A group of Buddhist monks continues their long spiritual pilgrimage from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., walking roughly 2,300 miles to promote peace, compassion and unity across the country.
One specific goal they have is to ask Congress to recognize Vesak – the day that marks the birth and enlightenment of the Buddha – as a federal holiday intended to be a day of reflection, compassion, and unity for all people.
The trek, known as the “Walk for Peace,” began on Oct. 26, 2025, and is expected to last about 120 days. Along the way, the monks have drawn large crowds as they pass through towns and cities, including recent stops in North Carolina where supporters gathered to greet them.
Accompanying the monks is a rescue dog named Aloka, who has become something of a symbol of the journey and helped the group’s social media following grow into the millions.
Their path has not been without hardship. In Texas, an accident involving the monks’ support vehicle left two monks injured, and one lost a leg; the group chose to continue walking.
The monks walk mindfully — some even barefoot — and offer peace teachings and meditation to those they meet, emphasizing that peace starts within and grows outward.
They hope to reach Washington, D.C. in mid-February and present a message of unity and compassion to the nation’s capital.
