Nineteen Buddhist monks completed a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace to Washington, drawing lawmakers, faith leaders, and thousands of supporters. Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Grace Meng welcomed the monks at the Peace Monument west of the US Capitol. The monks began their journey on October 26, 2025, from Texas, spreading a message of peace, loving kindness, and compassion.
Their 108-day journey saw the monks walking through winter storms and icy sidewalks, accompanied by a rescue dog named Aloka. Thousands of people, including over 100 Buddhist monks and nuns, joined them in Washington for interfaith gatherings. Despite facing challenges, the monks emphasized that their walk was a spiritual offering promoting peace through everyday actions and open hearts.
The monks, led by Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, held a closing ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial before returning to Texas. Peace walks like this are a tradition in Theravada Buddhism, promoting mindfulness and the connection between mind and body. In a time of political polarization and social tensions, such interfaith gatherings and peace processions aim to create shared civic and spiritual spaces in the US.
