Dressed in saffron and maroon robes, the monks walked through winter storms, braved injuries, and some even walked barefoot — all to promote a simple yet profound message: peace begins from within, not without. Led by Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, they started their journey on October 26, 2025, from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Accompanied by their beloved rescue dog Aloka — whose name means “light” — the monks walked 20-25 miles daily, starting at dawn, adhering to strict monastic rules: one meal per day, accepting only offered sustenance, and sleeping in temples, churches, or donated spaces.

A Testament to Resilience

The journey was not without challenges. In November 2025, tragedy struck when a vehicle hit two monks. One suffered severe injuries requiring leg amputation — yet remarkably, he recovered and rejoined the walk, transforming the incident into a testament to extraordinary resilience and determination.

The monks endured harsh winter conditions — snow, rain, and frigid temperatures. Some, including leader Bhikkhu Pannakara, walked portions barefoot to embody humility and endurance. Their perseverance captured hearts nationwide, with videos going viral and crowds gathering by the thousands to witness their peaceful procession.

Interfaith Unity at George Washington University

In one of the most moving moments of the pilgrimage, the American Muslim Multifaith Women Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) joined the Buddhist monks at George Washington University for a profound gathering of meditation and prayer. Invited by the university chaplain, Muslim faith leaders sat in shared silence alongside the monks and the university community — a powerful demonstration that peace transcends religious boundaries.

Dr. Anila Ali

President, American Muslim Multifaith Women Empowerment Council

“As Muslim faith leaders and spiritual diplomats, we had the honor of joining Buddhist monks at George Washington University for their Walk for Peace, invited by the university chaplain. Watching saffron-robed monks walk in mindful silence was a powerful reminder: peace is not loud — it is intentional. Buddhism teaches compassion for all beings. Islam teaches that we were created into nations and tribes so that we may know one another. When these values meet, unity becomes possible without uniformity. In a divided world, spiritual diplomacy begins with showing up — praying together, listening deeply, and standing in shared humanity. Peace begins within. Leadership begins with humility.”

The Journey’s Culmination

Upon arriving in Washington, D.C. on February 10, after crossing the Chain Bridge from Arlington, Virginia, the monks were greeted by joyful crowds. They held powerful ceremonies at iconic locations:

A Message for Our Times

In an era of deep division, the Walk for Peace became a viral phenomenon, with millions following the journey online through hashtags like #WalkForPeace. Crowds gathered roadside, sometimes in the thousands, to witness the procession. Supporters traveled from across the country to join segments of the walk.

The monks’ message was clear and non-political: “In a time of division, we walk to remind people of kindness and compassion across America and the world.” They avoided political commentary, framing their journey as a universal call for nonviolence that transcends partisan divisions.

The Power of Spiritual Diplomacy

The collaboration between Buddhist monks and Muslim faith leaders at George Washington University exemplifies what true spiritual diplomacy looks like. It’s not about converting others or compromising beliefs — it’s about recognizing shared humanity and standing together for peace.

A Legacy of Hope

The monks returned to Fort Worth on February 14, 2026, by bus, completing their sacred mission. But the impact of their 2,300-mile journey will resonate far longer. They demonstrated that:

Social media buzzed with testimonies. One supporter in D.C. said, “With the climate in our country right now, I just felt a strong need to come down and support the peace walk.” The journey bridged divides, attracting diverse groups from Christians to atheists, from Muslims to Jews, all united in the simple desire for peace.

As global tensions persist, this pilgrimage serves as a reminder that peace is accessible to all through internal work, interfaith cooperation, and the simple act of walking together — step by intentional step — toward a more compassionate world.

The stones may have carried the monks’ feet across 2,300 miles. But it was their hearts — and the hearts of those who joined them, like the Muslim faith leaders at George Washington University — that carried the message of peace across a divided nation and into millions of souls.