Buddhist Monks Embark On Their “Walk For Peace” Pilgrimage From Texas To DC

Their mission: to foster unity, compassion, loving-kindness and healing in a nation grappling with division and uncertainty. The Walk for Peace is more than a long hike — it is a spiritual pilgrimage deeply grounded in Buddhist practice.

The monks, affiliated with the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, have embraced a simple, mindful way of life as they travel: Walking an intentional 20–30 miles a day, often barefoot, Eating only one meal per day, as part of their traditional discipline, Sleeping outdoors or in tents beneath the sky and Relying on the generosity, goodwill, and donations of communities they encounter along the way.

Accompanying them is their beloved rescue dog named Aloka — the “Peace Dog” — whose heart-shaped forehead marking and calm presence have captured the public’s imagination and become a symbol of the journey’s spirit. As the pilgrimage nears its final weeks, the monks are approaching the Carolinas and will continue northward through Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic before their scheduled arrival at the U.S. Capitol on February 13, 2026. There, they plan to share their message of peace and unity publicly and request federal recognition of Vesak — the day that celebrates the Buddha’s birth and enlightenment — as a national day of reflection and compassion.