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Buddhist monks walking from Texas to Washington, D.C., for peace should reach Charlotte by mid- to late next week, according to the group’s posts and maps on social media documenting their 2,300-mile journey.
“Let us walk together in spirit today — wherever you are, whatever you’re doing,” the group posted on Facebook Saturday morning as the 19 monks and Aloka the Peace Dog trekked from Lexington, South Carolina, toward Columbia.
“With each mindful breath you take, with each compassionate choice you make, you are helping peace bloom more beautifully in this world,” the monks wrote.
With a crowd of followers, the group reached the State House in Columbia around 1:30 p.m.
“May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace,” the monks said in a video post.
A map of their walk says the monks could arrive in Charlotte any day through Tuesday, Jan. 20. Measuring the daily distance they’ve covered on their 120-day journey, The Charlotte Observer figured the monks’ arrival at mid- to late next week. We’ll keep you posted.
The map also shows Greensboro and Raleigh, although the exact route is not included.
‘Couldn’t find parking’
One thing is certain: The monks draw crowds, so get ready, Charlotteans.
People drive from neighboring states as well to meet and kneel in prayer with them.
“We drove two hours to attend this event, but couldn’t find parking within several miles when we got there,” a woman posted on the monks’ Walk for Peace Facebook page on Friday with an emoji of hands clasped in prayer.
Although she never got close to the monks, “seeing so many people engaging this way brought me hope,” the woman said.
Local police and sheriff’s deputies in cars with sirens flashing escort the monks through their towns and counties — after they pose for photos and video with them.
If you’re lucky enough to get close, the monks hand out free blessing cords — “a token of loving-kindness and peace,” according to the Walk for Peace website.
The walk began with 19 Buddhist monks leaving Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, on Oct. 26, The News & Observer reported.
Their dog Aloka has his own social media following. Aloka was found by Bhikkhu Pannakara, vice president of the center and spiritual leader of the walk, during a peace walk in India, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.
“I ask for your permission to lead this journey,” Pannakara said, sitting before a statue of the Buddha, according to the Star-Telegram. “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.
See how to support the monks by visiting their website.
Anna Roman of The News & Observer contributed.
This story was originally published January 10, 2026 at 11:46 AM.
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Joe Marusak
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