The selfless journey of the monks’ walk to Washington 

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Buddhist monks walk past supporters in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on Jan. 12, 2026. The monks started their scheduled 2,300-mile trek for peace in Texas and will wrap in Washington, D.C.

As a Laotian American raised in Buddhist culture, the walking monks have reawakened something I had forgotten was already inside me. 

As a college student juggling education, building my résumé, and maintaining my social life, their walk for peace offered a powerful reminder. In a world full of noise, they showed me the quiet strength of loving-kindness.

Life in the United States can feel overwhelming, with ICE raids, economic pressure, constant bad news, and communities living with fear and uncertainty. With so much negativity, it can feel almost impossible to be happy. But Buddhist teachings remind us that even in chaos, compassion still exists within all of us. I personally struggled with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and moments of hopelessness, making my thinking and judgment feel clouded. 

That’s when I remember the teaching of impermanence. Life is forever changing, and just as my mind and emotions do, it won’t always stay that way. Only we have the power over what truly affects us, letting the pessimism crowd my mind and having it linger will cause inner peace to be tainted. But instead of being overcome by such darkness, practicing mindfulness, meditation, and loving-kindness will give strength in facing those challenges.

The monks’ selflessness also deeply touched my family, especially my mother. When she learned about their 2,300-mile journey from Texas to Washington, she became emotional.

She told me: “Everywhere they go, everywhere they walk, everywhere they stay, they teach people to love each other and share their wisdom.”

When we attended their speech at Marion Diehl Recreation Center, my mother cried tears of joy, shocked that many people had come out to witness the event. She was proud of the monks, of their mission, their dedication, and their hearts.

“They give everything to everybody,” she said. “Their body and their minds.” Seeing her so moved made me feel happy for her to be filled with love.

I saw all kinds of people – some curious, some in awe, others holding flowers to offer the monks. It didn’t matter their background, culture, or religion. For a moment, everyone shared the same intention, peace.

On social media, I saw people crying along the street, offering food or water, or simply watching the monks pass by. Some shared their personal stories of pain and suffering. The monks listened with empathy and offered comfort without judgment. Their having such deep compassion and empathy for others is why their message has reached so many.

The monks' compassion radiates through others as they continue to spread their message and teachings. They continuously practice Dāna, the act of giving and receiving.

People offer flowers, food, and water, and the monks pass those same flowers to others waiting along the road. It becomes a chain of kindness.

Their walk is a form of meditation. Some of the monks are barefoot to focus on feeling each step they take, being more connected with the earth, while mindful of breathing, and being silent. They tie spiritual bracelets to the people, Sai Sin in Thai or Faiy in Lao, to symbolize protection, peace, and strength to those who are there to support them on their trek.

What fascinates me most is that despite how they may face judgment, misunderstanding, or discrimination along the way, they continue to set out on the journey for the walk of peace.
No matter our stories or background, the Buddhist monks share that inner peace already lives within us. Spreading love is the biggest step to reducing hatred. Their pure compassion and loving-kindness will continue be felt by many.

Jaslynn Vorachith, a junior communication arts major at Johnson C. Smith University, is The Post’s emerging journalist fellow.

Comments