06/01/2026
The group of 24 Buddhist monks, who are walking 2,300 miles across America to spread peace and compassion, confirmed that they picked the cities with the "most difficult history" along their route from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C. The journey is called the Walk for Peace, and it has steadily inspired more and more people to spread kindness.
The Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group's spiritual leader, said in a statement, "Our ancestors, all those people who sacrificed their lives for freedom and peace, died so all of us here could live free of hatred and free of all kinds of suffering, to have a peaceful life. They have done their part, and we are still struggling with our lives. We carry that hatred and anger from generation to generation. We pass it on to our children."
The monks said they are walking to spread peace and not to cause division. They are sharing a message of peace, forgiveness, love, kindness, and compassion. While the monks have been met with a lot of support along their journey, they have also faced people who don't agree with their message. The Venerable Pannakara said, "Even though there are many people who hate us, shout at us, and curse at us, we respond with 'may you be well, happy, and peaceful.' If we can all do this together, our world will be at peace."