How wonderful and noble your method of peace truly is. Each peaceful footprint you leave across different parts of the United States spreads paths of peace across the entire world. Each prayer you voice awakens humanity from its slumber of violence. Watching you walk barefoot for many days through cold winds, carrying only your alms bowls, is nothing short of amazing.

We follow in your footsteps.
We follow the path of peace.
What we need is democracy, freedom, and peace—
not dictatorship and war.
Long live world peace!
May the Buddhist monks be victorious!

Written by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, in celebration of the Walk for Peace, originally posted to Rinpoche’s Instagram on 1/11/26

About the Walk for Peace (source Wikipedia)

Walk for Peace is a long-distance pilgrimage in the United States initiated by Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, to promote peace, compassion, and nonviolence. The walk began on October 26, 2025, and is planned to span approximately 2,300 miles (3,700 km), concluding in Washington, D.C. in February 2026. The monks have been documenting their travels on social media and are accompanied by a rescue dog named Aloka, who has become a symbolic figure in the journey.[1]

Background

The pilgrimage was organized by a group of 19 monks from the Vietnamese Buddhist tradition, affiliated with the Huong Dao Temple in Fort Worth. Inspired by the teachings of Gautama Buddha, the Walk for Peace aims to raise “awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America and the world.”[2]

Route and progress

The walk began in Fort Worth, Texas, and follows a route through the southeastern United States, passing through states including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Their path goes north through the Carolinas and Virginia before concluding in Washington, D.C. The monks maintain a meditative walking pace and pause in various communities along the way to engage with local residents and share their message. Three of the monks, including head monk Bhikkhu Pannakara, have chosen to make the trek barefoot.[3] Monks carry signs and engage with the public through quiet presence and peaceful interaction rather than political messaging. They have been handing out bracelets to those they encounter, a Buddhist symbol of protection and blessings.[4]

The walk has been positively received in various communities, with local news outlets and social media users highlighting the unique sight of the group traveling on foot in traditional robes.[5]

More Links to Walk for Peace