Since October 2025, a group of 19 Buddhist monks — and their beloved canine companion, Aloka — have been on a 2,300-mile trek across the United States, calling for peace.
They began their “Walk for Peace” in Fort Worth, Texas, with a final destination of Washington, D.C. They are expected to arrive in D.C. on February 10, where they will host a gathering at the United States Capitol to share remarks about healing and unity with the public.
They have just crossed over into Alexandria, Virginia.
During their now 107-day journey, the monks have faced injuries, paused for Aloka to receive an orthopedic surgery, and have traversed inclement weather.
This weekend, the winter weather was at their heels again. Though, it does not seem like it deterred the 19 venerable monks — or the growing supporters who wish to pay their respects.
“In our extreme cold and strong wind walk this morning, even in very harsh weather with temperatures around 20°F (-7°C), we still saw hundreds of people who braved the cold to welcome us on the road,” the monks shared in a social media post recapping their 105th day on the walk.
“Your presence is so precious to us in this harsh weather,” they continued. “To know that you came out in such difficult conditions, that you stood in the freezing wind just to greet us, that you chose to be there despite the cold — this moves us beyond words.”
Video footage shows the wind nearly knocking the monks over in the harsh winds, as well as hundreds of supporters welcoming them to Virginia.
Over the last 100+ days, countless videos online have shown thousands of supporters greeting the monks with flowers, food, and reverent bows. Many posts show local gatherings where people feed the travelers, provide medical care, and share water and other essentials with the group.
Though the monks walk with minimal possessions, photos and videos show them in hats, scarves, and boots — not currently barefoot, as some have been in the past.
Their “peace dog,” Aloka, who has been recovering from surgery, also had limited exposure to the elements, and the group of monks stayed in churches and found indoor accommodations amid ongoing winter weather.
Like their previous journeys through snowy conditions, the monks seem, fittingly, at peace with the weather.
“The wind was strong, the cold was harsh, but we did our best to continue walking forward,” the group shared.
“This is the nature of our journey — not just walking when conditions are comfortable, but continuing with humility and mindfulness when challenges arise. We don't always know how far we'll make it on difficult days, but we try our best, we take it step by step, and we trust in what each moment allows.”
They seem especially buoyed by a myriad of supporters in tow.
“Seeing you, we don't see just the physical appearance. We see the shining peace and love glowing brightly inside everyone. Your hearts radiated such warmth that we forgot about the cold. Your spirits shone so beautifully that the harsh wind felt gentle,” the group shared on social media.
“We are in deep gratitude for each and every one of you who came out today. You showed us that peace is stronger than any weather, that love is more powerful than any wind, that the human heart can warm even the coldest morning.”
As they approach their final destination in Washington, D.C. the group will visit local sites, and later, on February 11, have scheduled remarks planned at the Lincoln Memorial.
After spending two days in D.C., the group is expected to take a bus back to Fort Worth, Texas, where they will walk six miles back to their temple. All are invited to join them on their final walk home.
You may also like: Buddhist monks are walking 2,300 miles across America to inspire peace. This is the '90s walk that inspired them
Header image courtesy of Walk for Peace
