What is Compassion? What does it look like in your personal or professional life? A comprehensive video Series by Alexander Lyon

When was the last time you walked somewhere? Maybe it was to the mailbox, the corner store, or a stroll around the park. Now, imagine walking hundreds of miles, day after day, not for exercise, but as a living, breathing prayer for peace. That is exactly what the dedicated group of 19 Theravada Buddhist monks, along with their faithful rescue dog “Aloka” (divine light in Sanskrit) recently accomplished. Their arrival in Washington D.C. on February 10, 2026, marked the end of a grueling yet spiritually profound journey that began on October 26, 2025 at the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, and covered more than 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometer) — a Walk for Peace designed to wake us up to the idea of non-violence in a fractured world. The image was striking: saffron and brown robes against the gray concrete of highways, the serene faces of the walkers juxtaposed with the frenetic pace of modern traffic. They didn't shout. They didn't carry angry placards. They simply walked. A Journey of Intent This wasn't just a physical trek; it was a "Walk for World Peace" with a clear, unified intention. In a time when troubling headlines dominate, their message was both simple and radical. They believe that peace isn't just a political treaty signed in a boardroom, but instead starts with an individual step, the individual heart -- every step a prayer. The Challenges of the Road Walking hundreds of miles was daunting. They walked on sun baked pavement, and at times, through cloud bursts with rain soaked robes. The group faced the physical toll of blistering feet, aching joints, and the unpredictable elements, leaving many of the monks with heavily bandaged feet after encounters with broken glass, nails, sharp rocks, and exposure. Additionally, on November 19, 2025, a member of the group, Bhante Dam Phommasan, was seriously injured when a pick up truck collided with a pilot vehicle escorting the monks on U.S. Highway 90 near Dayton, Texas. This incident was ultimately responsible for the amputation of his leg. Yet, inspite of the personal toll and sacrifice, the remaining group continued to march and endure. Often they relied on the kindness of strangers and local communities for food and shelter, proving their own hypothesis: that humanity is inherently kind. Churches opened their doors, families offered meals, and strangers stopped to offer water. These small interactions wove a tapestry of connection across the miles. The monks that participated in this grueling trek, came from Theravada Buddhist monasteries from around the world, and attracted the attention of thousands of well wishers at stops along the way. Large crowds gathered to listen to their inspiring message of peace, unity, compassion, and non- violence. A welcomed break from the tragedy and turmoil touching the lives of so many during these challenging times. These kind messengers of compassion and peace renewed hope and brought a sense of comfort amid traumatic daily headlines and events. Arrival in the Capital Arriving in Washington D.C. wasn't just about reaching a destination on a map. It was about bringing a stillness to the center of American power. As they entered the capital, the contrast was palpable. Washington is a city of words, laws, and often, conflict. The monks brought silence and presence. They gathered near the White House and other landmarks, not to protest in the traditional sense, but to bear witness. Their presence served as a mirror. By standing peacefully in the heart of political decision-making, they asked a silent question to every leader and passerby: Is there another way? Why It Matters It is easy to be cynical about a peace march. "What difference can it really make?" critics might ask. But to ask that is to miss the point. It was about a shift in consciousness. By their serene example, we are reminded that while we cannot control global geopolitics, we can control our own actions. We can choose patience over anger in traffic. We can choose listening over shouting at the dinner table. We can choose to walk toward each other, rather than away. The monks have stopped walking now, but their message continues to echo. Peace is not a destination we arrive at; it is a path we must choose to walk every single day. A heartfelt “Thank you!” to the walking monks, for this beautiful example of compassion and unyielding committment to peace!

Video of a Portion of The Walk for Peace HERE