AlainaKroll

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, 19 Buddhist monks and one dog completed their journey from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C.

The monks, originating from the Huong Dao Temple in Forth Worth, embarked on their journey by foot on Oct. 26. They were accompanied by rescue dog Aloka, who has lovingly been given the title of “The Peace Dog.” According to The Public Broadcasting Service, he was originally a stray who followed the monks for 112 days on a peace walk in India in 2022. According to PBS, the group walked 2,300 miles over the course of 108 days throughout the American Southeast, averaging at least 21 miles a day. They faced harsh weather conditions, enduring snow, sleet and ice throughout the record-breaking winter storm of late January. Buddhist monks live an ascetic lifestyle, carrying little possessions — including footwear — and only consuming food and water when given to them. 

The motive behind their walk was clear: to send a message for the need for peace in our country. 

Peace walks are silent, respectful ways to say that a society needs change, and they are extremely revered in Theravada Buddhism, according to PBS. During their walk, the monks hoped to bring to light the importance for unity and love amidst conflict and political division in the U.S. 

Bhikkhu Pannakara — the spiritual leader of the Walk for Peace — said in a written statement that they walk “to awaken the peace that already lives within each of us.” Essentially, peace in a community begins with peace inside oneself. He invited people of all backgrounds to come together and demonstrate their compassion and respect for one another in such troubling times, according to USA Today.

Throughout their journey across 10 states, the monks were welcomed by thousands of people bearing flowers, food, water and clothing. Multiple social media accounts have reported that they are kind, genuine people, and some children have been seen playing with Aloka or feeding him treats.

More than 3,500 people attended their first stop in the U.S. capital, silently commemorating their grueling journey. While in Washington, the group also submitted a request to Congress to declare Buddha’s birthday a national holiday, according to PBS.

After staying in the capital for two days, they made their journey back to their monastery by bus, arriving home on Feb. 14. They were given a warm welcome, surrounded by people of all walks of life, flowers and declarations, according to Fort Worth Report.

Their journey demonstrated just how significant a simple act like walking can be. Over the course of 108 days, they united people across 10 states, spreading their warmth and kindness to those of all walks of life. Their Walk for Peace spread a message of peace that transcended religious, political or cultural ideologies.