In a remarkable display of dedication and unity, a group of Buddhist monks clad in traditional robes is currently traveling on foot across the United States in what they call the Walk for Peace, a lengthy pilgrimage stretching thousands of miles from Texas to the nation’s capital. What began on Oct. 26, 2025, as a spiritual initiative out of the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth has grown into a cross-country journey of more than 2,300 miles, drawing widespread attention from observers and supporters alike.
Rather than advancing a political agenda, these monks emphasize that each step is meant to awaken the inherent peace and compassion within every individual they meet. Along their route, the travelers engage with towns and cities, offering moments of meditation, mindfulness teachings, and opportunities for reflection in community spaces.
Accompanying the monks is a rescue dog named Aloka, affectionately known online as the “Peace Dog”, whose story began when he joined a Buddhist pilgrimage in India years earlier. Aloka now walks alongside them or rides when needed, drawing smiles and support at every stop, although he is temporarily recovering from surgery after a recent leg injury.
This grassroots effort has resonated far beyond the paths they tread; social media engagement has surged, with millions following the monks’ progress and sharing in the message of unity and kindness. Along the highways and near civic centers, crowds gather to greet them, offering flowers, gratitude, or simply quiet respect for their perseverance.
Despite physical hardships, including a serious accident that led to one monk losing a leg (Bhante Dam Phommasan), the group presses on with unwavering resolve. Their planned finish in Washington, D.C., this winter will include a call for recognition of Buddhist tradition and a broader invitation for all people to carry forward the principles of peace in their communities.
