Buddhist monks (and their rescue dog) meet with Americans on 2,300-mile trek across the country

In late October, a group of 19 Buddhist monks set off for a 2,300-mile trek across the United States, beginning in Fort Worth Texas, with a final destination of Washington, D.C. Their mission? To spread a message of peace, unity, and healing.The journey, or “Peace Walk,” as the monks call it, is expected to span about 120 days, concluding in February, where they plan to host a gathering at the United States Capitol, sharing remarks about healing and unity with the public.The Sangha meet with locals on every stop of their journey.

Photo courtesy of Peace Walk“With hearts anchored in calmness and minds set firmly on their purpose, the monks move forward — step by step — embodying peace, resilience, and unwavering determination on their sacred path toward the White House,” a social media post read after the first day of the pilgrimage.During the trek, the monks will be walking through at least 10 states, making stops at state government buildings and communing with locals, sharing reflections on compassion and unity amid social and political division.Supporters can track the journey online, and social media posts share updates from each stop. Many posts show local gatherings where people feed the travelers, provide medical care (many of the monks are walking barefoot), and share water and other essentials with the group.“I ask for your permission to lead this journey,” Bhikkhu Pannakara, vice president of the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center and spiritual leader of the walk, said as he sat before a statue of Lord Buddha before the group set off in October.

“In this journey, we have two senior monks — one from Laos who is 70 years old — and monks from Taiwan and Vietnam. Wherever we go, monks from that location will join us for two to three days,” he said, according to the Star-Telegram.Pannakara and Aloka on the Peace Walk.

Photo courtesy of Peace WalkThe monks walk with minimal possessions, clad in orange robes and carrying walking sticks. But one member of the group stands out among the rest: A rescue dog named Aloka.On a similar peace walk in India, Pannakara found Aloka (who does have his own social media accounts, @alokathepeacedog).

“We found him in India when we walk 112 days in India. He follow us the whole time. He’s a true hero,” Pannakara said in a video. During this time, Aloka fell sick and was even hit by a car.

“But he still stand up and walk,” Pannakara said.Even when the monks tried to put him on a truck and let him go to safety, the dog refused.“He jump off, he wanted to walk. That inspires a lot.” @walkforpeaceusa A dog who survived the streets, sickness, and even a car accident… but refused to give up. This is Aloka — the Peace Dog 🐾💛 A huge thank you to @1851 Properties for capturing this moment on Day 16 of the Walk for Peace in Bellville, TX 🙏✨ #WalkForPeace #AlokaThePeaceDog #CompassionInAction #BuddhistMonks #Inspiration ♬ original sound - Walk for Peace Official Now, Aloka is with the group as they journey across the U.S., walking every day and resting in tents or on sleeping mats every night.“I brought him here and he’s a U.S.

citizen now,” Pannakara joked. “Every one of us love him so much.”Aloka is decorated with accessories and clothes along the way. Photo courtesy of Peace WalkSome days, Aloka wears a bandana or coat. Strangers give him bowls of water.

The monks, referred to as The Sangha, take turns holding his leash. They have even stopped for a pup cup. “Aloka has found peace. He began as a stray in India, alone, wandering, searching.

But when he saw the venerable monks on a similar journey years ago, something stirred in his heart. He chose to follow them. And they welcomed him,” a social media post about the dog shared.“Today, Aloka walks beside Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara and the Venerable Monks across America, no longer lost, no longer alone.

He has found his home. He has found his purpose. He has found peace.”Aloka is well taken care of on the journey. Photo courtesy of Peace WalkAloka — whose name means “light” in Sanskrit — also takes breaks, pausing when the monks do for brief showers, meals, and meditation with locals.

“We are happy to share that our brave little friend is safe, sound, and fully focused on doggie peace,” an update from the group shared when supporters were worried about the dog’s wellbeing. “He is a true symbol of resilience.”And as the dog walks humbly alongside his 19 family members, their mission rings truer than ever.The Peace Walk is expected to conclude in February.

Photo courtesy of Peace Walk“We walk not to protest, but to awaken the peace that already lives within each of us,” Pannakara said in a statement. “The Walk for Peace is a simple yet meaningful reminder that unity and kindness begin within each of us and can radiate outward to families, communities, and society as a whole.”‍You may also like: At this 'cuddle club,' senior dogs and senior citizens find companionship in each other‍Header image courtesy of Peace Walk