Buddhist monks conclude 2,300-mile Walk for Peace

A group of Buddhist monks concluded the final leg of their 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace” on Thursday, 12 February 2026, arriving in Annapolis, Maryland, after a multi-month trek that began in Fort Worth, Texas. The monks, led by the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara and accompanied by their dog Aloka, walked to raise awareness of peace, mindfulness, and compassion across the nation.

The Annapolis segment covered seven-tenths of a mile from Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to the Maryland State House. During their visit, the monks held a “peace gathering” on Lawyers Mall and received a proclamation from the Maryland House and Senate. Following their Maryland stop, the group will travel by bus back to Fort Worth, Texas, where they plan a final walk from downtown to their temple.

Over 108 days, the monks crossed ten states, averaging 20 to 23 miles per day, often in freezing and challenging conditions. Some walked barefoot or in socks to remain grounded in the present. Along the way, they endured ice, snow, and harsh winds, while police and local authorities ensured their safety.

The journey was not without incident. About three weeks in, a car struck one of the monks near Houston, resulting in a leg amputation. The monk rejoined the group in a wheelchair for the final leg. Aloka, the group’s “Peace Dog,” underwent surgery for a leg injury in January and reunited with the monks for the Annapolis segment.

The monks’ trek emphasized mindfulness and the practice of peace in everyday life. At Lawyers Mall, the lead monk said, “No one can do this for us. We have to do it ourselves. Just like when we're hungry. We need to go to the kitchen and cook and eat. Even if someone can feed us, we still have to chew it, we still have to swallow it. Is that right? And so, we have to practice this.”

The pilgrimage drew widespread attention, with millions following their progress online through live maps and social media. Pannakara’s group has 2.8 million Facebook followers, 1.3 million TikTok followers, and Aloka has about 1 million Facebook followers.

Congressman Ami Bera shared his support, posting on Facebook, “This morning, I had the honor of greeting Buddhist monks as they completed their Walk for Peace. The monks walked 2,300 miles over more than three months to raise awareness and mindfulness in their journey for peace. It was a powerful moment to witness. We can all learn from their example as we work to heal and bridge the divides in our nation.”

This walk follows a long tradition in Theravada Buddhism, where extended walking pilgrimages promote spiritual practice, reflection, and community engagement. The monks emphasized that peace is not a destination but a daily practice, extending from individual mindfulness to families, communities, and the broader nation.