Buddhist monks walking 2,300 miles from Texas to Washington, DC draw national attention

Monks from a Texas meditation center began a more than 2,300-mile 'Walk for Peace' from Fort Worth to Washington, DC in late October as a spiritual practice, and the journey has drawn large online attention including over one million Facebook followers.

Buddhist monks affiliated with a Texas meditation center set out in late October on a more than 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Fort Worth to Washington, DC. They describe the monthslong trip as a moving meditation and a spiritual practice rather than a protest. The group says the walk promotes peace, compassion and mindfulness during a time of national division. Photos and videos from the route have attracted large online interest as the group continues eastward. What is reported: - The journey is named the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center's Walk for Peace and began in late October. - The route runs from Fort Worth, Texas, toward Washington, DC and is roughly 2,300 miles long, with an expected conclusion later this winter. - Organizers emphasize the walk is a spiritual practice, not a political protest, and say it aims to foster peace, compassion and mindfulness. - Supporters have met the group along the way, sometimes walking short stretches, offering food, or observing quietly. The monks describe tying a small blessing cord on visitors’ wrists as a reminder of the encounter. - A rescue dog called Aloka, described by the group as the "Peace Dog," has appeared in photos and videos and become a visible part of the journey. - The group's posts have drawn large engagement online, and their Facebook following recently surpassed one million. Summary: The walk has prompted public interest and encouraging messages as the monks travel through cities, towns and rural areas. The group continues eastward with an estimated arrival in Washington, DC later this winter.