On 26 October 2025, nineteen Buddhist monks, led by Venerable Bhikkhu Panakkara, began a “Walk for Peace” from Fort Worth, Texas. Barefoot and prayerful, they embarked on a pilgrimage across the U.S., carrying a simple message: Peace starts within each person. Their destination was Washington, D.C., where they completed their mission of faith, endurance, and peace after 109 days, bringing this remarkable spiritual journey to its fulfilment on 11 February 2026.
From the beginning, this walk was never just about the 3,700 km distance. It was a walking prayer for peace. Each barefoot step on hot roads and cold pavements became a silent prayer for peace in the world. If we could have seen their feet – torn, blistered, and bleeding – we would have understood the depth of their offering. They walked not for personal gain but for all humanity.
Along their journey, they faced trials, including a tragic accident that injured several monks. Venerable Maha Dam was severely injured and had part of his leg amputated in Houston. Despite this heartbreaking moment, he turned his suffering into a sacred offering for peace, dedicating his loss to their cause. After recovery, with motorised assistance, he rejoined the final stretch, showing courage and spiritual strength that teach us peace often requires sacrifice.
Walking faithfully beside them was a special companion – Aloka, whose name means “light” in Sanskrit. Aloka was once a stray dog in Kolkata, India. In 2022, he began following a group of Vietnamese–American Buddhist monks across India for 100 days. He was later adopted and brought to the U.S., he became part of their spiritual community and walked with them until the very end.
Aloka is an ordinary mongrel, not a pure breed or high-class dog. This stray dog became a symbol of loyalty, peace, friendship, and faithfulness. Even after being injured and needing surgery, Aloka remained devoted to the monks and their mission. During recovery, he travelled in a support vehicle and was cared for by veterinarians and well-wishers, who treated, groomed, and comforted him free of charge. Everywhere he went, he touched hearts.
Sometimes God sends messengers in unexpected ways. In Aloka, we see how an ordinary creature can teach extraordinary lessons like loyalty, perseverance, and unconditional love. Venerable Bhikkhu Panakkara once shared that perhaps this dog had the spirit of a monk from a previous life, which is why he named him “Aloka” to carry on his path to enlightenment.
The monks returned home to Texas on 14 February 2026, after their historic Walk for Peace, with some possibly nominated for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize as recognition of their sacrifice. Peace is not just spoken; it must be lived and walked. They gave up comfort and safety to remind the world that peace is possible.
We remember Aloka – a humble dog who walked faithfully beside them. Like the faithful Japanese dog Hachiko (early 1900s) and the loyal companion associated with Saint Roch (14th Century) during his Camino Walk in Spain, Aloka becomes for us another gentle reminder that loyalty and love are powerful witnesses in a restless world.
Peace begins with us. Let this Walk for Peace inspire us to walk our own paths of peace. We may not walk thousands of miles, but we can walk in peace every day through kindness, forgiveness, perseverance, patience, and prayer.
Photo credits: Photos from the internet and social media. With thanks to the original photographers.
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