May all Beings be Well, Happy and at Peace

Have you heard about the Buddhist monks who are walking from Texas to Washinton DC? They are making the 2,300-mile journey completely on foot to raise awareness of peace, loving kindness and compassion for all people. Their perseverance and simple message are inspiring millions of ordinary Americans, and creating a wholesome viral internet sensation!

Background

The more than a dozen monks left Fort Worth, TX in October 2025. They are currently scheduled to reach Washington DC February 10, 2026. Accompanying the monks, is Aloka, the peace dog, once a stray, who befriended the monks on a similar 110 day walk in India.

While some of the monks are based in the US, others have joined the walk from Thailand, Vietnam, France and Myanmar. They are led by the Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, and range in age from their late 20’s to over 70.

The group walks about 20-30 miles every day, stopping only once, mid-day, to eat. They usually sleep in tents outdoors, and depend on local communities along the way for food and accommodations.

Farms, schools, recreation centers, fair grounds and even a drag race track and a Wal-Mart have become resting spots for monks as they pass through.

The monks are not protesting, nor promoting any particular religion; only peace, in our hearts, our country and the world.

The Big Story

The monks are all men of color dressed unconventionally in traditional orange robes. They belong to a religion unfamiliar to many Americans and chant Buddhist sutras at every stop.

And they are not walking through all liberal “blue” states either. The journey has taken them through the deep south: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland. Here is a map of their route.

It would not be surprising if people felt uncomfortable or threatened by these traveling monks. And indeed, a few churches denounced them as demonic. And there was at least one confrontation between a monk and a devout Christian. But that is not the big news.

The truly astounding part is that, despite the differences, the monks have been overwhelmingly met with huge crowds of enthusiastic supporters. They have been assisted by Lutheran, Catholic, Methodist and other churches. And hundreds of local law enforcement and government officials have met and supported them. This is shown by the pins of many organizations presented to and carried by Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra.

Medical personnel have volunteered their time to help the monks. And veterinarians have cared for Aloka, the peace dog.

Walkforpeace.usa Facebook and Instagram accounts have well over a million followers each. Thousands of people walked with the monks to be honored on the steps of the State House in Columbia, SC. A few days later, in Raleigh, NC, thousands more joined as the monks were met and recognized by governor Josh Stein.

And during the recent extreme cold, snow and ice, the monks have kept walking, through every kind of weather. And astonishingly, despite harsh weather, they have been greeted by crowds along the road. February 2, day 100, again thousands of people greeted the monks and walked together to the Richmond, VA city hall.

Importantly, people coming out to see the monks are of every color, age and background. The simple, yet universal message of hope, peace, unity, and humanity resonates deeply with everyone they meet. Their gentle presence feels like an antidote to our daily news.

Message

Walk for Peace is inviting everyone to join them in Washington DC on February 10. The current Confirmed Schedule is:

February 10, 2026: Visit the Washington National Cathedral.
February 11, 2026: Host a meditation retreat in the afternoon and evening.
February 12, 2026: Depart Washington, DC, to return to Fort Worth, TX by bus.

There will be more events throughout February 10 and 11, from morning to evening, creating beautiful opportunities for everyone to gather and celebrate peace together.

While the monks hope to inspire peace in our country and the world, they teach that peace starts within. It begins with forgiveness, first of all of ourselves. “Forgiving ourselves for being imperfect frees us from the silent prison of shame.” Then, from each of us, peace can extend outward to people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra speaks at nearly every rest stop. He encourages listeners to write on a piece of paper every morning: “Today is going to be my peaceful day”. This can be the beginning of developing an inner quiet, a peace that can ripple out into the world.

From one post: “May those who simply hear about this walk – from a friend, a family member, or a kind stranger – receive this message like a seed carried on a gentle breeze. And may the peace that grows inside you shine outward.

May it touch your family, your neighbors, and everyone you meet, spreading warmth into the world we all share. We offer this prayer with humble hearts, hoping that peace might bloom a little more brightly for everyone.

May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace.”

Does this have anything to do with Yumbini?

When I started Yumbini, I was inspired by the Buddhist legend of Sujata, a young woman who lived long ago in India. She presented food to a travelling monk in a forest near her home. Nourished by Sujata’s healthy meal, the monk was able to sustain a long meditation, to reach enlightenment and to become the Buddha.

The Walk for Peace monks have inspired me anew. I wish that my efforts, and the food we offer can, in some small way, help to heal our broken world.