Last night, the Walk for Peace Buddhist monks traveled through Siler City, visiting Jordan-Matthews High School to spend the night, on their 2,300-mile journey from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. 

The walk started in October 2025 with the intent to spread values of peace, mindfulness, and kindness throughout the United States. Since the monks began, the movement has garnered a massive online following, with their Facebook page boasting almost 2 million followers.

One reason the venerable monks’ walk has generated so much attention is the compassion people show along their journey, giving gifts of food, water, hats, and especially flowers. The increasing attention has resulted in the monks’ refusal of physical donations at this time.

Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara gave a talk at Jordan-Matthews High School about how mindfulness is getting harder due to daily stressors. 

“Before I took on this journey that I have mentioned, I had seen so many sufferings around me; adults, children, teenagers. Especially teenagers,” he said. “That is the reason why I have decided to take on this journey to walk. Hopefully, I can share the method of loving-kindness, compassion, and mindfulness with everyone. Hopefully, everyone will take that into action, to liberate suffering and to live with peace and happiness.”

Many local leaders were present, including Siler City Mayor Donald Matthews, and Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson, who gave Venerable Pannakara two new badges for the sash on his robe. 

“Thank you for bringing love and compassion to our community,” said Roberson. “Thank you for walking for peace.”

At the end of the talk, the venerable monks passed out peace bracelets to serve as a daily reminder for those present. Although it was a big crowd, they waited to make sure everyone received one.

The venerable monks have a month left until they make it to Washington, D.C., unless the upcoming winter events cause delays. They noted on Facebook that while they are well-prepared for the dropping temperatures and have ensured that everyone has adequate warm clothes and protection, they are prepared to seek shelter and adjust the walking schedule to prioritize their health. 

The venerable monks will have visiting hours tonight from 6 to 9 p.m at the Agriculture Center in Pittsboro before their journey to Apex tomorrow morning.