Buddhist monks on ‘Walk for Peace’ to arrive in Henrico in early February

A group of about 19 Buddhist monks and their dog “Aloka” are expected to pass through Henrico next week as they trek to Washington, D.C. on their “Walk for Peace.”

The Texas monks began their 2,300-mile pilgrimage in Fort Worth in October and will complete their journey at the nation’s capital. The group has walked the entire trek on foot as a way to “raise awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America and the world,” according to one of its posts on social media.

The trek is estimated to pass through Henrico on Feb. 1 or 2 following a stop in Richmond. The group is currently passing through North Carolina and is expected to reach Washington, D.C. on Feb. 12.

The monks, who have brought out thousands of spectators at many of their stops, have outlined a route alongside Brook Road in Northern Henrico, but county officials may shift the trek to walking trails to prevent any traffic incidents, said deputy county manager for community affairs Monica Smith-Callahan.

The group has garnered a “cult following,” Smith-Callahan said, with thousands of spectators as many of their stops, but residents should be mindful and remain respectful, she said.

“They’re not celebrities and they don’t want to be seen as a spectacle,” she said. “People who want to come out and pay respects can do so and be part of this as a historical moment.”

Henrico Police will provide security and crowd control for the pilgrimage through the county and road closures may be announced next week. Smith-Callahan said the county also plans to decorate trails with flower petals as a sign of peace.

Throughout their journey, the monks have often stopped to greet and pray with spectators.

“When we began this journey, we never imagined this. We couldn’t have dreamed of the overwhelming love and support that would meet us along the way,” the group wrote on social media. “This journey began with hope, but you have given us something greater; the lived experience of human kindness.”

Henrico has two Buddhist temples that will provide support to the monks on their walk, Smith-Callahan said.

The group has outlined its journey and gives updates on its current location through this map tracker.

Liana Hardy is the Citizen’s government and education reporter. Support her work and articles like this one by making a contribution to the Citizen.