Buddhist Monks Greeted With Cheers And Support In Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The group of Theravada Buddhist monks who walked over 2,000 miles — and gained millions of social media followers — to promote their teachings of compassion and mindfulness arrived in Annapolis on Thursday.

As the monks wrapped up the final leg of their "Walk for Peace," they did so with the sounds of cheers from onlookers and supporters who gathered along the sidewalks and medians of Rowe Boulevard and Bladen Street.

It was announced earlier this week that the monks would be hosted by Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller for an interfaith discussion at the Maryland State House before they returned back to Fort Worth, Texas, where their walk began.

"In a world that can feel divided, lonely and overwhelming, your walk is a reminder that peace and compassion begin within each of us," Miller said. "One step at a time."

Watch a video of the monks walking into Annapolis below:

Thursday's portion of the walk started from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and ended once the monks crossed onto Lawyer's Mall, where the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara took a moment to speak to the gathered crowd.

Pannakara, who acts as the vice president of the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center, led the entirety of the peace walk from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., and then Annapolis.

The monks were bused into the Maryland capital before the start of Thursday's walk.

"I thought yesterday was our last day," Pannakara said. "But after we received the invitation from Maryland, we are honored to be here this morning."

"Thank you for your love and support and hospitality," he said.

Annapolis marked the 110th day of the monthslong venture, which saw the monks carry on despite the bitter cold weather and a traffic accident near Houston that left two monks injured.

While the monks originally had Maryland as part of their "Walk for Peace" route, time constraints had prompted a change in schedules.

"I believe that everything happened for a reason," Pannakara said. "At the beginning, when we thought about Maryland, Maryland was on our list, and at the end, now it's still back on the list."

"So I think it's meant for all of us to meet," he said.

A total of 19 monks, their dog Aloka and dozens of volunteers participated in the walk. It officially started on Oct. 26, with a goal to make it to the nation's capital on Feb. 10. Despite a few setbacks, the group made their deadline Tuesday.

After the interfaith discussion with Miller and the Council on Interfaith Outreach, the monks departed by bus for Fort Worth.

You can retrace the monks' journey on the Walk for Peace Facebook page. There is also an Aloka the Peace Dog Facbook page for fans.