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Buddhist Monks Complete 2,300-Mile ‘Walk for Peace’ Across America – Urgent Breaking News
Annapolis, Maryland – February 13, 2026 – After 110 days and over 3,701 kilometers, a group of 19 Buddhist monks concluded their remarkable ‘Walk for Peace’ today, arriving in Annapolis, Maryland. The journey, which began in Fort Worth, Texas, has captivated the nation, offering a powerful message of unity and compassion at a time of deep societal division. This represents a developing story, optimized for Google News indexing, and SEO.
A Journey Rooted in Tradition and Resilience
The monks, representing the Theravada tradition from around the world and united through the Vietnamese center Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana in Texas, embarked on their trek not as a protest, but as “a simple but meaningful reminder that unity and kindness commence within each of us,” explained Bhikhu Pannakara, the leader of the group. Their path took them through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Virginia, and finally to Maryland. The walk itself is a revered tradition in Theravada Buddhism, with some monks choosing to walk barefoot or in socks to maintain a deeper connection with the earth.
Inspiring a Nation Seeking Tranquility
The monks’ message resonated deeply with Americans along the route. Joan Donohue, of Silver Spring, Maryland, told Reuters, “People need this. Our country needs this. We feel disconnected and people want more kindness, compassion and peace.” Kaylee Peters, 44, tearfully shared with the New York Times her desire to “enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility and feel like I’m enough” as she greeted the monks in Virginia. Even North Carolina Governor Josh Stein acknowledged the impact, thanking the monks for bringing “hope to millions of people” with their message of peace, equality, justice, and compassion.
Overcoming Obstacles and Embracing Unity
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. The monks faced unexpectedly cold weather, and tragically, one monk, Maha Dam Phommasan, lost a leg when a truck collided with their escort car near Houston. Despite this hardship, the group persevered, demonstrating remarkable resilience and a commitment to honoring their brothers and the original message of peace. The group also gained an unexpected companion along the way – a mongrel dog named Aloka, who captured the hearts of many online.
A Message for a Polarized World
The arrival of the monks in Washington D.C. Was marked by an interfaith ceremony at the National Cathedral, where Bhikhu Pannakara emphasized the importance of collaboration: “Before you are gathered the leaders of all religions, united by one goal: peace… For me, this is the first time that we work together.” District of Columbia Secretary of State Kimberly Bassett presented the monks with a letter of commendation from Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, recognizing that their “pilgrimage brought people together—in cities, states and entire communities.” Martin Luther King III recently highlighted the walk on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “a powerful reminder that peace is achieved one step at a time.”
The monks will return to Fort Worth by bus following their final gathering on the steps of the Maryland State Capitol. Their journey serves as a potent reminder that the pursuit of inner peace and harmony is a continuous practice, and that even little acts of kindness can ripple outwards, fostering unity and compassion in a world desperately in need of both. For more breaking news and in-depth analysis, stay tuned to archyde.com.
