Buddhist monks pass halfway mark on 2,300-mile US Walk for Peace

A group of Buddhist monks reached the halfway point of a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace across the United States after 83 days, continuing despite injuries to members and to their dog, which recently had surgery.

A group of Buddhist monks has passed the halfway mark of a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace across the United States. They were in North Carolina on their 83rd day on the road. The walk aims to raise awareness of peace, loving kindness and compassion and includes stops at state capitols. The group is heading toward Washington DC, where they plan to ask Congress to recognize Vesak as a federal holiday. What is known: - The walk began on 26 October from a Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Fort Worth, Texas, and has passed through Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. - The group currently consists of 18 monks; two of them are following dhutanga practices and do not lie down during the march. - Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra is leading the walk barefoot and treats his feet each day with heavy bandaging for injuries from roads and debris. - Three weeks after the start, a truck struck the group's escort vehicle, injuring two monks; one lost a leg and is reported to be doing fine. - Aloka, a dog rescued by Paññākāra, aggravated a pre-existing leg injury, underwent surgery in South Carolina, and rejoined the monks in Charlotte with limited walking planned as part of recovery. - The march has drawn crowds at state capitols and has attracted more than a million social media followers. Summary: The walk has drawn public attention and an online following as the monks continue despite injuries and setbacks. They intend to reach Washington DC to request recognition of Vesak by Congress; arrival timing is undetermined at this time.