Buddhist monks and their dog draw crowds on a U.S. peace walk

A group of Theravada Buddhist monks and their rescue dog are walking across the U.S. South to promote peace; the 2,300-mile trek began Oct. 26, 2025 and is scheduled to end in mid‑February in Washington, D.C., where they plan to ask Congress to recognize Vesak.

Monks in saffron robes and their rescue dog are walking single file along roads and highways through the American South to promote peace and mindfulness. The trek began Oct. 26, 2025, at a Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Fort Worth and is planned to finish in mid‑February in Washington, D.C. The group's leader, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, walks barefoot and speaks about mindfulness, forgiveness and healing at public stops. The practice draws on Theravada Vipassana traditions and has brought together diverse gatherings in town squares, churchyards and at state buildings. The monks largely sleep in tents and share their journey on social media. Key details: - Nineteen monks from Theravada monasteries began a roughly 2,300‑mile (3,700 km) walk from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth. - The trek started Oct. 26, 2025 and is scheduled to end in mid‑February in Washington, D.C., where the group plans to request congressional recognition of Vesak, the Buddha’s birthday and enlightenment day. - On Nov. 19, an escort vehicle was struck near Dayton, Texas, injuring two monks; one lost a leg and the group was reduced to 18. - The monks travel with Aloka, a rescue dog first met by the leader during earlier journeys in India; the dog is described as a source of inspiration for the group. - The walk has drawn large local gatherings at many stops and the monks and Aloka have gained millions of followers on social media. Summary: The walk has drawn broad public attention and often large, diverse gatherings, offering moments of calm and connection for people who meet the group. The monks emphasize personal peace and mindfulness rather than conversion. Their stated next step is to reach Washington, D.C., in mid‑February and ask Congress to recognize Vesak as a national day of reflection and unity.