2,300 Miles of Peace

The “Walk For Peace” was a 2,300-mile journey on foot by 19 Vietnamese Theravada Buddhist monks, starting in October of 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas, and ending on February 10 in Washington, D.C. Along the way, they stopped at state capitols and were met by thousands of people awaiting, who handed them flowers as they walked.

However, the 108-day walk was met with hardships, such as the harsh winter storm, delaying their walk and stops at capitols, and an unfortunate car accident injuring one of the monks. Long-distance highways, below freezing temperatures, and physical exhaustion tested their resilience to keep the walking from continuing. 

In a Facebook post, they state, “In the hardest conditions, peace still finds a way. In the coldest moments, the heart still warms with compassion. In the most difficult circumstances, blessings still flow between souls. This is why we walk. For hearts that wait, even in the cold.” 

The Walk for Peace is not a political movement. But, “is a simple yet meaningful reminder that unity and kindness begin within each of us and can radiate outward to families, communities, and society as a whole,” says Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, the leader of the walk.

This is not the first peace walk. Buddhist monks have been leading peace walks for years. Peace walks first originated in Cambodia. The purpose of the walks was to promote peace and reconciliation after wars, especially in affected areas. 

Walking became a symbolic way to unite the divided land and to show that reconciliation is not an instantaneous process, but step by step. In fact, some monks walk in their socks or barefoot to be connected to the ground and stay present in the moment. 

Historically, we have seen non-violent action through the Civil Rights Movement, as Martin Luther King put emphasis on non-violent protest, showing America that change does not solely have to stem from being radical. In addition, Mahatma Gandhi adopted non-violence as an ideal way of life and as a philosophy, promoting the pursuit of social justice through peace. From both leaders, society has learned that non-violent action is not passive or “weak,” but resilient and active. 

Non-violent action is a bridge to bring people together in violent times. Although the Walk For Peace is not a political movement, its tranquility has strengthened the community nationwide, as a reminder that peace and love are stronger than hate and violence. The gathering of communities from a single act rippled through society. Our individual intentions for peace are what drive change. 

When different religious affiliations came together to support the walk, it revealed that, despite our differences and the labels society confines people to, we share a common desire for peace. What makes us divided now makes us stronger as a nation.