A determined group of Buddhist monks has crossed the halfway point in an extraordinary 2,300-mile pilgrimage across the United States, using their journey to champion a message of global peace and compassion.
A Journey of Resilience and Compassion
On Saturday, their 83rd day on the road, the 18 monks were trekking through North Carolina. Their epic Walk for Peace began on 26 October at a Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Fort Worth, Texas. Since then, they have traversed Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, drawing crowds of thousands at each state capitol they visit. Their social media presence has captivated a global audience, amassing over a million followers.
The walk is led by the Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, who is undertaking the entire journey barefoot. His commitment is such a profound physical test that his feet require heavy bandaging daily to treat injuries from rocks, nails, and glass. Paññākāra previously completed a 112-day barefoot walk across India in 2022 but has found American roads to be a uniquely challenging terrain.
Extreme Devotion and Overcoming Adversity
The monks' dedication extends beyond mere distance. Two members of the group are observing a strict Buddhist practice known as dhutanga for the entire three-month trek. This means they are permitted only three postures: walking, standing, or sitting. They are never allowed to lie down, even to sleep. Instead, they replenish their energy by meditating in a seated position throughout the night.
The pilgrimage has already been marked by significant hardship. Just three weeks after setting off, a serious accident occurred when a truck struck the group's escort vehicle, sending it into two monks. Tragically, one monk lost his leg in the incident. Despite this, the group's press coordinator, Neeraj Bajracharya, reports the amputee is "doing fine." The accident reduced the core walking group to 18 participants.
A Canine Companion and a Destination in Washington
The monks are not alone on their trek. They are accompanied by Aloka, a dog whose name means "divine light" in Sanskrit, rescued by Paññākāra in India. Aloka also faced a setback, aggravating a pre-existing leg injury, which required surgery in South Carolina. The dog joyfully rejoined the group in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Thursday and is being eased back into walking with short, frequent sessions.
The walk's ultimate destination is Washington DC. The monks plan to ask the US Congress to officially recognise Vesak, the day commemorating the Buddha's birth and enlightenment, as a federal holiday. "Washington DC is the heart of the nation," explained Bajracharya. "By reaching the heart of the nation, we believe we can reach the heart of all Americans... and deliver the peace message."
Bajracharya emphasised that peace walks are a 2,000-year-old tradition in Buddhism. The core mission of this modern iteration is to promote "peace, unity, compassion and healing" to every individual in America. With their journey more than halfway complete and their message resonating worldwide, these monks continue to walk, step by step, toward their goal.
