Atlanta, December 30, 2025
News Summary
A group of Buddhist monks is on a pilgrimage from Texas to Washington, D.C., advocating for peace and compassion. Currently in Atlanta, they will hold a peace gathering in Decatur, with community participation encouraged. Their 120-day journey includes stops for community engagement, and updates are shared through social media.
Atlanta – A group of Buddhist monks is currently on a significant journey, walking from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., as part of a “Walk for Peace.” They entered the Atlanta metro area and spent the night of December 29 in Morrow, Georgia, where a ceremony was held to mark their evening rest. Despite a previously planned route that had the monks staying outside of Atlanta, recent plans have brought them inside the perimeter marked by I-285, offering a more direct path through the city.
The route for the monks is dynamic, allowing for updates as they plan their lunch and overnight rest stops. Individuals following the journey can track the monks live on their social media pages. On December 30, the monks plan to stop for lunch at Rainbow Park, located at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center in Decatur, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. After lunch, they will continue to the Beacon Municipal Complex for a “peace gathering” scheduled for 2:30 p.m. As of now, no overnight rest stop has been announced for the evening following December 30.
The pilgrimage, which originated at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, features 19 monks and one rescue dog named Aloka. The entire journey is expected to take 120 days and cover a distance of 2,300 miles, all aimed at raising awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion. Support personnel accompany the monks, providing essential food and water, while they also accept community donations such as food, water, prayers, flowers, and offerings for lodging needs.
As they traverse through the South, crowds have gathered to welcome the monks, engage in prayer, and celebrate their presence. The monks began this remarkable journey on October 26 and are anticipated to conclude by February 13, 2026, at the U.S. Capitol. Their route has included interactions with community members, such as the Evening Peace Assembly in Morrow, which fostered public engagement and blessing sessions.
The monks are committed to a strict adherence to ascetic practices, consuming only one meal a day and opting to sleep outdoors. Their overarching message conveys the belief that peace is not a mere destination; rather, it is a daily practice that commences within each individual. During the peace gathering in Decatur, there will be road closures commencing at 1 p.m. on affected streets, including West Trinity Place, Swanton Way, and Electric Avenue.
The monks’ journey has garnered substantial attention, as communities have rallied along their route. Reports indicate that crowds have exceeded 1,000 at certain stops. Additionally, the journey has faced challenges, as a monk associated with the group recently suffered a serious injury in Texas, which led to an outpouring of community support for his recovery.
Key Information and Itinerary
- Origin: Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center, Fort Worth, Texas
- Total Distance: 2,300 miles
- Estimated Duration: 120 days (October 26, 2023 – February 13, 2026)
- Stops in Atlanta:
- Lunch: Rainbow Park, Decatur on December 30 (10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
- Peace Gathering: Beacon Municipal Complex, Decatur on December 30 (2:30 p.m.)
- Crowd Engagement: Community prayers and support during stops
Road Closures
On the day of the peace gathering in Decatur, road closures will occur starting at 1 p.m., impacting streets such as West Trinity Place, Swanton Way, and Electric Avenue.
FAQ
- What is the purpose of the monks’ journey?
- The entire journey aims at raising awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion.
- How long is the entire pilgrimage expected to take?
- The journey is estimated to take 120 days and cover 2,300 miles.
- When did the monks begin their journey?
- The monks began their journey on October 26, 2023.
- Where can people track the monks as they walk?
- Individuals can track the monks live on their social media pages.
- What is the significance of the peace gathering in Decatur?
- The gathering is an event where community members can participate and support the monks’ message of peace.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Buddhist Monks Arrive in Georgia for Walk For Peace
Additional Resources
- USA Today
- Online Athens
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- Google Search: Walk for Peace Buddhist Monks
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Buddhism
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
