One of the most important Buddhist events in the last few years arguably is the Walk for Peace which is currently being undertaken by a group of Buddhist monks in the USA. They are walking, some barefooted, one monk sustaining life changing injuries, to Washington D.C.
The Buddhist monks on the Walk for Peace are undertaking something which is called Walking Meditation. The Walk for Peace is an extended, odyssey like and journeying process since normal walking meditation typically involves walking back and forth on a straight path of about 30 to 40 feet. The practice of Tudong is ancient. It has been occurring for many hundreds of years. Monk Shen posted some very beautiful photos (one which is featured below) of this ancient spiritual ritual. Monk Shen states; “The monks’ journey does not rely on slogans or speeches. There are no banners explaining what to think or whom to blame. Instead, their message is carried through presence. Each step is deliberate. Each day is approached with discipline. Each encounter is met with humility. In a time when words are often used to divide, this walk offers a reminder that peace does not need explanation. It needs embodiment.”
As the Upavana Foundation states: “Today, most monastics live in temples and monasteries. The monastery serves as a place to pool resources, gather for practice, and is easily accessible to the communities that support it. Recognizing that the mind easily acclimates to comfort, the Buddha also allowed monks and nuns to follow special ‘dhutanga’ practices, or austerities. These involve developing contentment with the basic standard of support – alms food gathered in the begging bowl, living in the forest, and having nothing more than the robes and gear one can carry. Rather than taking the monastery as a support, these practitioners take the dhutanga’s themselves as a support, and travel freely in search of whatever conditions are most beneficial for liberation. In Thailand, when a monk leaves the shelter of a monastery to practice the dhutanga’s and live independently, they are said to be ‘going tudong’, a thai form of the word dhutanga. They might practice this way for a few days or for years, and forest monasteries often closely model themselves after the lifestyle of these austere individuals.”
In July 2025 a caravan of female and male Buddhist monastics and lay practitioners from Thailand concluded a 700-kilometer peace pilgrimage for peace, or pad yatra, at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Ladakh, in India’s mountainous far north. The 150 pilgrims began their peace walk under the leadership of senior Thai monk Venerable Phrateppariyattisuthi Thongsukas in Dharamsala on 10th June 2025, after receiving a blessing from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Wat Lao Buddha Khanti of Atlanta posted a clear indication of what Buddhist Etiquette requires when being in the orbit of a Buddhist monk or Buddhist holy site. The outpouring of unbridled joy, emotion and human reaction has nearly swept them off their feet. It is best to observe the rules. However, having said this, I have witness many countless encounters with men, women and children who have shown complete and total respect to these practitioners of Buddhism. Please find below the public statement from the temple. If you wish to support the Walk for Peace you can do so here via the Dhammacetiya organisation. A Live Map of their journey can be accessed here via Google Maps. You can follow the Walk for Peace on various platforms including Facebook.
I first posted on my Threads account about these remarkable monks back on 12/12/25 not realising how this event would change my life. These gentle Buddhist monks are currently on a 120 day 2,300 mile Walk For Peace from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington D.C. with their lovely dog Aloka the Peace Dog to “raise awareness of peace, loving kindness and compassion across America and the world”. But should you meet a tudong monk on the road one day, consider yourself very lucky indeed! Such reminders of the path of the enlightened beings are rare in our world.
Please join me on my Threads account as I’m posting daily about this social phenomenon which has gripped the world. I write passionately about this subject and hope you’ll join me. My book Thai Tattoo Magick is out now on Inner Traditions. May all beings be well, happy and in peace ॐ
Sheer Zed ~ Author • Buddhist Shaman • Musician 