By Trendsetter Tribune 
Eighteen Buddhist monks are halfway through a 2,300-mile barefoot walk across the U.S., promoting peace, compassion, and unity while drawing thousands of supporters.
A group of Buddhist monks has passed the halfway mark in a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace, aiming to spread messages of peace, loving kindness, and compassion across the U.S. and beyond.
Led by Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, who walks barefoot throughout the journey, the 18-member team has already faced injuries, extreme discipline, and the challenges of traversing the country over 83 days.
Background: The Journey Across America
The walk began on October 26, 2025, from a Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Fort Worth, Texas. The monks have traveled through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and North Carolina, stopping at state capitals to engage with the public. Each stop draws thousands of spectators, and the event’s social media coverage has attracted over a million followers.
Their ultimate destination is Washington, D.C., where the monks plan to request Congress formally recognize Vesak, the Buddha’s birthday and enlightenment day, as a federal holiday.
“By reaching the heart of the nation, we believe we can reach the hearts of all Americans,” said Neeraj Bajracharya, government liaison and press coordinator for the walk.
Challenges and Dedication
The journey has tested the monks physically and mentally:
- Bhikkhu Paññākāra walks barefoot, with heavily bandaged feet to treat injuries caused by rocks, glass, and nails on American roads.
- Two monks follow dhutanga practices, maintaining only three postures—walking, standing, or sitting—never lying down, even while sleeping.
- Early in the journey, an accident involving their escort vehicle left one monk with a leg amputated, reducing the walking team to 18.
The monks have also been accompanied by Aloka, a dog rescued by Paññākāra in India. Aloka recently underwent surgery in South Carolina for a pre-existing leg injury but has since rejoined the group in Charlotte, North Carolina, walking short distances as he recovers.
Community Response and Social Impact
The walk has captured the attention of thousands of supporters along the route and hundreds of thousands online. Videos of the monks and Aloka being reunited have drawn widespread engagement, reflecting the growing international interest in their mission.
“The core, foundational stone of this initiative is peace, unity, compassion, and healing. We want to reach every individual in America,” Bajracharya said.
The monks’ perseverance and public visibility highlight a modern global interest in mindfulness, peace activism, and cross-cultural spiritual initiatives.
Conclusion: Inspiring Unity and Compassion
Halfway through their three-month journey, the monks continue to demonstrate resilience, discipline, and dedication. Their walk not only spreads messages of peace and compassion, but also brings communities together across the U.S., inspiring thousands to reflect on kindness, unity, and social harmony.
The remaining miles to Washington, D.C. promise to draw even more attention, reinforcing the global reach of their message.