The group of monks arrived in Washington D.C. on 10/2, concluding a months-long journey that began at Huong Dao Temple, a Vietnamese community temple in Fort Worth, Texas, on 26/10/2025.

The monks walked through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, enduring winter cold, at times walking barefoot. The group pressed on even when a severe snowstorm swept across vast areas of the U.S.

Their journey captured public attention; millions followed the group's official Facebook page. As the monks passed through cities and towns, crowds gathered to welcome and encourage them, regardless of the weather. Many stood along roadsides, kneeling as the monks passed, offering flowers.

Monks walk on a street in Washington D.C., the U.S. capital, on 10/2. *Photo: AP*

The monks camped outdoors to rest each night. While much of the journey proceeded smoothly, they also faced serious incidents.

On 19/11/2025, while the group walked through Dayton, Texas, a truck struck their escort vehicle, injuring two monks. One monk lost a leg, reducing the group's members from 19 to 18.

During a stop in North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein acknowledged the group of monks and expressed appreciation for their message.

At some stops, the monks lectured on mindfulness, forgiveness, and healing, but affirmed their cross-country walk was not for proselytizing or political purposes, but for peace.

"We walk to awaken the peace inherent in each person," said monk Pannakara, the group's leader. The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, focusing on the mind-body connection, observing breath and physical sensations to understand reality, impermanence, and suffering.

A woman kneels before the group of monks who just arrived in Washington, preparing to visit the National Cathedral, on 10/2. *Photo: AP*

The monks will stay in the capital for two days, including a visit to the Washington National Cathedral and a meditation retreat. They also plan to propose that the U.S. Congress recognize Vesak, the day of Buddha's birth and enlightenment, as a federal holiday.

On Facebook, the group's official page posted images showing them leaving Virginia and entering Washington in the early morning of 10/2, where monk Pannakara expressed gratitude.

"We are deeply grateful for all the support received throughout the journey. The physical journey may have reached its destination, but the walk for peace will always continue, within each person and spreading through everyone. We hope that we will all contribute to peace flourishing further in the world, one step at a time," he said.

By Duc Trung (based on FOX News, AP, Washington Post)