Monks bring balm for America’s wounds as Washington cheers peace odyssey

The Guardian - World NewsEN 5 min read 100% complete by David Smith in WashingtonFebruary 12, 2026 at 02:37 AM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

A group of 19 monks and a rescue dog completed a 2,300-mile "Walk for Peace" from Texas to Washington D.C., arriving at the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday. The 108-day journey across nine states aimed to raise awareness of peace, loving-kindness, and compassion throughout America. Despite facing harsh weather conditions, the monks were joined by about 100 other monks and nuns in Washington D.C. for the final leg of their spiritual journey. The gathering at the Lincoln Memorial, near the Trump Institute of Peace, included speeches and tributes, with Tencho Gyatso, niece of the Dalai Lama, reading a letter honoring the monks' commitment. The event drew thousands of supporters who cheered on the monks.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Operation Desert Storm 30% Texas 40% Tibetan Buddhism 40% Trump Kennedy Center 50% Aloka 50% Donald J Trump Institute of Peace 60% Black opera singer Marian Anderson 60% Washington DC ×270% Martin Luther King Jr. 70% Bhante Saranapala ×280% Lincoln Memorial ×280%

Keywords

peace 100% buddhist monks 90% walk for peace 80% loving-kindness 70% compassion 70% spiritual journey 60% america 50% lincoln memorial 50% washington dc 40%