Buddhist Monks Conclude 'Walk for Peace' on National Mall

The 2,300-mile pilgrimage began in Texas 109 days ago and ended at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

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 social media and attracting crowds along their route. Their message of peace and mindfulness has resonated with supporters, especially during a turbulent time in American politics.

The details

The group of two dozen monks began their journey on October 26, traversing 8 states on their way to D.C. and encountering harsh winter conditions along the way. On Wednesday, supporters at the mall held up flowers and signs in support of the travelers with messages including 'Peaceful resistance' and 'Mindfulness powers peace'. After the closing ceremony, the group will board a bus back to Texas, completing their final 6 miles to the walk's origin point in Fort Worth on Saturday.

  • The walk began 109 days ago on October 26 in Fort Worth, Texas.
  • The monks marched down the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The group will reach Maryland on Thursday, February 13, 2026 and board a bus back to Texas.
  • The monks will complete the final 6 miles of their journey in Fort Worth, Texas on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara

The leader of the group of Buddhist monks who led the 'Walk for Peace' from Texas to Washington, D.C.

Dr. Neeraj Bajracharya

The government liaison and press coordinator for the group of Buddhist monks.

Timothy Bullock

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

Tom and Donna Haddon

Supporters from Nags Head, North Carolina who traveled to Washington, D.C. to witness the end of the 'Walk for Peace'.

Martha Brettschneider

A supporter from Vienna, Virginia who joined the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial to watch the monks finish their journey.

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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, Leader of the 'Walk for Peace'

“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' 'Walk for Peace' has inspired supporters across the country with its message of mindfulness and nonviolence, providing a much-needed spiritual counterpoint to the divisiveness of American politics. Their journey has demonstrated the power of peaceful resistance and the potential for grassroots movements to galvanize communities around shared values of compassion and unity.