Buddhist monks undertaking a 3,700-kilometer “Walk for Peace” across the United States, from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, DC, passed through Richmond, Virginia, on Monday, marking the 100th day of their journey and drawing thousands of local residents to the city’s streets and civic spaces.
The monks were welcomed at Richmond City Hall by community members and local officials, including Mayor Danny Avula and Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger. The walk, organizers say, is aimed at promote mindfulness, healing, compassion, and peace amid what they describe as growing social divisions and global uncertainty.
Speaking at City Hall, Venerable Bhikku Pannakara, who is leading the pilgrimage, emphasized that Washington, DC, represented a symbolic milestone rather than the end of the journey. “Washington, DC, is not the final destination because we need world peace,” he said. “And world peace is something that we need to walk for the rest of our life. So we are not stopping there.” (KHOU 11)
The monks’ arrival in Richmond followed a morning walk through the city’s Southside neighborhoods. After stopping for lunch at Fire Station 17 on Semmes Avenue, the group continued to City Hall. Spectators were invited to join the monks for three kilometers of the route, a small segment of the total distance that spans much of the continental US.
Mayor Avula framed the visit as especially timely. “This pilgrimage comes at a critical time when communities across our nation face rising mental health challenges, divisions and global uncertainty,” he said. “It serves as a reminder that peace is not merely a destination, but a practice that begins within and radiates outward—to families, to communities, and to our nation.” (12 On Your Side)
Participants and observers described the atmosphere as calm and inclusive. Matthew Williams, who joined the walk, said, “It’s amazing to see this in real time and be part of it instead of just sitting on the sidelines.” Williams traveled from Canada with Katriona Dean specifically to witness the monks’ passage through Richmond. Dean described the experience as deeply moving: “Everybody’s in such good spirits. There’s no pushing, there’s no shoving. It’s just love, love, love, love, love, and this is what heals.” (12 On Your Side)
The monks’ journey has not been without hardship. They have continued walking through snow, ice, and frigid winter temperatures during the final leg of the trek toward Washington, DC. Reflecting on these challenges, Ven. Bhikku Pannakara encouraged perseverance. “I know that this journey is difficult,” he said, “but I truly believe every single one of us can do this. It’s not that hard as long as you believe in yourself.” (12 On Your Side)
Among the crowd was Fred Crump of Charles City, who described the walk as historic. “I’m going to take some pictures so my family can see it,” he said. “I was here when it happened. I definitely hope it leaves an impression on our area and all the places they’ve been.” (12 On Your Side)
In recognition of the event, Governor Spanberger issued a proclamation declaring 2 February as Walk for Peace Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the first such proclamation of her gubernatorial term. “I am so grateful and proud to present this proclamation to the Venerable Monks, thanking them for giving us the opportunity to come together, the opportunity for people of all faith backgrounds and beliefs to join in a shared aspiration to live with greater compassion, understanding, and goodwill.” (Blue Virginia)
Following their Richmond visit, the monks continued north to Ashland and Randolph-Macon College, where they gave a peace-sharing talk on Tuesday.
See more
Buddhist monks reach Richmond on 100th day of Walk for Peace(12 On Your Side)
Video: Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Mayor Danny Avula Welcome Buddhist Monks to Richmond on Day 100 of Their Walk for Peace (Blue Virginia)
Richmond embraces Buddhist monks on 100th day of Walk for Peace (13 News Now)
Buddhist monks mark 100th day of cross-country walk for peace (KHOU 11)
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