UPDATE:
Editor’s Update
Organizers of the cross-country Buddhist Monks Peace Walk have announced a change to the group’s planned route. According to an update shared on the Walk for Peace Facebook page, the monks will no longer be walking northeast from the Atlanta area through Athens, Georgia, as originally planned.
Instead, the group has adjusted its path and will now head east toward Columbia, South Carolina. Organizers expressed gratitude for the continued support and understanding from communities along the route as the journey for peace and unity continues.
By Vareva Harris, Co-Editor | Vareva@thewoodrufftimes.com
The five major world religions—Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism—share a foundational commitment to peace, compassion, and harmony, as affirmed through sacred texts, teachings, and ethical traditions. That shared value is coming to life in a powerful and visible way as Buddhist monks make their way through South Carolina during a 2,300-mile Peace Walk from Texas to Washington, D.C.
The Buddhist Monks Peace Walk, which began in Texas on Oct. 26, is scheduled to conclude in the nation’s capital in February 2026. Along the way, the monks are walking for peace and unity with all people they encounter. According to the Peace Walk’s Facebook page, the monks are expected to travel through South Carolina between Jan. 10 and Jan. 20, including stops in the Upstate.
Their South Carolina journey includes entering the state across the Savannah River into Lowndesville, passing through Donalds near Shoals Junction and Ware Shoals, walking along the Tyger River near Cross Keys, and continuing on to Rock Hill. Local residents are making plans to line the streets and roadsides to offer encouragement, prayers, and well wishes as the monks pass by—an outpouring of goodwill that organizers say has been repeated throughout the journey.
The monks describe their mission as one rooted in peace, harmony, and compassion toward all mankind. In a shared message, they invite people everywhere to participate, even if they cannot physically join the walk.
“We invite you to walk with us in spirit—that is how you can help us on this path of peace,” the monks shared. “You don’t have to be on the road to be part of this journey. Walk with us in your heart. Hold peace in your thoughts. Practice mindfulness in your daily life. Share compassion with those around you.”
Their message echoes teachings found across the world’s major religions.
In Christianity, peace is central to Jesus’ teachings. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaims, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9), and urges followers to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Christian theology consistently emphasizes reconciliation, forgiveness, and living peaceably with others.
Islam likewise places peace at its core. The Qur’an instructs believers, “And if they incline to peace, then incline to it” (Qur’an 8:61), and describes God as calling humanity to the “Home of Peace” (Qur’an 10:25). Even the daily greeting, As-salaam alaikum, meaning “peace be upon you,” reflects this central value.
In Judaism, peace—shalom—is understood as wholeness and harmony. Scripture teaches, “Seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14), while rabbinic tradition affirms that the Torah itself is intended to promote peaceful ways. Jewish law emphasizes reconciliation, repentance, and communal harmony.
Hinduism upholds ahimsa, or nonviolence, as a highest duty. Ancient texts teach that one should not treat others in ways one would find disagreeable and offer prayers that all beings may be happy, free from suffering, and at peace. Harmony within oneself and with the universe is seen as essential to spiritual life.
Buddhism, the tradition represented by the Peace Walk, teaches that compassion and nonviolence are paths to ending suffering. The Dhammapada reminds followers that “hatred is never appeased by hatred; hatred is appeased by love,” and emphasizes mindfulness and inner peace as foundations for social harmony.
As the monks walk through Enoree, Cross Anchor, the Tyger River area, and beyond, their journey serves as a living reminder that peace is a shared spiritual ideal—one that transcends religious boundaries. For many who witness the walk, the sight of monks traveling mile after mile has become a quiet but powerful call to reflect, unite, and choose peace in daily life.
“This is the path,” the monks say. “This is how we walk together.”
View their peace walk map here.
Follow their journey on Facebook.
