Buddhist Monk Walk for Peace to Arrive in Richmond Monday

The Walk for Peace by the Buddhist monks who left Ft Worth, TX 96 days ago on their way to Washington D.C. will be arriving in Richmond on Monday. They will stop at Firehouse 17 at 2211 Semmes Ave for lunch and a public event before walking to the Capitol Square. It’s hard to know exactly when they’ll arrive, but here is a very fluid plan:

Update: Monday, Feb 2 – walk to Firehouse #17 for lunch and public event, including exchange of police and fire badges. The firehouse will be a public gathering spot to join the walk to the Capitol. Please be aware this could change and I might not catch the change.

• 1:30 – walk to Capitol Square – route TBD UPDATE: 2:00 departure
• 3:00 – Peace Rally, including mayor, governor (or rep), and other electeds UPDATE: Peace Rally to be held on the Marshall Street side of Richmond City Hall
• 4:30 – depart Capitol toward Sunday overnight location in Henrico County Public Schools

Here is their website: https://dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace/
Facebook is an excellent resource to learn more and see their journey with live streams.

This set of etiquette suggestions was posted on the Forest Hill Neighborhood

Mindful Etiquette: How to Honor the Monks
To ensure this event remains a spiritual practice rather than a celebrity show, please observe the following traditional protocols:

• Respect the Noble Silence: While it is tempting to cheer or shout, these monks are often in a state of moving meditation. Offer your respect through silent prayer or a quiet bow (the Anjali—placing your palms together at your chest).
• Body Position: If you are greeting the monks, it is respectful to keep your head lower than theirs. If they are walking, do not stand on a high platform or ladder to look down on them.
• Avoid Physical Contact: In the Theravada tradition, monks do not touch members of the opposite sex, and generally avoid casual physical contact (like handshakes or hugs) to maintain their monastic discipline.
• Offerings, Not Tributes: If you wish to give, offer flowers (preferably petals on the ground) or simple food. Please limit to small items…be mindful of what they have to carry. Avoid giving money directly to the monks; instead, look for the lay supporters who travel with them to handle donations for the cause. Do not be offended if your offering is not taken.
• Focus on the Path, Not the Camera: Try to experience the moment with your heart rather than through a phone screen. Excessive filming turns a sacred act into a media product.
• Please do not walk behind, in front of, beside or between the monks. Please do not chase them with your phones and cameras. Respect their noble space. This is per their revised request.

The greatest respect we can show these monks is not a grand celebration, but a commitment to practicing the selflessness and peace they are demonstrating with every humble step.

May you be well, happy and peaceful.

How the monks describe the walk on their official YouTube Channel

Walk for Peace is a mindful walking journey dedicated to cultivating inner peace, compassion, and awareness in everyday life. Through walking meditation, reflections from Buddhist monks, and quiet moments on the road, we share how peace can be practiced step by step — not as an idea, but as a lived experience.

Local RVA photog Dave Parrish has a Facebook photo album of their arrival in Alberta,Virginia yesterday and graciously provided the photo above.