Washingtong, D.C — The Buddhist monks' walk for peace concluded in Washingtong, D.C on Wednesday, after 108 days of walking. Millions of people benefited directly or indirectly from the walk for peace. People shed tears of joy and smiled happily as they watched the monks walk peacefully, bringing peace, calm, kindness and compassion to the people from different backgrounds.
19 Buddhist monks began walking from Texas on October 26, 2025, crossing nine states (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia) and arrived in Washington on February 10, 2026. After 108 days and 3,700 kilometres, sometimes barefoot or in the snow, they concluded their "Walk for Peace" at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., United States, on February 11, 2026.
The Buddhist monks were warmly welcomed with flowers and gifts by crowd of young and old, sick and healthy, some of whom had waited for hours to get a place near the monks as they passed through villages, towns and states. Police officers, civil servants and mayors paid tribute to the monks on their walk for peace by presenting them with honorary certificates in recognition of their work to promote peace, love and unity among people from different backgrounds.
Millions of people benefited directly or indirectly from these walk for peace. People shed tears of joy and peace and smiled happily as they watched the monks walk peacefully, bringing peace, calm, kindness and compassion, both on site and online.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet sent a message to the 19 Buddhist monks participating in the walking for peace. Tencho Gyatso, President of the International Campaign for Tibet, read out His Holiness the Dalai Lama's message, at the closing ceremony and Shangza Rinpoche handed it to the leader of the walk for peace, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote the message, "I express my solidarity to fellow Buddhist monks who have undertaken a Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington, D.C., with the aim of promoting national healing, unity and compassion. Their commitment, including enduring physical hardship and challenging weather conditions over a journey of more than 2,000 miles, has drawn attention both within the United States and internationally."
"The message of peace and mutual understanding conveyed through their conduct. marked by humility and calm presence, has resonated with many people they encountered along the route, as reflected in media coverage. Their initiative illustrates how religious practitioners can contribute in a practical and constructive way to social harmony and public dialogue," His Holiness added.
The spiritual leader of Tibet said, "May their walk help sow the seeds of greater peace, understanding and compassion in the United States and beyond."
"We are so deeply grateful to be with each of you on this path. To see so many hearts walking together, standing together, and sharing this sacred journey—it fills us with profound joy and gratitude," the monks said.
"Your presence, your love, and your dedication to peace have made these final days in Washington, D.C. truly unforgettable. Thank you for walking with us and for being the peace we seek in this world," they added.
