Buddhist Monks Complete 2,300-Mile Walk for Peace, Welcomed Home in Fort Worth

The group of 19 monks and their dog captivated Americans with their simple message of unity and compassion.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A group of 19 Buddhist monks and their dog Aloka completed a grueling 2,300-mile walk from Texas to Washington, D.C., spreading a message of peace, compassion and unity. Thousands gathered in Fort Worth's historic Stop Six neighborhood to welcome the monks home on Saturday, with people clutching flowers and homemade signs expressing hope and support for the monks' mission.

Why it matters

The monks' trek resonated with a nation weary from conflict and political division, drawing throngs of supporters in cities across the country. Their message of mindfulness, love and kindness transcended race, religion and politics, offering a glimmer of hope and unity during a challenging time.

The details

The monks, clad in saffron and maroon robes, began their walk in late October from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth. Despite facing peril along the way, including a vehicle accident that injured two monks and required one to have a leg amputated, the group persevered. They practice Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique focused on the mind-body connection and understanding reality, impermanence and suffering.

  • The monks began their walk in late October from Fort Worth.
  • The group arrived home in Fort Worth on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara

The soft-spoken leader of the group of 19 Buddhist monks who completed the 2,300-mile walk.

Aloka

The monks' dog who became a social media star with over a million followers on Facebook.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know what I have done in the past to deserve this, but I love you all. This is what we need in this world: love and kindness and compassion and peace.”

— Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, Monk

“The news and state of the world are so heavy right now. You sort of want to bury your head in the sand. These monks found a way to communicate a message of peace, calm, love and kindness without saying a word. It's joyful.”

— Judy Manning, Plano Resident

What’s next

The monks plan to continue spreading their message of peace and mindfulness through additional walks and community events.

The takeaway

The Buddhist monks' inspiring trek across America demonstrated the power of a simple message of unity, compassion and love to captivate a nation in need of hope and healing.