Buddhist Monks Walking For Peace To Arrive In Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller will host the Theravada Buddhist monks on a "Walk for Peace" on Thursday as they make their way into Annapolis.

The monks are scheduled to arrive at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium at about 9 a.m., before they make their way to the Maryland State House. They are scheduled to leave for Fort Worth, Texas, at 12:30 p.m.

Miller, who serves as the chair of the Council on Interfaith Outreach, is expected to host a collaborative discussion between council members and the monks before they're introduced to both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly.

A total of 19 monks, alongside their dog Aloka and dozens of volunteers, began the on-foot trek from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C. on Oct. 26. They arrived in the nation's capital shortly after 8 a.m. Tuesday, walking single file over the Chain Bridge.

The 2,300-mile walk, which has been dubbed the "Walk for Peace," was started with the intention to promote the Buddhist teachings of compassion and mindfulness.

Throughout the journey, the monks not only encountered brutal winter conditions but also near-death experiences. Two monks were injured during the walk after a traffic accident near Houston.

Despite the setback, the walk continued, drawing attention from large crowds of people who cheered the monks on from the sidelines.

Leslie O'Donnell, a Bethesda resident who has been keeping tabs on the group, told WUSA9 that what the monks were doing is "amazing."

"The meaning and what they’re bringing … it’s peace at this time when it doesn’t feel so peaceful," she said.

Tuesday's festivities include outdoor appearances at the Washington National Cathedral, where Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde will assist in leading an interfaith reception. On Wednesday, the monks will make a visit to the Lincoln Memorial.

A view of the route taken by the monks is available online. Followers can also get the latest updates on the Walk for Peace Facebook page.