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Buddhist monks walking 2,300 miles from Texas to DC go viral with 1M+ social media followers

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Buddhist monks walking 2,300 miles from Texas to DC go viral with 1M+ social media followers

Buddhist monks have set off on a trek across the country on foot that has drawn national attention as they travel from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., as a part of a monthslong journey they describe as a spiritual practice.

The more than 2,300-mile journey they have named the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center’s Walk for Peace began in late October and is estimated to conclude later this winter in the nation’s capital.

The walk, according to the group’s official page, is intended to promote peace, compassion and mindfulness during a time they say the country is marked by division and uncertainty.

“This is not a protest,” the monks say in public statements. “It is a spiritual practice.”

AT LANCASTER MARKET, I WITNESSED AN AMERICA THAT STILL WORKS — NO POLITICS REQUIRED

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Buddhist monks who are participating in the “Walk For Peace,” arrive in Saluda, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

The monks are affiliated with a Texas-based Buddhist meditation center.

They describe the walk as a moving meditation as they continue to pass through cities, small towns and rural communities across the U.S.

They have been greeted by supporters who have gathered along the route, walking short stretches with the group and offering food or simply observing quietly as they pass.

The Monks are keeping a blog that tracks their journey in real time. On the blog they say those who “visit the venerable monks along our path, we tie a blessing string around your wrist—a simple thread that carries profound meaning.”

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According to the blog, the cord is a reminder and every time the wearer sees it, “in a moment of stress, during a difficult conversation, when patience feels impossible—it gently calls you back to the intention you set when you met us: to walk with us in spirit, to nourish peace, mindfulness, loving-kindness, and compassion in your daily life.”

 “It is a connection string between this journey and you, a tangible link that says: you are part of this walk for peace. We are walking together, always,” they write.

Buddhist monks who are participating in the “Walk For Peace,” are seen with their dog, Aloka, on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

WITHOUT GOD, NEW YORK’S DREAM TURNS HOLLOW. MY WALK ACROSS AMERICA PROVES IT

In addition to the monks, Aloka, a rescue dog the monks refer to as the “Peace Dog,” has become an unexpected focal point of the journey.

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During the journey, photos and videos are being shared online and show Aloka traveling along highways and sidewalks, resting during breaks and greeting supporters.

These special moments have helped the monks’ walk gain traction on social media, where their Facebook following recently surpassed 1 million followers.

Millions of supporters are sharing messages of encouragement and reflection in response to the journey.

“I am so inspired. Thank you — the United States so desperately needs this message,” one follower wrote.

Another supporter said the walk has had a personal impact on their daily life.

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Audrie Pearce greets Buddhist monks who are participating in the “Walk For Peace,” Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

“Praying for you all each night. You have opened a light within me that makes me want to be a kinder, more peaceful person. I think now before speaking and have become more aware of my breathing,” the follower wrote. “Your trip has a lot of people thinking and restoring hope back in our country and peaceful thoughts throughout the day. It is simply wonderful, the journey you are on.”

Others said the message resonates with them during a turbulent period for the country.

“The message of peace is resonating with so many in America during these scary times,” another supporter commented.

So far, the Buddhist monks have made it across much of the country, prompting online searches and interest in the walk, the monks’ mission and their destination in Washington. The videos have circulated widely as the group continues eastward.

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They continue to emphasize that the walk is non-political and open to people of all backgrounds, describing peace as “not a destination, but a way of living.”

The monks say their message remains the same: peace begins with individual action — one step at a time.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Rescued sea lion pups released in Manhattan Beach

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Rescued sea lion pups released in Manhattan Beach

Three rescued California sea lion pups were released back into the Pacific Ocean in Manhattan Beach Friday morning after weeks of rehabilitation for malnutrition, dehydration and other health issues. The public release event took place on the north side of the Manhattan Beach Pier and was hosted by the Marine Mammal Care Center, Los Angeles […]

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Los Angeles, Ca

L.A. County firefighters knock down Signal Hill structure fire

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L.A. County firefighters knock down Signal Hill structure fire

Crews with the Los Angeles County Fire Department knocked down commercial structure fire in Signal Hill Thursday night. Firefighters responded to reports of the blaze at 2844 N. Gardena Ave. just before 9:30 p.m., according to department officials. It’s unclear why type of business operates out of the building. Arriving crews found the building showing […]

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Los Angeles, Ca

Loved ones search for 80-year-old woman missing in Westlake for nearly a week

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Loved ones search for 80-year-old woman missing in Westlake for nearly a week

Family and friends are asking for the public’s help in finding an 80-year-old woman who disappeared in Los Angeles’ Westlake neighborhood last week.

Boonsin Phanichsiri was last seen around 5 p.m. on May 22 in the 400 block of South Virgil Avenue, prompting a Silver Alert issued Thursday by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Phanichsiri suffers from Alzheimer’s, dementia and diabetes and has not been seen or heard from since. Her family is concerned for her safety, police said.

Boonsin Phanichsiri was last seen on May 22, 2026, in Westlake. (Los Angeles Police Department)

She was described as having black hair and brown eyes, though her hair appeared gray in an image released by the police department. Phanichsiri is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the Olympic Area Watch Commander at 213-382-9102, or call the Missing Persons Unit of the LAPD’s Detective Support and Vice Division at 213-996-1800. In an emergency, dial 911.

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Those wishing to remain anonymous can call L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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