Buddhist Monk Leads Walk for Peace, Shares Mindfulness Message in Virginia

Bhikkhu Pannakara spreads message of inner peace and compassion during 2,300-mile trek across America

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Buddhist monk Bhikkhu Pannakara, leading a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington D.C., made a stop in Henrico County, Virginia to share his message of mindfulness, inner peace, and compassion with a crowd of over 100 people at the Virginia Randolph Education Center. Pannakara emphasized the importance of being satisfied with the present moment, practicing awareness of one's breath, and extending kindness and peace to oneself, one's community, and the world.

Why it matters

Pannakara's message of peace and mindfulness comes at a time when many communities are grappling with division, violence, and unrest. His walk and teachings aim to spread a unifying message of inner calm and compassionate action that could have a positive impact on individuals and communities along the 2,300-mile route.

The details

During his 45-minute talk, Pannakara encouraged the audience to "tell the universe that today is going to be my peaceful day" and to "add awareness to each and every breath going in" and "each and every breath going out." He emphasized the importance of being satisfied with what one has, rather than always striving for more, and extending kindness and compassion to all, even those who may be hostile. Pannakara and his group of 19 monks from Texas, Vietnam, France, Laos and Thailand have been walking 11 miles per day, making stops along the way to share their message of peace.

  • On February 3, Pannakara spoke at the Virginia Randolph Education Center in Glen Allen, Virginia.
  • The monks walked 11 miles from Virginia Union University in Richmond to Randolph-Macon College in Ashland on February 3, making a stop at St. Joseph's Villa in Henrico along the way.
  • On February 2, the Walk for Peace entered Richmond from Chesterfield, with thousands accompanying the monks across the Manchester Bridge and joining a "Peace Rally" on the steps of Richmond City Hall.

The players

Bhikkhu Pannakara

A Buddhist monk leading the 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington D.C. to raise awareness of inner peace and mindfulness.

Vien Giac Buddhist Temple

A Buddhist temple in Henrico County, Virginia that welcomed the monks and provided them with food and rest during their stop in the area.

Henrico County Board of Supervisors

The local government body that presented Pannakara with a proclamation and small gifts during his visit to the Virginia Randolph Education Center.

Misty Roundtree

The Henrico County Supervisor for the Three Chopt District, who attended the event and found it to be an emotional and rare experience of diversity and community coming together.

Tyrone Nelson

The Henrico County Supervisor for the Varina District, who is also a pastor and felt the themes of the event connected to his own faith.

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What they’re saying

“Tell the universe that today is going to be my peaceful day. Imagine if all the people in this world, doing the same thing, just spread that message of peace to the universe, instead of hate, instead of angry, instead of greedy and delusion. . . So now we change it – [share] just kindness, compassion and peace to the universe. It will shower back now with love and kindness and compassion and peace, so that this world will be bloomed and fill us with peace.”

— Bhikkhu Pannakara, Buddhist Monk (henricocitizen.com)

“It's very emotional for me. We live in a world where there's so many chaos around the world. It's great to see that people can come together wanting the same goal, it's just peace and compassion and respect for one another.”

— Sophia Kim, Audience Member (henricocitizen.com)

“There's so much disagreement, violence and love is the answer. This is a good way to start bringing together people from different faiths, different backgrounds and to hear their message about simple things we can do.”

— Nikki Lewis, Audience Member (henricocitizen.com)

What’s next

According to the Walk for Peace overview map, the monks are expected to reach Washington D.C. on February 10.

The takeaway

Pannakara's message of inner peace, mindfulness, and compassion provides a powerful counterpoint to the division and unrest seen in many communities today. By focusing on being satisfied with the present moment, practicing awareness, and extending kindness to all, the Walk for Peace aims to inspire individuals and communities to adopt a more peaceful mindset and way of living.