Walk for Peace
The Walk for Peace is a long-distance pilgrimage in the United States initiated by Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., promoting peace, compassion, and nonviolence.
The walk began on October 26, 2025, and is planned to span approximately 2,300 miles in 108 days. They are currently expected to arrive in D.C. on February 10. The monks are accompanied by a dog named Aloka, who has become a symbolic figure throughout the journey.
The monks have been documenting their travels on multiple social media platforms. Since creating their Facebook page on November 8, 2025, it has grown exponentially, reaching 1 million followers on January 11, 2026, and 2 million just 11 days later. They have 2.4 million followers on Facebook and 1.7 million followers on Instagram as of January 31, 2026.
Background
The pilgrimage was organized by a group of 24 monks from the Vietnamese Theravada Buddhist tradition, affiliated with the Huong Dao Temple in Fort Worth. Inspired by the teachings of Gautama Buddha, the Walk for Peace aims to raise "awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America and the world."Route and progress
The walk began in Fort Worth, Texas, following a route through the southeastern United States, passing through states including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Their path then goes north through the Carolinas and Virginia before concluding in Washington, D.C. The monks maintain a walking pace of more than 20 miles a day. They usually start their walk at 6:30-7 am. A "peace sharing talk" is held by them at their lunch break every day, weather permitting. Another talk is conducted at their night rest stop, in addition to visiting opportunities for the public. Three of the monks, including the head monk Bhikkhu Pannakara, have chosen to make the trek barefoot. The monks engage with the public through quiet presence and peaceful interaction. They have been handing out "peace bracelets" to those they encounter, a Buddhist symbol of protection and blessings.The walk has been positively received in various communities, with local news outlets and social media users highlighting the unique sight of the group traveling on foot in traditional robes.
Traffic accident
On November 19, 2025, while the monks were walking along U.S. Highway 90 near Dayton, Texas, a truck struck the group's escort vehicle. The impact pushed the escort into two monks walking on the roadside and resulted in serious injuries to two monks. One monk, Bhante Dam Phommasan, suffered significant trauma and was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Houston while another monk received treatment by ambulance for less severe injuries.Bhante Dam's injuries were severe enough that he underwent surgery in early December, which resulted in the amputation of his leg. According to statements from the Walk for Peace community, he recovered under medical care and remained in good spirits. Despite his injuries, organizers indicated that the group would continue the pilgrimage and requested continued support and compassion from followers.
In early January 2026, the injured monk returned to Georgia and reunited with the Walk for Peace group after his recovery.
Accolades
Along the way, a number of ceremonies and commendations were bestowed on the group, including the declaration in Texas of "Austin Walk for Peace Day" on November 5 and Greensboro, NC declaring January 19 as "Walk for Peace Day".Aloka the Peace Dog
A key figure in the Walk for Peace is Aloka, a stray dog from India who joined a prior peace walk in that country and later became part of the U.S. pilgrimage. He is often seen walking ahead of the group or resting alongside them and has developed a significant following on social media.A post from the walk's official Facebook page announced that Aloka would undergo veterinary surgery for a chronic leg issue on January 12. A problem with his cranial cruciate ligament, described as common in dogs, required a tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy. He will have restricted mobility as part of a gradual recovery process, and would be back in "two or three days" to continue the walk with brief stretches.