“Walk for Peace” where monks brave the winter storm
A group of Buddhist monks continues their “Path of Peace” from Texas to Washington, D.C. despite harsh winter conditions.
A group of Buddhist monks who have been walking across the country since October in search of peace arrived in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, February 10th, the final destination of their 4,300-mile journey.
The men crossed eight U.S. states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia) to reach the nation’s capital.
The journey was not an easy one. For the past few weeks, about 20 traveling monks have been exposed to freezing temperatures. In November, the monks’ security vehicle was involved in a traffic accident, leaving one monk with serious injuries that required his leg to be amputated.
Additionally, the group’s beloved dog Aloka, a former stray dog adopted from Kolkata, India, underwent surgery for a leg injury. The puppy then rejoined the pack.
Why are the monks walking?
The monks set out on the journey to remind Americans that peace is not a destination, according to a statement from the pilgrims.
“As the nation faces challenges of division, mental health crises, and internal and external conflicts, this pilgrimage offers a simple but profound message: Peace begins within each person’s heart and spreads outward to families, communities, and the nation as a whole,” a Walk for Peace news release said.
Buddhist monks often undertake long walking pilgrimages lasting several months. During the walk, the monks observed a strict code of celibacy inspired by ancient traditions. These traditions include eating only one meal a day and sleeping under a tree, which is considered a practice of humility, patience, and mental focus.
The monks announced they arrived in Washington, D.C., around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10.
While entering the area from Virginia, Venerable Pannakara Bhikkhu expressed gratitude to those who had followed their journey through a video posted on social media. He encouraged his supporters to continue calling for peace to “change this world together.”
When will the monk go home?
The group is hosting a two-day event in the capital. On Wednesday, February 11, they will walk to the Peace Memorial in front of the U.S. Capitol. In the afternoon, they will walk to the Lincoln Memorial, where a closing ceremony will be held to mark the end of their journey.
The group, which hails from the Phuong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, is scheduled to return home on Thursday, February 12th.
Watch the monks arrive in Washington DC.
Take a look back at their journey: See photos
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Please contact mdelrey@usatoday.com.
