Buddhist monks walk from Fort Worth to Washington D.C. for peace and unity
Buddhist monks embarked on a trek that attracted nationwide attention as they traveled from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., as part of a months-long journey they describe as a spiritual practice.
The Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center’s more than 2,300-mile journey, which they call the Peace Walk, began in late October and is expected to end this winter in the nation’s capital.
According to the group’s official page, the march aims to promote peace, compassion and awareness at a time when they say the country is filled with division and uncertainty.
“This is not a protest,” the priests say in their public statements. “This is a spiritual practice.”
AT LANCASTER MARKET I WITNESSED AN AMERICA THAT IS STILL WORKING – NO NEED FOR POLITICS
Buddhist monks participating in the “March for Peace” arrive at Saluda in Saluda, SC on Thursday, January 8, 2026 (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
The monks are affiliated with a Buddhist meditation center based in Texas.
They describe the walk as a moving meditation as they continue to pass through cities, small towns and rural communities across the United States
They were greeted by supporters who gathered along the route, taking short walks with the group, offering food, or simply quietly observing their passage.
Priests keep a blog tracking their behavior real time travel. “We tie a blessing string around the wrist of those who visit venerable monks on our path; a simple string with deep meaning,” they say on the blog.
according to blog The lanyard is a reminder, and every time the wearer sees it “in a stressful moment, during a difficult conversation, at a moment when patience is impossible – it gently calls you back to the intention you set when you met us: to walk spiritually with us, to nurture peace, awareness, loving kindness and compassion in your daily life.”
“This is a series of connections between you and this journey, a tangible bond that says: You are part of this peace walk. We always walk together,” they write.
Buddhist monks participating in the “March for Peace” are seen with their dog Aloka on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, SC. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
WITHOUT GOD, NEW YORK’S DREAM WILL TURN INTO Void. MY MARCH IN AMERICA PROVES THIS
In addition to the monks, their rescue dog Aloka, whom the monks call the “Peace Dog,” also became an unexpected focal point of the journey.
During the trip, photos and videos are shared online and show Aloka traveling on highways and sidewalks, resting during breaks and greeting supporters.
These special moments helped the monks’ march gain traction on social media. Following on Facebook recently surpassed 1 million followers.
Millions of supporters are sharing messages of encouragement and reflection in response to the journey.
“So inspired. Thank you, the United States needs this message so badly,” one follower wrote.
Another supporter said the march had a personal impact on their daily lives.
Audrie Pearce greets Buddhist monks participating in the “March for Peace” on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in Saluda, South Carolina (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
The follower wrote, “I pray for all of you every night. You have turned on a light in me that makes me want to be a kinder, more peaceful person. I now think before I speak and have become more aware of my breathing.” he wrote. “Your journey has many people who think throughout the day and bring hope and peaceful thoughts to our country. The journey you are on is simply amazing.”
Others said the message resonated with them during a tumultuous time for the country.
Another supporter commented, “The message of peace resonates with many in America during these terrible times.”
So far Buddhist monks have traveled across much of the country, sparking online searches and interest in the march, the monks’ mission and their destination in Washington. The videos spread widely as the group moved east.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Officials continued to emphasize that the march was non-political and open to people from all walks of life, and defined peace as “not a destination, but a way of life.”
The priests say their message remains the same: Peace begins with individual action, step by step.
