The story of the Walk for Peace
by Sophie Kerr
19 Buddhist monks and their rescue dog Aloka have been walking for 104 days from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington D.C. to share their message of compassion, peace and loving to those in America and around the world.
The peace walk is part of a longer tradition of Peace walks, including one that happened in Cambodia in 1992.
The Buddhist Monk Walk for Peace is a 2300-mile walk across America to show support for humanity. The group, led by Bhikkhu Pannakara, plans to end their walk in Washington D.C to speak to Congress.
After 104 days of walking, social media has picked up on ---- with people showing up to watch and show their support for them. Due to the intense political climate in America the Buddhist monks offer a positive change from the current events happening, by sharing their message of compassion and mindfulness.
The Buddhist monks walking through Fort Worth, Texas in November 2025 (image by Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images)
The people of Georgia gifted the monk's white lilies, water, food, as well as other gestures to show their gratitude and support. The Senator of Georgia, Raphael Warnock, welcomed the Buddhist monks in Decatur.
He said: “It's not enough to simply pray for peace with our lips. We must pray with our legs. We have to put our faith into action.”
The movement first in October, with their goal being to walk to Washington D.C. and ask Congress to recognise Vesak, a Buddhist festival for Hindu and Sikh people. Vesak celebrates the birth and death of the Buddha, with the Buddhist monks wanting it to be recognised and to become a national holiday.
Although most Americans aren’t Buddhist and might not be aware of this tradition, it has deeply resonated with them. As ICE involvement grows, people are becoming more scared as the violence in America is often posted all over social media. The Walk for Peace is a soothing contrast compared to the brutality faced by Americans daily.
The Buddhist monks are set to finish their walk at the end of the month, but people should not forget the importance of this Walk for Peace and should strive to continue spreading the wisdom and compassion they have learned.