Buddhist Monks Complete 15-Week 'Walk for Peace' to Washington, D.C.

The group's simple message of peace has resonated across the U.S. during their journey from Texas.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A group of Buddhist monks has reached Washington, D.C. after completing a 15-week, 2,300-mile trek from Texas that captivated the country. The monks, dressed in saffron robes and accompanied by a rescue dog named Aloka, have become fixtures on social media as they advocated for peace during their journey. Thousands gathered along the route to watch the monks' quiet procession, and large crowds greeted them as they arrived in the nation's capital.

Why it matters

The monks' 'Walk for Peace' has provided a welcome respite from conflict and political division, with their simple message of peace resonating across the U.S. The trek has also highlighted the power of peaceful, grassroots movements to capture public attention and inspire people.

The details

The group of 19 monks, led by the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, began their journey on October 26, 2025 from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas. They have walked barefoot or in socks for most of the trek to feel the ground directly and be present in the moment. Along the way, they have 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.

  • The monks began their 2,300-mile trek from Texas on October 26, 2025.
  • They reached Washington, D.C. on February 10, 2026, completing 108 days of walking.
  • The monks are expected to return to their temple in Fort Worth, Texas on February 15, 2026.

The players

Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara

The charismatic and soft-spoken leader of the group of Buddhist monks who organized the 'Walk for Peace' trek.

Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan

The abbot of a temple in Snellville, Georgia, who rejoined the monks near Washington, D.C. after having his leg amputated following an accident in November.

Aloka

The rescue dog who has accompanied the monks on their journey and become a celebrity in his own right.

Jackson Vaughn

A 33-year-old wheelchair user from Fredericksburg, Virginia who has been traveling alongside the monks for a week.

Mariann Budde

The Washington Episcopal Bishop who helped host an interfaith reception for the monks at the Washington National Cathedral.

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What they’re saying

“This walk is very meaningful. This walk could change our life. How many of us are willing to walk to bring world peace?”

— Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, Monk

“There are many things happening in the world. To see people gathering peacefully and setting an example, I think, is a wonderful thing.”

— Jackson Vaughn, Wheelchair user

“This is the moment I will remember for the rest of my life. And I hope you do the same.”

— Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, Monk

What’s next

The monks plan to submit a request to lawmakers to declare Vesak, Buddha's birthday, a national holiday while in Washington, D.C. After their appearances at the Washington National Cathedral and the Lincoln Memorial, they will take a bus back to Texas, where they expect to arrive in downtown Fort Worth early on Saturday, February 15th.

The takeaway

The 'Walk for Peace' by these Buddhist monks has shown the power of a simple message of peace to captivate and inspire people across the country, transcending ideologies and providing a much-needed respite from conflict and division. Their journey has highlighted the enduring appeal of grassroots, values-driven movements to make a positive impact on society.