Buddhist Monks Complete 2,300-Mile Walk for Peace to US Capitol

The 19 monks and their dog Aloka walked across several Southern states over 15 weeks, drawing large crowds and millions of online followers.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A group of 19 Buddhist monks and their dog Aloka completed a 108-day, 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington, D.C., arriving at the US Capitol on Wednesday. The monks, who practice and teach Vipassana meditation, walked through several Southern states, sometimes in frigid conditions, drawing large crowds and earning millions of online followers with their message of peace. After stops at American University and the Washington National Cathedral, the monks walked to Capitol Hill and are expected to conclude their journey with an address at the Lincoln Memorial.

Why it matters

The monks' cross-country peace walk highlights the growing interest in mindfulness and meditation practices, especially among younger generations. Their journey has captured the public's imagination and underscores the power of grassroots movements to spread messages of unity and nonviolence.

The details

The group of 19 monks, led by the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, walked single file to the US Capitol on Wednesday, followed by about 100 other monks and nuns who had joined them in Washington. More than 21,000 people followed the livestream of their journey online from around the world. Along the way, the monks faced some challenges, including when their escort vehicle was hit by a truck outside Houston, injuring two monks, one of whom had to have his leg amputated. However, the injured monk, Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan, rejoined the group near Washington and entered American University's arena in a wheelchair to join the final leg of the walk.

  • The monks began their 108-day, 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Texas in late October 2025.
  • On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the monks walked from George Washington University to the US Capitol.
  • Later on February 11, the monks were expected to address a large crowd at the Lincoln Memorial to formally conclude their journey.
  • The monks' return trip to Texas will be by bus, and they expect to arrive in downtown Fort Worth early on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara

The leader of the group of 19 Buddhist monks who completed the 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington, D.C.

Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan

A Buddhist monk who was injured when the group's escort vehicle was hit by a truck outside Houston, resulting in the amputation of his leg. Phommasan rejoined the group near Washington and completed the final leg of the walk in a wheelchair.

Aloka

The dog that accompanied the 19 Buddhist monks on their 2,300-mile Walk for Peace.

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What they’re saying

“Wake up every morning and intentionally write on a piece of paper the words: Today is going to be my peaceful day.”

— Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, Leader of the Buddhist Monk Walk for Peace

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, February 14, 2026.

The takeaway

The Buddhist monks' cross-country Walk for Peace has captured the public's imagination, highlighting the growing interest in mindfulness and meditation practices. Their journey underscores the power of grassroots movements to spread messages of unity and nonviolence, even in the face of challenges along the way.