Fort Worth monks near end of 2,300-mile walk to Washington, D.C.
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Bhikkhu Pannakara led Buddhist monks through Richmond, Virginia, on Feb. 3. Photo: Aaron Mathes/AFP via Getty Images
The Fort Worth monks who embarked on a 2,300-mile walk for peace in October are nearing the end of their journey in Washington, D.C.
Why it matters: The Buddhist monks and their message of compassion and nonviolence serve as a counter to the daily news images of political strife and international conflict.
The big picture: Millions now follow the monks, who are from the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Center, on social media. A Facebook community dedicated to the peace walk has nearly 340,000 members.
- Hundreds have gathered at the monks' stops to listen to their message of strength in calmness.
- "Today is going to be my peaceful day," followers chanted this week during a stop in Richmond, Virginia.
Driving the news: The monks are expected to complete their 103rd day of walking Thursday, ending in Fredericksburg, Virginia, about 60 miles from D.C.
- They plan to arrive in the nation's capital Tuesday and will spend two days there before heading back to Fort Worth via bus.
State of play: The group has continued after injuries, through rain and snow, some traveling barefoot, some in sneakers and others in sandals.
- They've walked through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.
- The group walks about 20 miles a day, stopping for lunch to share wisdom with anyone gathered.
Flashback: Two monks were injured in November in Texas when a car hit one of the vehicles traveling alongside the group. Monk Bhante Dam Phommasan, had his leg amputated after the collision.
The intrigue: The monks have been accompanied by their dog, Aloka, which means enlightenment in Sanskrit. Aloka joined the Fort Worth temple after walking for miles with monks in India.
- He underwent surgery on his leg last month but still walks with the monks when he can.
- "He knows his job, and he wants to keep walking," the vets who cared for him said on Instagram.
What's next: The monks expect to return around 8am Feb. 14 in downtown Fort Worth. They will walk 6 miles back to their temple.
- Anyone can join their homecoming walk.