Title: A Journey of Peace: Buddhist Monks’ Walk Across America Captivates Nation In an extraordinary display of unity and peace, nineteen Vietnamese Theravada Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth embarked on a 108-day, 2,300-mile journey across America. Their mission: to spread the message of compassion and peace through their “Walk for Peace.” Their historic walk began on October 26th, 2025, in Texas and culminated this week at Washington National Cathedral, where they were welcomed by a diverse crowd of thousands. The monks’ journey captivated Americans as they traversed through various states, engaging with communities along the way. The event held at the cathedral was called “A Sacred Stop on the Walk for Peace.” It brought together leaders from different faith traditions to share their thoughts and experiences about peace. Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, the monks’ leader, emphasized that the walk was not intended to bring peace but rather to raise awareness of it. Paññākāra highlighted mindfulness as “the key to peace,” stressing that it is a universal practice, transcending religious boundaries. He encouraged everyone to unlock their inner peace and happiness by practicing mindfulness daily. The monks’ walk holds significant historical context when viewed through the lens of interfaith dialogue and cooperation. It marks one of the first times that leaders from various faith traditions have come together for a common mission: promoting peace. This event underscores the growing importance of interfaith collaboration in addressing global issues, particularly as religious diversity continues to increase worldwide. The potential implications of this walk extend beyond the immediate gathering at Washington National Cathedral. By fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse communities, these monks have demonstrated that unity is possible despite our differences. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder that peace begins within each individual and can be shared with others when we choose to act upon it. From my perspective, the significance of this event lies in its potential to inspire individuals across America—and indeed around the world—to embrace mindfulness and compassion as tools for personal growth and societal transformation. As Paññākāra stated during his speech at Washington National Cathedral, “All you need to do is just practice mindfulness to unlock that box where you have kept peace and happiness inside and locked it up and then left it somewhere.” In conclusion, the Buddhist monks’ walk for peace has captivated Americans with its message of unity, compassion, and personal responsibility in creating a more peaceful world. This historic event serves as an inspiring example of interfaith collaboration and offers valuable insights into how we can all contribute to building bridges between people from different backgrounds and beliefs. Let us follow their lead by unlocking the peace within ourselves and sharing it with others, one step at a time.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2026/02/11/nx-s1-5708853/these-monks-simple-walk-for-peace-captivated-millions-it-ends-this-week)
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