A group of Buddhist monks enter the heart of metro Atlanta, their 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace” has transformed from a quiet pilgrimage into a massive community event

By Lexx Thornton

As the group of Buddhist monks enters the heart of metro Atlanta, their 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace” has transformed from a quiet pilgrimage into a massive community event. 

Here is more information on the monks’ journey, the story behind their rescue dog, Aloka, and the tragic incident that has made their arrival in Georgia particularly emotional. 

Led by Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, vice president of the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, the group includes nearly 20 monks from diverse backgrounds, including Vietnam, Laos, and Taiwan. 

The pilgrimage is not just a physical feat but a spiritual practice. 

The monks follow strict monastic traditions throughout the 120-day journey: 

1. One Meal a Day: They eat only one meal daily, typically during a mid-day “lunch offering” provided by local supporters. 
2. Outdoor Living: Most nights are spent sleeping in tents or under trees, regardless of the weather, though local churches and community centers have increasingly offered shelter as temperatures drop. 
3. Mindful Pace: They maintain a steady pace of 20 to 25 miles per day, intending to reach the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., by mid-February. 

A focal point of the walk is Aloka, a rescue dog who has become a social media sensation. Aloka was a stray found by the monks during a previous 112-day peace walk in India. After following the monks for hundreds of miles there, Venerable Pannakara adopted him and brought him to the United States. 

Now a “U.S. citizen,” Aloka walks alongside the monks in a custom harness, often wearing sweaters or bandanas gifted by locals. He has his own following of supporters who meet the group specifically to offer him “pup cups” and water. 

The arrival in Georgia is bittersweet for the group. In late November, while walking near Houston, Texas, a truck struck an escort vehicle and injured two monks. One of the walkers, Bhante Dam Phommasan—the abbot of the Wat Buddha Khanti temple in Snellville, Georgia—suffered critical injuries that resulted in the amputation of his leg. 

In a poignant “full circle” moment, Bhante Dam Phommasan returned to Georgia this past Sunday. He was greeted at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport by a crowd of supporters before being taken to his temple in Snellville to continue his recovery. Despite his injury, he has urged his fellow monks to continue the walk, stating that his sacrifice is a testament to the message of resilience and peace. 

The monks are currently moving through the southern crescent of the metro area. According to local law enforcement and the group’s itinerary, the following stops are planned: 

1. Monday, Dec. 29: The group is expected to walk through Peachtree City and Fayetteville, making a midday stop at Trilith Studios (the largest movie studio complex in North America). 
2. Monday Night: They will arrive at the Morrow Center in Clayton County for an overnight stay. 
3. Public Visiting Hours: The public is generally invited to meet the monks during their lunch breaks (approx. 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) and their evening rest periods (approx. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.). 

The monks maintain a live GPS map of their location so supporters can find them on the road. Many Georgians have chosen to walk a few miles alongside the group or stand on the roadside to offer a silent bow of respect.