Buddhist monk who led 15-week peace walk to D.C. tells CBS News peace "always begins from within"

February 12, 2026

TL;DR

Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara believes peace begins within oneself and can be achieved through collective action and mindfulness.
The "Walk for Peace" involved 19 Buddhist monks and a "peace dog" named Aloka, starting from a temple in Fort Worth, Texas.
The 15-week procession covered 2,300 miles across the southern United States, concluding in Washington, D.C.
The monks practiced mindfulness meditation while walking to cope with challenges, including dangerous cold weather.
Despite facing critics and difficult conditions, the walk received overwhelming public support, both in person and online.
Pannakara stated that peace is possible, citing the widespread support as a source of hope for future change.

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