A group of Buddhist monks walking 2,300 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., crossed through Mississippi’s capital city on Wednesday.
The collection of about two dozen monks began their walk on Oct. 26 to “raise awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America and the world,” according to the group, Walk for Peace. Mississippi is one of 10 states the monks are traveling through before reach Washington. They were welcomed on the south steps of the state capitol building in Jackson by city officials, residents, and nonprofits.
“Today’s Peace Gathering at the Mississippi State Capitol was a truly inspiring success!” Walk for Peace posted on Facebook afterward. “We are profoundly moved by the sight of the crowded supporters who came to walk with us and stand together for peace.”
Their visit to Jackson happened on the 208th anniversary of Mississippi joining the Union, a coincidence nonprofit Downtown Jackson Partners stated is “a reminder of our state’s history and the communities that continue to shape it.”
Following the stop in Jackson, the monks found some time to rest while their dog, Aloka, found some time to play with a group of horses. After meditating and spending the night at a park in Pearl, Walk for Peace participants woke up Thursday and began the next portion of their trek, which goes to Pelahatchie.
Early Thursday morning, they were spotted walking along a roadway and being escorted by the Pearl Police Department. The group will stop for lunch in Brandon before making it to Pelahatchie, where they will spend the night.
Walk for Peace previously stopped in Natchez, where they received a certificate of recognition from the city on Dec. 7. The pilgrimage is scheduled to reach Washington around Feb. 13, 2026.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.