A dedicated group of about twenty-four Buddhist monks is advancing on foot through several states as part of a peace-promoting journey to Washington, D.C., having recently entered Georgia. Initiated on October 26 in Fort Worth, Texas, this long trek embodies the Buddhist commitment to activism for peace, despite challenges faced along the way.
On Tuesday, the monks intended to walk the segment between Morrow and Decatur, located in the eastern parts of Atlanta, Georgia. This marked the 66th day of their ongoing expedition. They extended an invitation to the local community to participate in a Peace Gathering scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in Decatur.
Along with their loyal canine companion, Aloka—a name derived from Sanskrit meaning enlightenment—the monks traverse ten states en route to the nation’s capital. Their forthcoming route includes stops in or near Athens, Georgia; Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh in North Carolina; as well as Richmond, Virginia.
This group has attracted a considerable online audience, accumulating over 400,000 followers on their Facebook page. The dog, Aloka, enjoys its own social media presence with the hashtag #AlokathePeaceDog.
The monks frequently update their Facebook page with progress notes, inspirational reflections, and poetry. One recent post articulated their collective spirit: "We do not walk alone. We walk together with every person whose heart has opened to peace, whose spirit has chosen kindness, whose daily life has become a garden where understanding grows."
The journey has encountered hazards. Last month, an incident near Houston involved a truck colliding with their escort vehicle, which was parked with hazard lights activated by the roadside near Dayton, Texas. According to Dayton Interim Police Chief Shane Burleigh, the truck driver failed to notice the slow-moving escort vehicle and attempted an evasive maneuver too late, resulting in the rear left side of the escort vehicle being hit and pushed into two of the monks.
Two monks were injured in the collision. One sustained substantial leg injuries and was airlifted to a Houston hospital for treatment, requiring several surgeries for a broken bone; however, his recovery prospects were positive as per a group spokesperson. The other monk incurred minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to a different hospital in a Houston suburb.
Supporters have gathered to witness the monks’ peaceful progress, including appearances on Veterans Parkway in Fayetteville, Georgia. The group’s walk continues to symbolize a commitment to non-violence as they move toward their destination.
Buddhism, rooted in the teachings of Gautama Buddha, who lived between the 6th and 4th centuries B.C. in northern India, emphasizes a path toward ending suffering through non-violent practices, meditation, and compassion. Over centuries, these social teachings have inspired peace activism across many branches of Buddhism, championed by leaders such as the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh. Their efforts have linked spiritual principles with broader initiatives in political, environmental, and social justice, as well as peacebuilding worldwide.