Walk for Peace continues through Georgia | Where to see them Wednesday
Walk for Peace monks headed to Snellville temple
The Walk for Peace Buddhist monks are headed to a Buddhist temple in Snellville today to be reunited with a monk who was injured earlier on their journey and to meet with the public once again. After that, they will continue their journey through Georgia.
ATLANTA - Buddhist monks participating in a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace are making stops in metro Atlanta Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday as part of their ongoing pilgrimage from Texas to Washington, D.C.
What we know:
The journey, led by Bhikkhu Pannakara, began Oct. 26 at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth and is scheduled to conclude Feb. 13, 2026, at the U.S. Capitol. Nineteen monks are taking part in the walk, traveling on foot through 10 states to promote peace, unity, and compassion.
Monday night rest stop
The monks spent Monday night in Morrow, where they hosted an Evening Peace Assembly at the Morrow Center. The event included time for public interaction with the monks, followed by a blessing session.
The monks were greeted by city leaders, including Clayton County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry. The Clayton County Police Department provided an escort for the monks.
The walk in Morrow began at the fire department headquarters on Highway 85. The monks traveled down 85, turning onto Highway 138. From there, they continued onto Jonesboro Road, ending at the Morrow Center.
On Monday, they stopped for lunch at Trilith LIVE, 175 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville. FOX 5 Atlanta was in Trilith when the monks arrived and estimated at least 1,000 people were there to greet the monks as they arrived. The public is usually welcomed to join the monks for lunch during their journey.
RAW: Walk for Peace monks arrive in Trilith
The Walk for Peace arrived in Trilith early Monday afternoon for a lunch break. Buddhist monks are walking from Texas to Washington DC. They will spend the night tonight in Morrow and will make a stop Tuesday afternoon in Decatur.
During the walk, the monks observe a strict ascetic practice rooted in ancient Buddhist tradition, including eating one meal per day and sleeping outdoors. Organizers say the discipline underscores the walk’s central message: peace is not a destination, but a daily practice that begins within each individual.
Tuesday stops in Decatur
On Tuesday, the monks continued their journey with a lunch stop at the Porter Sanford III Perfomring Arts & Community Center and an evening gathering with city officials and others at the Beacon Municipal Complex Courtyard at 105 Electric Ave. The monks were greeted by massive crowds at both locations.
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They concluded their day with a rest stop in Scottdale and another gathering.
Wednesday schedule
What we know:
On Wednesday, the monks will make their way from Scottdale to Snellville to be reunited with Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan, the abbot of Wat Lao Buddha Khanti, who was seriously injured earlier in the journey.
They are being escorted by the Gwinnett County Police Department.
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They will arrive in the early afternoon. However, they are asking for visitors to wait until at least 1 p.m. so that the monks have an opportunity to rest, eat and reenergize before greeting the public.
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There is no parking at the temple. Gwinnett Public Transportation is providing a shuttle from the Goodwill parking lot at 3033 Centerville Highway in Snellville starting at noon and running every 15 minutes.
The monks will greet the public between 1 and 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Because the gathering is taking place at a temple, they have provided information on proper etiquette for visitors. They are asking visitors to speak quietly and respectfully, dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the temple. Additionally, they are reminding people to avoid public displays of affection on temple grounds, do not point feet at images of Buddha or altars, and do not touch monks unless a monk encourages a person to do so.
Other stops in Georgia
Future stops in Georgia appear to include Lithonia, Athens, and Elberton. Exact locations have not been released at this time. Each day, the monks post information about their schedule, including times and addresses for lunch breaks and evening gatherings on their Facebook page.
A map of their entire journey with possible stops can be viewed by clicking here.
Where it will end
The pilgrimage will culminate in Washington, D.C., where the monks plan to deliver a symbolic message of healing and renewal at the U.S. Capitol. They plan to arrive in February.
How to follow the monks
For those who are unable to attend any gatherings in person, the monks are very active on social media, livestreaming and posting multiple times per day.
Their dog, Aloka, who is also making the journey with the monks also has his own social media accounts.
This past weekend
Hundreds of people interested in their journey met the monks on Saturday and Sunday in LaGrange, Hogansville, Luthersville, and Sharpsburg.
RELATED STORY: Hundreds gather in LaGrange to meet Buddhist monks on peace walk
Georgia monk seriously injured during walk
Before the monks left Texas, a monk with Georgia ties was seriously injured and his leg was amputated as a result.
What we know:
Phra Ajarnh Maha Dam Phommasan is a well-known monk at the Wat Lao Buddha Khanti Temple in Snellville. He was struck in mid-November by a vehicle in Dayton, Texas, which is just outside of Houston.
Phra Ajarn Maha Dam Phommasan. Courtesy of Wat Lao Buddha Khanti of Atlanta
According to multiple media reports, a pickup truck struck the monks' escort car and that car slammed into the Georgia monk. Another monk also suffered minor injuries.
The monk has been released from the hospital and returned to Atlanta last Sunday. A ceremony in his honor was held at his temple.
A GoFundMe has been established to help cover the monk's medical costs and recovery expenses.