Washington, Feb 12 (NationPress) A remarkable group of nineteen Buddhist monks has successfully finished a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace to Washington, captivating lawmakers, spiritual leaders, and thousands of supporters as they shared a message of compassion in the heart of the American Capital.

Grace Meng, the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), welcomed the monks alongside 22 House and Senate Democrats at the Peace Monument, located west of the US Capitol on Wednesday (local time).

“It is a great honour to welcome the Venerable Monks who have traversed thousands of miles across the United States to spread a message of peace that our nation critically needs,” Meng expressed.

“Their journey has inspired millions from various faiths and backgrounds to embrace a lifestyle filled with greater compassion, understanding, and respect for others. This is a movement we must continue,” she added.

The monks embarked on their 108-day expedition on October 26, 2025, from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Centre in Fort Worth, Texas. Clad in saffron and maroon robes, they braved winter storms and icy sidewalks, accompanied by a rescue dog named Aloka.

Throughout their 100-day journey, their simple yet profound message of peace, loving kindness, and compassion resonated deeply. Thousands gathered on Washington’s streets as the monks entered the city in a single-file procession. Nearly 3,500 people filled American University’s Bender Arena for their first public stop, observing silence in a show of respect.

At the Washington National Cathedral, more than 100 Buddhist monks and nuns joined them for an interfaith gathering partly hosted by Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde.

“This moment is overwhelming for us,” said the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the leader of the group. “This is a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life. I hope you will too.”

The journey was not without its challenges. In November, near Houston, their escort vehicle was hit by a truck, resulting in injuries to two monks, while Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan tragically lost his leg in the incident. He rejoined the group near Washington, entering the university arena in a wheelchair.

“There are numerous issues happening in the world today,” said Jackson Vaughn, who walked alongside the monks after they passed through his hometown. “Seeing people gather peacefully and setting an example is truly wonderful.”

Long Si Dong, a spokesperson for the temple, emphasized that the walk was not a political statement.

“It’s a spiritual offering, an invitation to embody peace through daily actions, mindful steps, and open hearts,” he stated. “We believe that cultivating peace within ourselves will naturally extend outward into society.”

On Wednesday, the monks traversed Capitol Hill and concluded their journey with a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial before returning to Texas by bus. They will walk the final six miles back to the temple where their journey commenced.

Peace walks have a long-standing history in Theravada Buddhism. The practice of Vipassana meditation, which the monks both practice and teach, traces its origins to ancient India and emphasizes mindfulness of breath and the connection between mind and body.

In recent years, interfaith gatherings and public peace processions have gained prominence in the United States amidst political polarization and social unrest, attracting diverse communities eager to create shared civic and spiritual spaces.