Buddhist Monks continue their Walk for Peace from Fort Worth, Texas toward Washington D.C. in 2026.
The group of around 19 monks and their rescue dog, Aloka, walk to promote world peace in hope of sharing ideas of love and compassion. They walk not to protest but as an act of healing and unity in a hate filled world.
On Oct. 26, 2025, monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center began a Walk for Peace that has gained a lot of support and followers. They began in Fort Worth, Texas with the journey expected to span roughly 2,300 miles across 10 states and completed in 120 days at the country’s capital. Although not annually occurring, the Walk For Peace remains popular. The group only leaves their monasteries to walk when they feel the world needs peace and calls for attention.
The walks started in the 1990s after suffering from civil war and genocide at the hands of the Communist Party of Kampuchea in Cambodia. The leader, Maha Ghosananda, walked through active battlefields and landmine regions to push and prove stable peace possible.
Over the years the walk still holds the same message, but the current walk is referred to as “a human alarm” by Jessica Harkins on facebook, then later The medium website. On Oct. 26, 2025, the group began their walk to directly respond to the tension and division in the world.
Although the monks’ aim to heighten peace, their tour has come with obstacles. When a car hit the group’s escort vehicles in November, two monks faced injuries. Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan was flown to a hospital due to severe trauma to his leg, resulting in amputation. He has since returned to his home in Atlanta. After the events, local police departments have volunteered to escort the group as they continue through populated cities.
With popularity growing, the group has provided insights on how they feel people should live life. As the monks start their day and walk, they repeat the statement “today is going to be my peaceful day.” They recite it to themselves in order to live their life mindfully. In interviews, they have stated that peace begins within, and in order to find peace, every step must be taken with purpose.
In order to contribute to the walk, the monks ask for prayers and well wishes. They can also take certain items given to them, such as vegetarian or vegan food, water and non-alcoholic drinks, medical care and supporters can make donations on the Walk for Peace website.
The Walk for Peace holds meaning that most people do not understand. While trying to promote messages of peace and equality, the group has found success in that region. People from all over the world, not just the United States, have tuned in to track and donate to the Walk for Peace movement.
