Buddhist Monks Trek 2,300 Miles Across the U.S. for Peace and Compassion

It is a sight that causes drivers to tap their brakes and look twice: a single file line of saffron-robed figures walking steadily along the shoulder of the American highway system. While most cross-country journeys are measured in hours or days, a group of dedicated monks and their rescue dog are measuring theirs in millions of steps. Their 2,300-mile trek from Texas to the nation’s capital is neither a protest nor a political rally, but a quiet physical demonstration of a simple idea. As they navigate the unpredictable reality of the open road, their mission is testing the limits of their endurance and the hearts of the communities they pass.

A Journey of Thousands of Miles

On October 26, a group of Buddhist monks left the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, to begin a quiet yet physically demanding journey. Their destination is Washington, D.C., a route that spans roughly 2,300 miles. They call this mission the Walk for Peace. Unlike many marches that head to the nation’s capital, this is not a political protest. The group, accompanied by their rescue dog Aloka, is walking to encourage loving kindness and compassion.

Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the spiritual leader of the group, explained that the goal is to help individuals cultivate peace within themselves as a step toward peace in the wider world. He stated that they are walking to “raise awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America and the world.”

The itinerary covers a 120-day timeline. By late December, the group had already reached significant milestones in the South. Their path took them through downtown Montgomery, Alabama, where they prayed at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and later into the Atlanta metro area. While the trek requires immense physical stamina, the monks view every step as a purpose-driven act to promote harmony.

Walking Forward, Despite Everything

The physical demands of walking thousands of miles are intense, but the journey has also carried significant danger. On November 19, 2025, the risks of the road became a reality when a pickup truck struck the monks’ escort vehicle in Dayton, Texas. The collision caused minor injuries to one monk and severe trauma to Phra Ajarn Maha Dam Phommasan, a senior monk who ultimately required a leg amputation.

Despite the life-altering incident, Maha Dam’s response embodied the core message of the walk. According to reports from WSB-TV Atlanta, he expressed forgiveness and compassion toward the driver rather than anger. Dr. Tuan L. Bui, a surgeon who cared for him at Piedmont Healthcare and OrthoAtlanta, shared that the medical team was inspired by the monk’s strength and unwavering commitment to peace.

While Maha Dam returned to his home temple in Snellville, Georgia, to recover, the community rallied around him. A fundraiser organized by Wat Lao Buddha Khanti raised over $115,000 to assist with his medical bills. Meanwhile, the remaining monks chose to press on. Battling blistered feet, exhaustion, and the memory of the accident, they continued their route toward the capital, reinforcing their dedication to their cause despite the physical and emotional toll.

A Wave of Community Support

Communities along the route have responded to the monks with hospitality that matches the group’s dedication. As they travel through towns, crowds often line the roads to offer food, water, and prayers.

In Alabama, one local family waited by the roadside to hand out meals, while another supporter used TikTok to alert others and organize water donations before the group arrived. The monks expressed deep gratitude for this kindness in a statement, thanking every community that welcomed them and every hand that was extended.

This support extends to local authorities as well. Police presence has steadily increased to ensure the group’s safety, with officers from Texas to Georgia providing escorts through their jurisdictions. As a sign of respect, many departments have gifted the monks official pins and badges, which the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara wears on his robes during the walk.

The journey has also found a massive audience online. The group’s Facebook page gained over 720,000 followers within months, while their dog, Aloka, has garnered a specific following of over 340,000 people on his own page. Through an interactive digital map, supporters track the group’s daily progress, rest stops, and lunch breaks in real time.

This digital connection allows locals to time their visits perfectly to greet the monks as they pass. Whether physically present on the roadside or watching via social media, thousands have found a way to participate in the pilgrimage.

Meeting Hostility with Compassion

While the monks have received an outpouring of generosity, the road has also presented challenges in the form of opposition. Not everyone who sees the procession understands or welcomes it. Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara acknowledged that the group has faced verbal abuse from some individuals along the route. However, he emphasized that their reaction to hostility is just as important as their walking. He noted that when people shout or curse at them, the group responds by simply wishing those individuals wellness and happiness.

Specific theological differences have also emerged during face-to-face interactions. In Columbus, Georgia, former pastor Billy Ball approached the group to share his specific worldview. He told local reporters that while he believed the monks were sincere in their intent, he felt compelled to express his belief that true peace is found through Christianity. Despite the fundamental disagreement in faith, the interaction remained civil and did not disrupt the walk.

The monks have consistently clarified that their trek is not a campaign for religious conversion or a political statement. Instead, they frame the initiative as a universal call for unity and reflection. Law enforcement agencies escorting the group have echoed this sentiment in public statements, describing the event as a reminder of the importance of respect and understanding within diverse communities.

An Invitation to Walk With Them

As the group heads north toward Washington, D.C., the road ahead remains long. They still have weeks of travel before reaching the capital. The physical reality of the trek, from blistered feet to the ongoing recovery of their injured friend, proves that maintaining peace requires actual work. It is not a passive concept for them.

This walk offers a quiet alternative to the division often seen in daily headlines. Their message strips away complex agendas to focus on a basic human necessity. As Venerable Pannakara noted, the simple act of responding with kindness is how a peaceful world begins.

Observers do not need to walk 2,300 miles to take part in this vision. The heart of their mission invites people to practice patience in their own neighborhoods. Whether it is a friendly greeting or a moment of restraint during a conflict, the monks demonstrate that peace is an active decision. Their journey asks the rest of the country to make a simple but powerful choice: choose compassion.

Featured Image Source: Walk for Peace on Facebook