Buddhist Monks Arrive in Morrow and Clayton County During National Walk for Peace

Dec 27, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jan 8

MORROW, GA — The Buddhist monks participating in the Walk for Peace are scheduled to arrive in Clayton County on Monday, December 29, 2025. This event is part of their cross-country journey promoting unity and compassion. Residents will soon have the chance to witness and take part in a rare and meaningful moment of reflection and unity as the Walk for Peace pilgrimage makes its way through Morrow, Georgia.

Led by Bhikkhu Pannakara, approximately two dozen Buddhist monks are undertaking a 2,300-mile walk from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. This 120-day journey is dedicated to national healing, compassion, and inner peace. The pilgrimage began on October 26, 2025, and will conclude at the U.S. Capitol on February 13, 2026.

A Sacred Beginning in Fort Worth

The Walk for Peace began at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth. This center will be the future home of The Ancient Sacred Buddhist Scripture Stupas – Dhammacetiya. This $200 million, 14-acre development will feature 840 individual stupas, each inscribed with sacred Buddhist scriptures. These stupas represent the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha and the growing presence of Buddhism in the United States.

The Dhammacetiya project symbolizes cultural heritage, spiritual preservation, and the enduring role of faith in strengthening communities across the nation.

A Pilgrimage Rooted in Discipline and Service

Buddhist monks dedicate their lives to meditation, study, and service. During the Walk for Peace, participating monks follow a strict ascetic tradition inspired by ancient pilgrimages:

One meal per day
Sleeping outdoors beneath trees
Traveling entirely on foot

These practices reflect humility, endurance, and a deep commitment to mindfulness.

“We walk not to protest, but to awaken the peace that already lives within each of us,” said Bhikkhu Pannakara. “Unity and kindness begin within and radiate outward to families, communities, and society.”

A National Message with Local Impact

The pilgrimage will pass through ten states, stopping at state capitols, historic landmarks, and local communities. Along the way, cities are encouraged to host moments of reflection and prayer. The City of Austin has already proclaimed “Austin Walk for Peace Day,” honoring the journey and its message of unity.

As the monks arrive in Morrow, residents are invited to observe, walk alongside the monks for a portion of the route, or simply pause to reflect on the message of compassion and connection.

Event Details

Location:

Morrow Center Exhibition Hall

1180 Southlake Circle, Morrow, GA 30260

Date:

Monday, December 29, 2025

Time:

Check Live Map link below.

An Invitation Open to All

Texas is home to an estimated 1.1 million Buddhists, representing cultures across Asia and beyond. Earlier this year, the Texas State Legislature formally recognized Vesak Day (May 15) during Buddha Day at the Capitol. This recognition underscores a broader commitment to interfaith understanding.

According to Dr. Neeraj Bajracharya, General Secretary of the Nepalese Buddhist Association, Texas:

“This walk is a heartfelt offering to the community and an open invitation to people of all backgrounds to come together through compassion, respect, and understanding.”

How to Follow the Journey or Get Involved

Walk for Peace Overview: https://dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace
Live Route Map: https://walkforpeace.short.gy/live-map
Journey Overview Map: https://walkforpeace.short.gy/overview-map
Support the Walk: https://zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-the-walk-for-peace-2300-miles-of-hope

Blessing cords are offered freely in person as a reminder of mindfulness and peace. They are not sold or mailed and are available when meeting the monks along the journey.

Contact Information

Bhikkhu Pannakara – Vice President, Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center
📞 972-859-0086 | ✉️ pannakara@gmail.com
Dr. Neeraj Bajracharya – Government Liaison & Press Coordinator
📞 940-594-8640 | ✉️ NeerajBajracharyaPhD@gmail.com
Dr. Long Si Dong – Government Liaison & Press Coordinator
📞 817-808-6222 | ✉️ dr.dong@sea4b.com

Why This Matters to Clayton County

At The Best of Clayton County, the focus is on highlighting events that foster understanding, connection, and community awareness. The Walk for Peace offers residents a unique opportunity to engage with a global tradition while reflecting on shared values of compassion and unity, right here in Morrow.

For more local events, community stories, and opportunities to stay connected, visit www.bestofclaytoncounty.com.