A profound demonstration of spiritual resolve unfolded recently in Texas, as a devoted group of Buddhist monks decided to continue their ambitious, cross-country “Walk for Peace” pilgrimage, even after two members were seriously injured in a traffic accident near Houston. Despite the recent trauma, the group announced their plans to resume their monumental journey with “steadfast determination”.
The Pilgrimage for Peace, Loving Kindness, and Compassion
The monks, hailing from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, are engaged in a 2,300-mile (3,700-kilometer) trek. Their mission, officially titled the “Walk for Peace,” aims to illuminate the concepts of “peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America and the world”.
This lengthy spiritual journey, which involves navigating 10 states, began on October 26. Their ultimate destination is Washington, D.C.. So far, the collection of about two dozen monks has successfully traveled through several Texas cities, including Austin and Houston. Images captured on Friday, November 14, 2025, show the monks arriving at a welcome ceremony at the Hong Kong City Mall in Houston.
Accompanying the monks on their arduous pilgrimage is a loyal companion, their dog named Aloka. Aloka was seen resting alongside Buddhist monk Panna Kara during the welcome ceremony, and others, like Mara Llorente, were seen petting the traveling canine.
The monks sustain their journey by walking along roads and highways, as well as through open fields. For safety, they are typically escorted by local law enforcement or by a vehicle trailing behind the walking group.
A Sudden Halt: The Accident Near Dayton
The peaceful journey was abruptly interrupted by a serious traffic accident late Wednesday.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:13 p.m. Wednesday on the side of U.S. Highway 90 near Dayton, Texas, an area situated about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northeast of Houston. The monks were walking when their escort vehicle—which had its hazard lights illuminated—was violently struck from the rear by a truck.
According to Dayton Interim Police Chief Shane Burleigh, the truck driver “didn’t notice how slow the vehicle was going,” and while attempting an “evasive maneuver to drive around the vehicle,” failed to avoid impact. The truck struck the rear left side of the escort vehicle.
The force of the collision pushed the escort vehicle directly into two of the walking monks.
Injuries and Outlook for Recovery
The collision resulted in significant injuries for both monks involved.
- Monk 1 (Seriously Injured): This monk sustained “substantial leg injuries” and required immediate medical attention. Due to the severity of his condition, he was flown via helicopter to a hospital located in Houston. A spokeswoman for the Walk for Peace group later explained in a social media video that the monk had a broken bone and was anticipated to need a series of surgeries for recovery. However, his overall prognosis was positive. An update confirmed that the monk’s surgery on Thursday was successful, and he was “in good spirits,” even offering a thumbs-up.
- Monk 2 (Lesser Injuries): The second monk suffered less serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to a hospital in suburban Houston. His exact condition was not immediately available.
Following the accident, the remaining monks camped overnight near Dayton.
Steadfast Determination and The Journey Ahead
Despite the terrifying incident and the injuries sustained by their fellow travelers, the Walk for Peace group confirmed their unwavering commitment to the mission. They planned to resume their walk with “steadfast determination”.
The group issued a heartfelt message through their Facebook page, asking the public to “continue keeping the monks in your thoughts and prayers as healing begins and the journey toward peace continues”.
A spokesperson for the group, Long Si Dong, confirmed that the accident will not change their fundamental method of conducting the walk, which continues along highways and through open fields. Dong affirmed that they plan to continue collaborating with local law enforcement in the areas they travel through to help ensure the safety of the monks. “Right now, everything is still as planned,” Dong stated.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the collision remains ongoing. Police Chief Burleigh confirmed that the truck driver who caused the accident is cooperating with the authorities. Burleigh stated that investigators are currently treating the incident as “driver inattention,” and a decision on whether to file any charges will be made once the investigation is complete.
The monks’ decision to resume their 2,300-mile journey, even after experiencing such a physical setback, serves as a powerful metaphor: much like the process of achieving peace, the pilgrimage requires perseverance through unexpected obstacles. Their commitment to walking forward demonstrates the true meaning of their message—carrying loving kindness and compassion across the country, one careful step at a time.
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