Walk for Peace

 You can read all about The Walk for Peace at their Facebook page.

Today, the Walk for Peace Crosses into Washington, DC

Today marks Day 108 of the Walk for Peace - a meaningful moment as the monks leave Virginia and cross into Washington, DC, the final destination of this 2,300-mile journey.

After walking barefoot through many states, the path now reaches the nation’s capital. This crossing is not just geographic - it carries deep symbolic weight, reminding us that peace belongs in the heart of public life, dialogue, and unity.

Day 108 Schedule Highlights:

• 7:00 AM — Walk begins

• 9:30–10:45 AM — Public event at Bender Arena

• Lunch stop — National United Methodist Church (invitees only)

• 1:00–2:30 PM — Interfaith ceremony at Washington National Cathedral

• 2:30 PM — Unity Walk on Embassy Row

• Evening — Night stop at George Washington University (private event)

Everyone is warmly welcome to witness and support this sacred day. Presence, even in silence, is a form of participation.

Sachin Gautam

 

 

Behind the Walk for Peace stands not a single figure, but a small community of Buddhist monks, each carrying their own history, discipline, and quiet dedication to the path of compassion.

I would like to gently introduce 12 monks who are walking for peace, to share who they are, where they come from, and the teachings they embody through their presence and steps.

Venerable Monk: Bhikkhu Paññākāra

The #WalkForPeace is guided by Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, the head monk and spiritual leader of this journey. With quiet determination and deep humility, he leads not through speeches or commands, but through example.

Venerable Monk: Sư Chánh Đạo (Samma Maggo)

From: France

Age: 68

Venerable Monk:  Natthapol.

From: Watnonswang (Udon Thani, Thailand).

Age: 32

Venerable Monk: .Vilasak Chaleunsoouk

From: Wat Lao Salt Lake Buddharam (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Age: 31

Venerable Monk: Douangphaneth Mingsisouphanh (Suvanno)

From: Wat Lao Salt Lake Buddharam, Salt Lake City, Utah

Age: 55

Venerable Monk:  Pongsawat Laohasakulwong

From: Wat Prasatbunyawat, Bangkok, Thailand

Age: 66

Venerable Monk: Tuey Chaieua

From: Wat Phouthasamakhy Lao (Houston, Texas, USA)

Age: 42

Venerable Monk: Ratanasak Chaoyod

From: Watpa Samakhi Nonkud (Udonthani, Thailand) 

Age: 43

Venerable Monk: Phiyathammoo

From: Wat Than Thong (Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand)

Age: 40

Venerable Monk: Thirasak

From: Wat Dongkaokalayaram (Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand)

Age: 52

Venerable Monk: Oneta Mingsisouphanh

From: Wat Lao Buddhavong (Catlett, VA, USA)

Age: 48

Aloka - the Peace Dog.

Photo credit: Kevin Blackwell

#WalkForPeace #PeaceWalk #BuddhistMonks