Buddhist monks, advocating for peace, came through York County on the 81st day of their walk.
By Gabriela Griggs
Staff Writer
News
A group of 19 Buddhist monks from Fort Worth, Texas, began a 2,300 mile walk in promotion of “peace and unity” within the country on Oct. 26, 2025. This journey is aimed to conclude with the monks arriving in Washington, D.C.
Named “Walk for Peace,” this trek has become a phenomenon online. As the walk has progressed, bigger and bigger crowds of citizens have come out to show support for the cause.
The 80 and 81st day of the walk occurred in the Rock Hill area. The monks stayed the night at the Catawba Baptist Church, after first attending to the crowd of hundreds of locals who came out to hear them speak and share their message.
“Nothing is too small or forgotten to matter. Everything holds the potential to become meaningful when we approach it with an open heart,” their website states.
After the walk came through Rock Hill, a Winthrop University press release shared how the experience influenced the campus community. Many Winthrop faculty made the effort to both show up and provide support to the monks as they passed, all in appreciation for their cause and message.
“Biology Professor Pum Grubbs reached out to organizers when they were close to Rock Hill to see how she could help. She ended up preparing and serving breakfast in the early hours at the Great Falls, South Carolina, stop nearby Chester County…” the press release states.
The article reads, “Sustainability Coordinator Chris Johnson joined the monks along the route to walk with them for a mile to show his support for peace, as did Senior Biology Instructor Cassie Bell.”
On the Instagram page for the walk, under the username “walkforpeace.usa,” there are regulations on exactly how citizens can help support the movement. They ask for prayers, donations through mail, or donations through their digital platform.
“Please note: We have everything we need for the journey– food, shoes, supplies, and more. However; we are open to any donation and offering in person at our stops. We are profoundly grateful for every act of support that helps the venerable monks share their message across the nation. May you and all beings be happy and at peace,” their website reads.
After passing through Rock Hill, the monks stayed the night in southern Charlotte, at the Marion Diehl Recreation Center.
The road leading to the recreation center was lined with people eager and waiting to see the movement for themselves. For about two miles surrounding the center, cars were parked in road medians and overflowing small, local parking lots, with hundreds of locals all arriving in support of the peaceful cause.
People stood with signs in support, flowers in offering, flags, trays of gifts, and an eagerness to be seen. The sidewalks were full of people and families. Parents discussed with their children what exactly they were about to witness.
Before the monks came through, the excitement was palpable, with people holding their breath in anticipation.
When the venerable monks passed by, silence swept the crowds. Despite the high number of people lining the streets, they all quieted in witness to what has been titled “a prayer in motion.”
Along with the monks and their message, people online have also become touched by another member of the journey: a rescue dog named Aloka.
Originally from India, Aloka has been with the group since 2022, when the monks embarked on a similar peace walk.
“His companionship reminded them of the Buddha’s teaching on interdependence – that love and mindfulness know no boundaries of species or form. All beings, who walk the path with sincerity, whether on two legs or four, share in the light of peace,” their Instagram page reads.
Buddhist peace walks began in Cambodia and have been happening yearly since 1992, known as “Dhammayietra,” meaning pilgrimage. This is the first time they’ve journeyed through North America, inspiring citizens across the nation with their messages.
“You have peace inside of you. You have happiness and compassion and love and kindness– right there, inside your heart, always with you. Let peace be free. Let loving-kindness and compassion flow like a gentle river. Let happiness be with us, warming us from within…” their Instagram page reads, “[Real,] lasting happiness and peace– the kind that stays with us through storms and sunshine – come from mindfulness.”
Currently, as of Jan. 29, the monks are estimated to be in the Wake Forest, North Carolina area. The end of their walk is expected on Feb. 11 at the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.
