After a remarkable 108-day pilgrimage spanning 2,000 miles, a group of 19 Theravada Buddhist monks is poised to complete their transcontinental ‘Walk of Peace’ from Texas to Washington D.C. on Tuesday. Their extraordinary journey, which commenced on October 26, 2025, from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, has captivated national attention amid periods of intense political polarization.
Braving extreme weather conditions—including barefoot marches through snow and freezing temperatures—the monks maintained single-file formation throughout their sacred expedition. The number 108 holds profound significance in Buddhism, symbolizing spiritual completion. Despite a serious November incident in Houston where an escort vehicle collision resulted in two monks being injured (one requiring leg amputation), the group persevered with their message of mindfulness.
Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group’s leader, articulated their mission: “My hope is, when this walk ends, the people we met will continue practicing mindfulness and find peace.” Their arrival in the capital will include visits to the Washington National Cathedral and Lincoln Memorial, followed by an interfaith reception hosted by Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde, who noted their “gentle witness invite us all to deepen our commitment to compassion.
While the monks plan to advocate for recognizing Vesak (Buddha’s birthday) as a national holiday, their impact has transcended policy objectives. Livestreams of their final steps through Arlington, Virginia, show supporters cheering as they complete their journey. The monks will return to Texas by bus, arriving in Fort Worth on Saturday.