Walk for Peace (2025–2026) ← Previous revision Revision as of 03:39, 8 June 2026 Line 17: Line 17: == Walk for Peace (2025–2026) == == Walk for Peace (2025–2026) == ⚫ The Walk for Peace departed the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth on October 26, 2025, led by Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara. The group -- about 19 monks, accompanied by Aloka and a support vehicle, walked largely in single file, often in silence. Along the route the monks stopped at state capitals, historic landmarks, and local communities to share their message of mindfulness and to invite people into moments of collective reflection. The walk drew growing crowds as it moved east, with supporters lining the road to greet the monks in cities across the South and up the Eastern Seaboard. [[File:Buddhist monks Walk for Peace Saluda SC January 2026.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Buddhist monks walking in single file along a road in South Carolina, with Aloka the dog beside them|Buddhist monks and Aloka in Saluda, South Carolina, January 8, 2026 (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)]] ⚫ The Walk for Peace departed the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth on October 26, 2025, led by Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara. The group -- about 19 monks, accompanied by Aloka and a support vehicle -- walked largely in single file, often in silence. Along the route the monks stopped at state capitals, historic landmarks, and local communities to share their message of mindfulness and to invite people into moments of collective reflection. The walk drew growing crowds as it moved east, with supporters lining the road to greet the monks in cities across the South and up the Eastern Seaboard. The monks practiced and taught [[Vipassana]] meditation at stops throughout the journey. Their broader mission included a formal request that Vesak, the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar, be recognized as a United States federal holiday. The monks practiced and taught [[Vipassana]] meditation at stops throughout the journey. Their broader mission included a formal request that Vesak, the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar, be recognized as a United States federal holiday. Aloka became an integral part of the walk's identity, appearing daily on the group's social media accounts. He was known for rotating outfits -- often in red, white, or other bright colors -- and for the calm, measured pace with which he kept step beside the monks. His wardrobe and the heart-shaped marking on his forehead made him immediately recognizable to followers online. Aloka became an integral part of the walk's identity, appearing daily on the group's social media accounts. He was known for rotating outfits often in red, white, or other bright colors and for the calm, measured pace with which he kept step beside the monks. His wardrobe and the heart-shaped marking on his forehead made him immediately recognizable to followers online. On February 10, 2026, after 108 days on the road spanning 10 states, the monks crossed the [[Chain Bridge (Washington, D.C.)|Chain Bridge]] over the [[Potomac River]] into [[Washington, D.C.]], completing their 2,300-mile journey. They walked through the city to the steps of the [[Lincoln Memorial]], where Pannakara addressed the crowd on mindfulness and the power of peace. Aloka was at his side for the final steps. The group spent two days in Washington before returning to Fort Worth, arriving home on February 14, 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 10, 2026 |title=A 15-week 'Walk for Peace' concludes with Buddhist monks' arrival in Washington |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/15-week-walk-for-peace-concludes-buddhist-monks-arrival-washington/4057754/ |access-date=February 11, 2026 |website=NBC Washington}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 18, 2026 |title=Fort Worth Monks Complete 2,300-Mile Walk for Peace with Dog Aloka |url=https://www.fwweekly.com/2026/02/18/walk-for-peace/ |access-date=February 19, 2026 |website=Fort Worth Weekly}}</ref> On February 10, 2026, after 108 days on the road spanning 10 states, the monks crossed the [[Chain Bridge (Washington, D.C.)|Chain Bridge]] over the [[Potomac River]] into [[Washington, D.C.]], completing their 2,300-mile journey. They walked through the city to the steps of the [[Lincoln Memorial]], where Pannakara addressed the crowd on mindfulness and the power of peace. Aloka was at his side for the final steps. The group spent two days in Washington before returning to Fort Worth, arriving home on February 14, 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 10, 2026 |title=A 15-week 'Walk for Peace' concludes with Buddhist monks' arrival in Washington |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/15-week-walk-for-peace-concludes-buddhist-monks-arrival-washington/4057754/ |access-date=February 11, 2026 |website=NBC Washington}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 18, 2026 |title=Fort Worth Monks Complete 2,300-Mile Walk for Peace with Dog Aloka |url=https://www.fwweekly.com/2026/02/18/walk-for-peace/ |access-date=February 19, 2026 |website=Fort Worth Weekly}}</ref>