FORT WORTH, Tex. – After an arduous 112-day journey spanning more than 2,300 miles, a group of Buddhist monks has officially completed their cross-country “Walk for Peace.” The trek, which began in October, reached its heartfelt conclusion over the weekend as the monks returned to their home temple in Texas.

The mission of the walk was to foster a sense of national unity and global harmony. Upon their arrival, the monks were greeted by a dedicated community of volunteers and supporters eager to hear the spiritual lessons and insights gathered from their four-month journey across the American landscape. Local residents expressed a deep “obsession” with the mission, describing the peaceful demonstration as a vital movement for the country’s current social climate.

The homecoming also featured a special appearance by Aloka, the monks’ famous four-legged companion. The dog had been sidelined several weeks ago for surgery, but after a successful recovery, he was able to join the group for the final, celebratory moments of the walk. 

While the physical miles are behind them, the monks maintain that their work to bridge divides across the world is a continuous, lifelong commitment. Venerable Bhikku Pannakara, who led the walk, made a vow to the public during a homecoming speech on Saturday.

“I promise you all that whenever it is, you will be able to walk on this path, I will walk with you all, and together we will walk on this path. If you don’t leave me, I will not leave you,” he told supporters who gathered in the pouring rain to welcome the monks home. 

The monks have invited volunteers and the public to join them for a reflection on their journey and a special announcement at 9 p.m. Monday at the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth. A New Year lunar celebration will follow.

PREVIOUS STORIES

How to follow the monks

For those who are unable to attend any gatherings in person, the monks are very active on social media, livestreaming and posting multiple times per day.

Their dog, Aloka, who is also making the journey with the monks also has his own social media accounts.

Texas Tech’s bus tires were slashed after the Red Raiders defeated No. 1 Arizona on Saturday, Feb. 14, a Texas Tech spokesperson confirmed to the USA TODAY Network on Feb. 15.

“The team bus had one tired punctured overnight but it was replaced in the morning,” the statement read. “There were no disruptions to the team’s travel schedule.”

REQUIRED READING: Don’t forget Texas Tech when filling out your March Madness bracket

A video circulated social media Feb. 15 of a sharp object puncturing a Texas Tech bus tire after its 78-75 upset win over No. 1 Arizona, which suffered only its second loss of the season. One video of the tires being slashed on X has over 670,000 views.

The Red Raiders’ star duo of forward JT Toppin (31 points) and guard Christian Anderson (19 points) scored 50 combined of the team’s 78 points. Toppin also added 13 rebounds, while Anderson chipped in eight assists and six boards.

Arizona lost star true freshman Koa Peat to injury in the game. The 6-8 forward scored two points and didn’t play after suffering the lower-body injury the first half.

The Wildcats entered the week as one of two remaining undefeated teams in Division I, along with No. 24 Miami (Ohio). However, they fell to Kansas on the road on Feb. 9 before dropping another to Texas Tech, and will lose their No. 1 ranking in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll update on Feb. 16.