Buddhist monks on a months-long Walk for Peace will pass through Annandale

A group of Buddhist monks on a Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington, D.C., is expected to pass through Annandale, Falls Church, and Seven Corners next week.

The monks began their 2,300-mile journey at the Dhammacetiya Temple in Fort Worth on Oct. 29.

They plan to arrive in D.C. on Feb. 11, where they will hold a Peace Gathering at the Lincoln Memorial at 2 p.m.

The 18 monks on the journey are from Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, France, and several locations in the U.S.

Despite encountering snow and freezing temperatures, the monks kept to their schedule. During the harshest winter weather, their companion dog, Aloka, rode along in an escort car.

Community members are invited to join the monks on the Walk for Peace, says Chien Le, secretary of the Dhammacetiya Temple. People can also request a blessing cord – a token of loving-kindness, mindfulness, and peace – which can be tied around one’s wrist.

The monks spend the night in Buddhist temples and churches along the way. At some of their stops, they invite the public to peace-sharing talks.  

Follow the monk’s route here. Exact locations will be posted on the map and on the Walk for Peace Facebook page.

An explanation of the journey posted on social media says, “We are monastic, disciples sincerely walking the path of awakening, following the noble teachings of the Blessed One. Compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness are the foundations upon which we cultivate every thought, speech, and action.”

“In this time when the world is suffering deeply from the wounds of war, violence, division, and growing mental health crisis, we recognize more than ever the critical need for the mindful and compassionate presence of the Sangha to soothe and transform the collective pain of our time,” the monks’ statement continues. “We believe that with the united support of the Sangha and global Buddhist community, this journey will not only become a historic expression of Buddhism in the West, but also a flowing stream of loving-kindness, nonviolence, and awakening that touches the heart of America and the world.”