Buddhist Monks Complete 2,300-Mile 'Walk of Peace'

The group of 24 monks walked barefoot across 10 states and ended their journey at the Maryland State House.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A group of two dozen Buddhist monks completed a 2,300-mile barefoot Walk of Peace across the United States, ending their journey at the Maryland State House in Annapolis. The monks conducted a 1.5-mile walk from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to the State House, where they were welcomed by a crowd of about 6,000 people.

Why it matters

The monks' Walk of Peace was a symbolic and spiritual journey to promote global peace and mindfulness. Their message of slowing down, practicing compassion, and taking responsibility for one's own reactions resonated with the thousands who followed their progress across the country.

The details

The monks initially did not plan to walk to the Maryland Capitol building but agreed to do so after receiving an invitation from state officials. During the final leg of their journey, the monks emphasized the importance of practicing mindfulness and not expecting others to bring peace, but rather making it happen themselves.

  • The monks began their Walk of Peace on October 26, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas.
  • The monks completed their 2,300-mile journey on February 12, 2026 at the Maryland State House in Annapolis.

The players

Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra

A Theravada Buddhist monk who led the Walk of Peace and shared messages of peace, mindfulness, and personal responsibility during the journey.

Aruna Miller

The Lieutenant Governor of Maryland who welcomed the monks to the state capitol and praised their walk as a reminder that peace and compassion begin within each person.

Shannon Shea

A resident of Silver Spring, Maryland who followed the monks' progress along their Walk of Peace and attended the final gathering in Annapolis.

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What they’re saying

“Today is going to be my peaceful day.”

— Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, Theravada Buddhist monk (WMAR)

“Peace is always with us. It's been with us, never left us, never leaves us.”

— Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, Theravada Buddhist monk (WMAR)

“Without practicing mindfulness, peace is just a saying. Peace is just a word. It will never happen.”

— Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, Theravada Buddhist monk (WMAR)

“Your walk is a reminder that peace and compassion begin within each of us every single day, one step at a time, one person at a time, one being at a time.”

— Aruna Miller, Lieutenant Governor of Maryland (UPI)

“It's all about you, how you react to everything. It's not what people do to you, it's how you react to what they do.”

— Shannon Shea (UPI)

What’s next

The monks initially intended to walk back to Fort Worth, Texas, but they agreed to take a bus so that they could return in time to participate in a special event.

The takeaway

The Buddhist monks' Walk of Peace across America underscored the power of mindfulness, personal responsibility, and grassroots efforts to promote peace and compassion in communities. Their journey inspired thousands and demonstrated that true peace begins within each individual.