Buddhist monks and their dog walk across the South for peace

A group of Theravada Buddhist monks and their rescue dog have been walking across six Southern states since Oct. 26, 2025, drawing large crowds and teaching Vipassana meditation; they plan to seek recognition of Vesak in Washington, D.C., in mid-February.

A group of Theravada Buddhist monks set out from a Vietnamese temple in Fort Worth on Oct. 26, 2025, and have been walking across the South in saffron robes with a rescue dog named Aloka. They teach Vipassana meditation and stop in towns, churches and public squares to share lessons on mindfulness, forgiveness and healing. The walkers typically sleep in tents and sometimes walk barefoot as part of their practice. Their route is scheduled to end in mid-February in Washington, D.C., where they plan to ask Congress to recognize Vesak, the Buddha’s day of birth and enlightenment. What is known: - The group began with 19 monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth and has walked across six states, covering roughly 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers). - On Nov. 19 near Dayton, Texas, the monks’ escort vehicle was struck by a distracted truck driver, injuring two monks; one later lost a leg and the group continued with 18 members. - The monks and their rescue dog Aloka have drawn thousands of people at some stops, received a proclamation in Columbia, South Carolina, and been hosted by churches and private communities along the route. - The dog Aloka was a stray from India who followed the monks on earlier treks; his name means “divine light” or “light of wisdom.” - The monks document their journey on social media and have amassed millions of followers while emphasizing that their aim is to offer peace and connection rather than conversion. Summary: The walk has created moments of calm and community in towns along the route and has drawn attention across the region. The group intends to arrive in Washington, D.C., in mid-February to request recognition of Vesak by Congress. Their stated priority throughout the trek is to teach mindfulness and help people find peace in their daily lives.