On February 9, 2026, hundreds of people flooded Marymount’s campus, hoping to catch a glimpse of the nineteen Buddhist monks who would be arriving on campus as part of their cross-country ‘Walk for Peace.’
The monks, from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, and other Theravada Buddhist monasteries worldwide, began their 2,300-mile journey in October 2025. Their goal is to promote peace and petition Congress to recognize Vesak, the Buddhist holiday celebrating the life and enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, as a federal holiday.
The effort has drawn national attention, with millions following the monks’ journey through social media and daily livestreams. Visitors traveled to Marymount from across Virginia and neighboring states to hear the monks speak about peace and mindfulness.
As the monks walked up Glebe Road and onto campus, they were greeted by crowds holding handmade signs, flowers, and care packages. Among those welcoming them was junior Devin Coster.
“This was such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these guys walk across the United States for such a good cause, especially now with all the turmoil in our divided country,” Coster said. “This is probably something that won’t happen again in my lifetime, so I jumped at the chance to greet them and hear what they have to say about peace.”
The monks received a warm welcome from Marymount chaplain Fr. Gabriel Muteru and county leaders, including Matt De Ferranti, Chair of the Arlington County Board, who gave the group’s leader, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, keys to the county as a token of respect. Marymount President Dr. Irma Becerra then spoke to the monks on behalf of the entire Marymount community, thanking them for their dedication to promoting peace and unity.
“We are honored to welcome you as you approach the final days of your 2,300-mile Walk for Peace—a journey rooted in unity, peace, compassion, and healing,” Dr. Becerra said. “Your journey reminds us of the strength of quiet presence, perseverance, and reflection in a world that often moves too fast. On behalf of our students, faculty, staff and alumni, thank you for allowing us to share in this moment of peace with you.”
The Venerable Pannakara spoke about the impact of the journey and the importance of forgiveness.
“This is day 107 of our journey, and we have seen peace take root from Texas to Virginia because of ordinary people like you,” the Venerable Pannakara said. “Peace starts from within. We must forgive others, ask forgiveness, and, most importantly, forgive ourselves.”
He later led attendees through a forgiveness meditation, encouraging participants to reflect on healing and letting go of past mistakes.
After finishing his remarks, the Venerable Pannakara and the other monks were escorted to a private area of campus, where they underwent medical wellness checks to ensure they were fit to continue their journey.
A few hours later, over 170 Marymount students, faculty and staff gathered in the Reinsch Library Auditorium – with an additional 1600 tuning in via community livestream – to hear an exclusive presentation by the Venerable Pannakara, who spoke with humor and heart about the importance of mindfulness in everyday life.
“Students – you need this. You need mindfulness. Look at your life. You have been living without mindfulness for so long. What has that gotten you? Struggle, stress, anxiety and depression. You have created these problems for yourself because you are not practicing habits that bring you peace. The way to find peace is through applying mindfulness in your everyday life. This will change your life.”
The presentation proved a special moment for the monks, as they celebrated their first public reunion with Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan, one of the traveling party who was struck by a car while walking with the monks in Texas. His leg was amputated as a result of his injuries and he was unable to continue the Walk for Peace. After months of rest and rehabilitation, the Venerable Phommasan appeared onstage in a wheelchair, as the Venerable Pannakara shared his inspiring story of determination and resilience.
“While [Maha Dam] was recovering in the hospital, he said, ‘I will offer my leg for this Walk for Peace. I’m happy to do so.’ And he did. That is how determined he was to see our journey succeed. That is how much he believes in this mission.”
Following the Venerable Pannakara’s presentation, students were encouraged to ask questions about mindfulness, peace and the importance of daily habits.
“Peace always begins within us, in our hearts, in our minds,” the Venerable Pannakara said in response to a question about how to find peace in a world of turmoil and fear. “No one can ever bring peace to us or to the world. Peace starts within each and every one of us when we embrace loving kindness and compassion in our hearts.”
At the end of the presentation, the monks handed out blessed sai sins or peace bracelets, designed to remind wearers to practice mindfulness, unity and compassion.
Reflecting on the presentation, junior Dallas Leatherman said he walked away with a deeper understanding of the importance of movements like the Walk for Peace.
“When I saw the huge crowd of people coming to greet the monks, I thought they were just there for the spectacle of it,” Leatherman said. “But based on what I’ve seen and heard today, coming face-to-face with these men who are actually practicing the values they preach, is really transforming people. Their message of peace and unity is resonating with those who are willing to hear it.”
After a night of rest, the monks set out from Marymount’s campus, beginning the final leg of their journey into Washington, D.C.
The Venerable Pannakara and the monks left onlookers and Marymount community members with the simple words that have become the rallying refrain of the Walk for Peace movement.
“Be well. Be happy. Be at peace.”
