Buddhist Monks Conclude 15-Week Peace Walk in Washington DC with National Holiday Request
A group of Buddhist monks, clad in their distinctive saffron robes, arrived in Washington, D.C., on foot this Tuesday, marking the culmination of a remarkable 15-week peace walk that began in Texas. The journey, which has captured widespread attention across the United States, concluded with the monks crossing the Chain Bridge into the nation's capital shortly after 8 a.m., following an overnight stay at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.
A Spiritual Journey Captivates the Nation
The monks, accompanied by their rescue dog Aloka, have become social media sensations, with their simple message of peace resonating deeply in a time of political division and conflict. Thousands of Americans lined Southern roadsides, often braving unseasonably cold weather, to witness the quiet procession that commenced in late October. The walk has transcended ideological boundaries, drawing crowds from diverse backgrounds, including a church in Opelika, Alabama, and City Hall in Richmond, Virginia.
Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group's soft-spoken leader, expressed hope that the walk's conclusion would inspire continued mindfulness among those they encountered. "My hope is, when this walk ends, the people we met will continue practicing mindfulness and find peace," he stated, having taught about mindfulness at various stops along the route.
Washington DC Welcome and Interfaith Support
Large crowds are anticipated to greet the monks during their two-day stay in Washington, with the Metropolitan Police Department implementing rolling road closures to ensure safety for participants and spectators. The monks plan to make outdoor appearances at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday and the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday, symbolizing their commitment to peace.
Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde, who will host an interfaith reception for the monks at the cathedral, praised their efforts. "Their long journey and gentle witness invite us all to deepen our commitment to compassion and the work of peace in our communities," she remarked.
The Walk's Origins and Spiritual Purpose
Nineteen monks initiated the 2,300-mile (3,700-kilometer) trek from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth on October 26, 2025. Hailing from Theravada Buddhist monasteries worldwide, they were led by Pannakara, vice president of the Fort Worth temple. The journey, which included walking barefoot or in socks to feel the ground directly, faced perils such as a November incident near Houston where an escort vehicle was hit by a truck, resulting in injuries including a leg amputation for one monk.
Long Si Dong, a temple spokesperson, emphasized that the walk is not a political movement but a spiritual offering. "It's a spiritual offering, an invitation to live peace through everyday actions, mindful steps and open hearts," he explained. "We believe when peace is cultivated within, it naturally ripples outward into society."
Request for Vesak National Holiday
While in Washington, the monks intend to submit a formal request to lawmakers to declare Vesak, Buddha's birthday, a national holiday. However, Pannakara and others have clarified that this is not the primary goal of the walk, which focuses on promoting mindfulness and inner peace. The monks practice Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique central to attaining enlightenment, emphasizing the mind-body connection.
The walk concluded after 108 days, a sacred number in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism representing spiritual completion. Mark Duykers, a retired mechanical engineer from Ann Arbor, Michigan, highlighted the walk's inspirational impact. "In these divisive times, we saw entire towns in the Bible Belt coming out for these monks — having no idea of what Buddhism is — but being uplifted and moved by it," he said, planning to drive 550 miles to witness the event.
Return Journey and Lasting Legacy
Following their appearances in Washington and at Maryland's Capitol, the monks will board a bus back to Texas, arriving in downtown Fort Worth early Saturday. From there, they will walk together for a final 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) to the temple where their journey began, completing the peace walk that has left a lasting impression on communities across the United States.
