19 monks 'walking for peace' across America

A group of 19 monks, accompanied by one rescue dog, has embarked on a 3,700 km journey across the United States to pray for peace.

Originating from Theravada Buddhist monasteries worldwide, the monks began their journey from Huong Dao Pagoda in Fort Worth, Texas, on 26/10/2025. They anticipate reaching Washington D.C. by mid-February, where they plan to petition the US Congress to recognize Vesak, the day commemorating Buddha's birth and enlightenment, as a federal holiday.

"Through this recognition, Vesak will be seen as a day for reflection, fostering compassion and harmony among people, regardless of religious differences," stated Long Si Dong, a spokesperson for Huong Dao Pagoda.

The monks, with their rescue dog Aloka, have been striding along highways in the southern United States. Many locals have come out to welcome them along their route. Videos documenting their journey have garnered millions of views on social media.

On 8/1, at a stop in Saluda, South Carolina, Audrie Pearce was moved to tears when monk Pannakara, the group's leader, handed her a flower. She had driven four hours from Little River to Main Street to join the crowd welcoming the walking monks.

"Every day, heartbreaking things happen in America," Pearce said, identifying herself as someone seeking inner peace but not affiliated with any religion. "I looked into their eyes and saw peace. They are enduring an arduous journey through severe challenges, yet they exude an unusual serenity."

Audrie Pearce welcomes the walking monks passing through Saluda, South Carolina, United States. Photo: AP

The monks camp outdoors for rest each night. Their journey has not been without peril. On 19/11/2025, as they walked on Highway 90 near Dayton, Texas, their escort vehicle was struck by a truck. This incident resulted in two monks sustaining injuries, one of whom lost a leg, reducing the group's members to 18.

Some monks have had to bandage their feet due to stepping on rocks, nails, and glass fragments along the way. They noted that walking on paved roads in the southeastern United States is not an easy challenge.

"In India, we could take shortcuts through rice fields or farms, but here we cannot because most of the land is private," said monk Pannakara, explaining that he maintains joy through mindfulness despite the pain.

This marks monk Pannakara's first walking pilgrimage in the United States. He has previously walked through several South Asian countries and met the dog Aloka during a 112-day journey across India in 2022. The dog has followed him and the monks from eastern India to the United States, becoming a source of morale for the entire group.

When the group stopped in Opelika, Alabama, they were welcomed by Pastor Patrick Hitchman-Craig on Christmas Eve. Initially, Pastor Craig anticipated only a small group, but the church that night saw up to 1,000 people gather.

"Anyone who sacrifices themselves to serve peace holds a special place in God's heart, whether or not they share our faith tradition," Pastor Hitchman-Craig stated.

The walking monks and rescue dog Aloka in Saluda, South Carolina, on 8/1. Photo: AP

The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, which focuses on the connection between mind and body, observing breath and physical sensations to understand reality, impermanence, and suffering. Some monks, like venerable Pannakara, walk barefoot to directly feel the ground and live fully in the present moment.

At one stop, monk Pannakara lectured on mindfulness, forgiveness, and the healing process, while emphasizing that their walk is for peace, not proselytizing.

According to the monks, beyond their message of peace, their greatest priority is to connect directly with the people they encounter along the way.

Monk Pannakara underscored that the main goal is to help people find peace in their lives. "I hope that after this journey concludes, the people we have met will continue to practice mindfulness and find peace," he shared.