A group of Buddhist monks completed their remarkable 15-week journey on foot from Texas to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. The procession, which captured the attention of many across the nation, concluded as they walked single file across the Potomac River.
Sporting their distinctive saffron robes, the monks, accompanied by their rescue dog Aloka, have become popular figures on social media. They spent Monday night at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, before making their way into the nation’s capital via the Chain Bridge at around 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
The monks embarked on this journey to promote peace, a message that has resonated deeply with Americans seeking solace amid political and social tension. Since the trek began in late October, thousands have gathered along roadsides, even braving atypical chilly weather, to witness the monks’ serene procession.
During their two-day visit to Washington, D.C., large crowds are anticipated to join in greeting the monks. In preparation, the Metropolitan Police Department has issued a traffic advisory, noting there will be “rolling road closures” along the monks’ path to ensure the safety of both participants and spectators.
“I hope that as our walk concludes, those we’ve encountered will continue to embrace mindfulness and discover peace,” expressed the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the gentle leader of the group, who has been sharing teachings on mindfulness throughout their journey.
The monks have planned to celebrate the conclusion of their Walk for Peace with public gatherings at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday and the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday.
“Their long journey and gentle witness invite us all to deepen our commitment to compassion and the work of peace in our communities,” said Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde, who will help host an interfaith reception for the monks at the cathedral.
The monks have been surprised to see their message transcend ideologies. Millions have followed them online, and crowds have greeted them at numerous venues, from a church in Opelika, Alabama, to City Hall in Richmond, Virginia.
Mark Duykers, a retired mechanical engineer who practices mindfulness, said he and his wife will drive 550 miles (885 kilometers) from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Washington to see the monks.
“In these divisive times, we saw entire towns in the Bible Belt coming out for these monks – having no idea of what Buddhism is – but being uplifted and moved by it,” he said. “That’s inspirational.”
Nineteen monks began the 2,300-mile (3,700-kilometer) journey from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth on Oct. 26, 2025. They came from Theravada Buddhist monasteries around the globe, led by Pannakara, who is vice president of the Fort Worth temple.
While in the U.S. capital, they plan to submit a request to lawmakers to declare Vesak – Buddha’s birthday – a national holiday. But, Pannakara and others have emphasized that is not the goal of the walk.
Long Si Dong, a spokesperson for the temple, said the walk is neither a political movement nor is it focused on advocacy or legislation.
“It’s a spiritual offering, an invitation to live peace through everyday actions, mindful steps and open hearts,” he said. “We believe when peace is cultivated within, it naturally ripples outward into society.”
The trek has had its perils, and local law enforcement officers have provided security. In November outside Houston, the monks were walking on the side of a highway when their escort vehicle was hit by a truck. Two monks were injured; one had his leg amputated.
Some of the monks, including Pannakara, have walked barefoot or in socks for most of the journey to feel the ground directly and be present in the moment. As they have pressed on through snow and cold, they’ve at times donned winter boots.
Peace walks are a cherished tradition in Theravada Buddhism. Pannakara first encountered Aloka, an Indian Pariah dog whose name means “divine light” in Sanskrit, during a 112-day journey across India in 2022.
The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique taught by the Buddha as core to attaining enlightenment. It focuses on the mind-body connection, observing breath and physical sensations to understand reality, impermanence and suffering.
On Tuesday, the monks will complete 108 days of walking. It’s a sacred number in Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. It represents spiritual completion, cosmic order and the wholeness of existence.
The monks’ return trip should be less arduous. After an appearance at Maryland’s Capitol, a bus will take them back to Texas, where they expect to arrive in downtown Fort Worth early on Saturday.
From there, the monks will walk together again, traversing 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) to the temple where their trip began.
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Bharath reported from Los Angeles.
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