Aloka, a four-year-old rescue dog known as the “Peace Dog,” has become the unlikely face of a 120-day barefoot pilgrimage across the United States, walking alongside Buddhist monks from Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Cambodia.
The journey, known as the Walk for Peace, began in late October 2025 and covers approximately 3,700 kilometers on foot. The group is now heading through North Carolina, with Washington, D.C., as its final destination in mid-February.
Aloka was rescued during a 112-day pilgrimage in India in 2022. Since then, the dog has accompanied the monk who rescued it on long pilgrimages and walks.
Named after the Sanskrit word for “light,” Aloka is easily recognized by a heart-shaped mark on his forehead and has attracted a wide following through the Facebook page Aloka the Peace Dog.
His presence has drawn attention far beyond Buddhist circles.
Walking with the Monks
The Walk for Peace includes 24 monks who follow the strict Theravada dhutanga tradition. The monks sleep in tents, eat one meal a day, and walk barefoot or in simple sandals, accepting only food and water offered by supporters.
Their disciplined journey has drawn thousands of in-person supporters and millions of online viewers, with Aloka often appearing at the front of the procession.
Injury and Recovery
In South Carolina, Aloka suffered a leg injury and underwent surgery on 12 January. According to an update shared the following day, he is recovering well and is expected to rejoin the walk soon.
The pilgrimage itself has faced serious challenges along the way.
On 19 November 2025, a pickup truck struck a pilot vehicle escorting the group in Dayton, Texas. Maha Dam Phommasan, a Lao-American abbot based in Atlanta, suffered severe injuries that led to the amputation of his leg, while another monk sustained minor injuries.
Despite the incident, the group continued the journey, maintaining its message of forgiveness and non-violence.
Welcomed Along the Way
Communities across the United States have welcomed the walk.
At each stop, the monks share teachings on mindfulness and compassion, accompanied by Aloka’s quiet presence.
As of 13 January, the group has around 700 kilometers remaining before reaching Washington, D.C. Organizers have said the Walk for Peace will expand internationally in 2026, with plans for a future pilgrimage from Amsterdam to northern Norway.
