Buddhist Monks Conclude 2,300-Mile 'Walk for Peace' on National Mall

The group of two dozen monks from Texas completed their 109-day pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. with a closing ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A group of Buddhist monks marched down the length of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday afternoon, concluding their 'Walk for Peace' that began 109 days ago in Fort Worth, Texas. Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, who led the group over the course of their 2,300-mile pilgrimage, addressed thousands of people gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

Why it matters

The monks' journey has gained a nationwide following, sharing live updates on their social media and attracting crowds along their route through 8 states. Their message of peace and mindfulness has resonated with supporters, especially during a turbulent time in American politics.

The details

Two dozen monks began the journey on Oct. 26, traversing harsh winter conditions on their way to D.C. Supporters at the mall on Wednesday held up flowers and signs with messages like 'Peaceful resistance' and 'Mindfulness powers peace.' The group's government liaison urged the crowd to continue the 'walk towards peace' beyond Washington.

  • The walk began 109 days ago on October 26 in Fort Worth, Texas.
  • The monks concluded their journey on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday afternoon.

The players

Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara

The leader who has guided the group of monks on their 2,300-mile pilgrimage.

Dr. Neeraj Bajracharya

The group's government liaison and press coordinator.

Timothy Bullock

A Buddhist monk based in Washington, D.C. who walked alongside the group.

Tom and Donna Haddon

Supporters who traveled from Nags Head, North Carolina to witness the walk's conclusion.

Martha Brettschneider

A supporter from Vienna, Virginia who joined the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial.

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What they’re saying

“Ladies and gentlemen, life moves very fast. Sometimes, just a few seconds are enough for us to hurt someone, to say words we regret or to create more pain in a world that is already exhausted. But those same few seconds, if we live them well, can become the beginning of peace. Today, I do not ask you to think about big ideas. I simply invite you to live five seconds of your life with mindfulness.”

— Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, Monk

“The walk for peace is going to continue. Washington, D.C., is not the final stop because the walk towards peace must continue.”

— Dr. Neeraj Bajracharya, Government Liaison and Press Coordinator

“The world is in a point of crisis, and this is such a positive message and I think it's galvanized a lot of people. Hopefully, the politicians somehow hear this, in some way, and we're here because we don't want any more war.”

— Tom Haddon

“It's really a message of hope, and we've got this. And they are the ultimate reminder of that.”

— Martha Brettschneider

“If there's anywhere in the U.S. that could benefit from a huge spark of spiritual energy, and especially peaceful energy, it's Washington, D.C.”

— Timothy Bullock, Buddhist Monk

What’s next

Upon their arrival in Fort Worth on Saturday, the monks will complete their final 6 miles to the walk's origin point.

The takeaway

The Buddhist monks' 2,300-mile 'Walk for Peace' has inspired supporters across the country with its message of mindfulness and non-violence, providing a much-needed spiritual and hopeful counterpoint to the divisiveness in Washington, D.C. and beyond.