After months of traveling on foot across multiple state lines in an effort to promote peace and unity, the Buddhist monks’ Walk for Peace has come to an end. The monks’ walk started in Texas and ended in Washington, D.C., with them walking for a total of 2,300 miles.
The monks arrived on Virginia State University’s campus on Jan. 31, 2026, during Day 98 of their journey, where they stayed the night on campus while being welcomed by students, faculty, and residents from all over the state of Virginia. They were escorted by several police cars while taking flowers from people that stood outside in extremely cold temperatures to support them as they walked past.
“Virginia State University is a place where dialogue, understanding, and community matter,” said Eldon Burton, Assistant Vice President for Government Relations. “We were honored to welcome the monks to campus and provide a space for our students and the Trojan community to engage with a message centered on compassion, unity, and healing—values that strongly align with our mission.”
Along with the monks staying on campus for the night, a small group of students and faculty had the opportunity to meditate, talk to, and interact with the monks during their stay. Amiri Hobbs, a sophomore business management major, was one of the lucky few able to have that experience.
“When I first heard about the monks doing the Walk for Peace, I thought it was very justified,” Hobbs said. “It made me realize that they are aware that the world is, as they say, in need of peace, so I respected the fact that they were willing to sacrifice themselves to send a message to everybody in the world.”
Hobbs also recalled his experience being able to interact and meditate with the monks while they spent the night on campus. “It was one of the best things ever,” Hobbs said. “I feel like a lot of times people brag about being in a room with billionaires, but I will forever brag about being able to not only sit in a room with the monks, but meditate with them. It was an amazing experience being in a room with so many strong-spirited people.”
“Peace after this event reminds me of the need for harmony within yourself and within the environment and those around you,” Hobbs said. “You could be good, but it’s kind of selfish in times like these just to be good by yourself and neglect other people’s needs and state of mind. I feel like peace is a collective mission to make sure everybody that you love is on one accord.”
After the monks departed the next morning, they posted a thank you message to Virginia State University on their Facebook page. “We would like to express our deep gratitude to Virginia State University for hosting us last night on Day 98.” “Thank you for opening your doors and welcoming us with such warmth and kindness. Your generosity, hospitality, and caring spirit made us feel comfortable and at peace during our rest…”
After leaving Virginia State, they also made a stop in Richmond and met with newly appointed Governor Abigail Spanberger, before continuing the remainder of their 2,300 mile, nearly five month journey, and ending it in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 10.
