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center

What’s next

After the interfaith discussion with Lt. Gov. Miller and the Council on Interfaith Outreach, the monks departed by bus for Fort Worth, Texas, where their walk began.

The takeaway

The monks' journey from Texas to Washington, D.C. and Annapolis was a powerful demonstration of their commitment to spreading messages of peace, compassion and unity. Their warm welcome in Annapolis highlighted the community's openness to diverse spiritual traditions and a shared desire for greater understanding in challenging times.