By: Neva Mellow

Photo Credit: Rick Thomason

Most Americans are not Buddhist. In fact, most Americans probably could not tell you very much about Buddhist culture. That reality, however, has not stopped thousands of Americans from coming together to line the roads and watch and welcome a group of about twenty monks as they walk by. Despite cultural differences, something about their journey has resonated deeply across communities.

Back in October of 2025, a group of Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, embarked on a journey that would promote peace and unity across the nation. With Washington DC as their destination, they are walking a little over twenty miles a day. By the end of the 120 days, they will have walked approximately 2,300 miles.

When I learned they would be passing through North Carolina, I knew I needed to see it for myself. On Sunday, Jan. 18th, I set out in the early morning to Lexington, NC. Through my front windshield as I was driving, I saw a line of orange robes crossing the road in front of me. I put the car in park, and sat there in the middle of the street, completely in awe. Once they had passed, I set off down the road to go about three miles up, with the hope of seeing them again along their route. I found a dilapidated old factory building, with a nice parking lot right up against the road. I was lucky enough to claim the last available parking spot. At least thirty other people were there waiting as well. For a little over an hour, we sat in our warm cars, waiting as rain droplets rolled down our windows.

A short while later, we spotted a procession of cop cars, EMS vehicles, and a large trailer. At the center of it all were the monks. Now, some of you may be asking why seeing some people walking down the street is such a big deal. I’m not Buddhist. I was born and raised in a predominantly Roman Catholic family. Both of my parents met in parochial school. I went to Mass every Sunday. But, in that moment, none of that mattered. Seeing the monks was all I cared about. According to their Facebook page, the goal is to “raise awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America and the world”. They do so by walking, handing out handmade bracelets, and praying over those who they pass. The experience was overwhelming, deeply emotional, and incredibly heartwarming. I watched hundreds of people put aside their differences, and come together for such a special event. Members of the community showed up with bouquets, food, and warm smiles. Police officers and EMS personnel who have escorted the monks presented them with their shields for protection. 

Then, the monks kept walking down the road, disappearing off into the distance. And as they walked on, peace followed.