Buddhist monks, marking the end of their 3,700-kilometer “Walk for Peace,” arrived in Washington, DC, this week, completing a three-month journey entirely on foot that took them through nine US states. Their walk began in Texas in late October, with the traveling monks receiving public attention and news coverage across the world as they walked to spread their message of unity, compassion, and peace.

When they walked across The Chain Bridge across the Potomac River, on their way into the US capital, their path was lined on both sides with supporters and well-wishers holding signs, throwing flowers, and offering prayers to celebrate the end of the 108-day pilgrimage.

The monks, wearing the traditional saffron and burnt-orange robes of the Theravada Buddhist tradition, emphasized that the walk was not meant as a protest; rather they hoped to spread a message of peace and loving-kindness between individuals and communities. Bhikkhu Pannakara, the leader of the walking party, reiterated this message, stating: “This walk is very meaningful. This walk could change our life. How many of us are willing to walk to bring world peace?” (PBS)

After their arrival in Washington, DC, the Buddhist monks attended several interfaith events. There was a ceremony at Washington National Cathedral that involved faith leaders from various traditions joining the monks in prayer. One of the participants was Reverend Mariann Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington and the first woman ever elected to that role, leading more than 80 congregations and several Episcopal schools across the capital and the State of Maryland. Another attendee, Heather Wasler from Uniontown Pennsylvania, noted: “To be able to be with people who are spreading love and peace and seeing it touch so many people is beautiful.” (Washingtonian)

The secretary of the District of Columbia, Kimberly Bassett, commented: “Today they mark the end of a 2,300-mile walk, but it’s not the end of our journey for peace. Your pilgrimage has brought people together across cities, states, and communities, all things, all backgrounds, all of us together, united in the shared belief that we can choose healing over harm, understanding over division, and peace over conflict.” (Washingtonian)

The end of the Walk for Peace was bittersweet in light of the many hardships that the monks encountered during their walk. At various points, they endured winter storms, freezing temperatures, and physical injuries—the worst of which was when a member of their group, Ven. Maha Dam Phommasan, was hit by a car in November. The collision resulted in emergency leg amputation for the monk. During the group’s final stretch in Washington, DC, Ven. Maha Dam Phommasan rejoined the pilgrims to the delight of onlookers who had been following his recovery.

During the walk, updates on the monks’ progress were shared via daily livestreams, through which they could be seen chanting, offering reflections, or simply walking in silence. One member of the group who became an instant celebrity was their rescue dog, Aloka, who followed them on every step of the journey. He appeared in countless photos and videos with the monks that were shared across social media. 

As part of the conclusion of the Walk for Peace, several more public gatherings and ceremonies are planned in different locations in Washington, DC, and Maryland, continuing until 12 February when a final event will be held at the Lincoln Memorial.

See More

‘Walk for Peace’ concludes as Buddhist monks arrive in Washington (PBS)
These monks’ walk for peace captivated Americans. It ends this week (NPR)
Thousands Welcome Buddhist Monks in DC After Their 2,300-Mile Walk for Peace (Washingtonian)

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