Approximately two dozen Buddhist monks, led by Bhikkhu Pannakara, embarked on a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington, D.C. this month, passing through Hill County on their trip.
The 110-day pilgrimage began at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth. The monks will traverse 10 states on their route to Washington, D.C., stopping at state capitols, historic landmarks and local communities to share their message and invite moments of reflection and prayer.
As the group made their way through Hill County, local residents shared their location and sought them out to take photos and learn about the walk’s purpose. They happily obliged, spending time visiting with those who approached them.
Buddhist monks often undertake long walking pilgrimages — spiritual journeys that may last for months. During the Walk for Peace, participating monks will observe a strict ascetic code inspired by these ancient traditions — including eating only one meal per day and sleeping beneath trees — as a practice of humility, endurance and spiritual focus.
Rooted in both spiritual devotion and civic purpose, the Walk for Peace seeks to remind Americans that peace is not a destination — it is a practice.
“As the nation faces challenges of division, mental health crises and conflict both at home and abroad, this pilgrimage offers a simple yet profound message: peace begins within the heart of each person and extends outward to families, communities and the nation as a whole,” a representative said.
“We walk not to protest, but to awaken the peace that already lives within each of us,” said Bhikkhu Pannakara, spiritual leader of the Walk for Peace. “The Walk for Peace 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.”
As the pilgrimage makes its way through Texas, the City of Austin has taken a meaningful step by officially proclaiming “Austin Walk for Peace Day” to honor the monks’ journey and message of unity and healing.
Organizers hope other cities along the route will join in this spirit by designating their own Walk for Peace Days or hosting local gatherings to celebrate compassion, mindfulness and community renewal.
The pilgrimage will culminate on February 13, 2026, at the U.S. Capitol, where participants hope to deliver a brief message symbolizing healing and renewal.
“This walk is more than a journey — it is a heartfelt offering to the community,” said Dr. Neeraj Bajracharya, General Secretary of the Nepalese Buddhist Association, Texas. “Walk for Peace invites all people, regardless of faith, culture or background, to come together in the spirit of compassion, mutual respect and understanding.”
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