Do they talk? Can you pet their dog? How to interact with the monks in Raleigh
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Nineteen monks and a dog are conducting a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace toward DC.
- Monks observe noble silence during marches; brief teachings and blessings occur at stops.
- Organizers request calm interactions with Aloka; blessing cords are given free in person.
Buddhist monks are passing through the Triangle this week and weekend, with their 2,300-mile Walk for Peace drawing huge crowds hoping to see them, pray with them and receive blessings as they journey toward Washington, D.C.
The 19 monks have been re-joined on their trek by Aloka the Peace Dog, who recently underwent orthopedic knee surgery in Charleston, S.C. The group passed through Pittsboro on Thursday, through Apex on Friday, and are expected to pass through Raleigh on Saturday, with a special gathering at the N.C. State Capitol downtown.
They started their journey on Oct. 26, 2025, from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The walk to Washington to promote peace is expected to take about 120 days, ending in mid-February.
Here are some things to know about the monks, Aloka the Peace dog and how to interact with them.
Do the monks talk?
Mostly, no.
The monks observe what’s often called “noble silence” during much of the journey. As they walk, they typically don’t engage in casual conversation, chant or give interviews. The silence is part of the practice, meant to cultivate mindfulness and keep the focus on peace, compassion and presence.
That doesn’t mean they never speak. At stops, public gatherings or scheduled events, monks may offer brief teachings, blessings or messages. They also communicate through written posts and videos shared by organizers.
Do the monks sleep?
Yes. Each day includes rest periods, meals and time to sleep, usually in modest accommodations arranged by volunteers, local temples or community hosts along the route.
How do you get a blessing cord?
The monks may offer blessing cords for free as a gift of peace and mindfulness to anyone they meet along the walk, according to their website.
The cords aren’t sold or mailed, and receiving one is meant to be a personal, in-person moment of connection with the journey, though friends can pick one up for you.
Is it OK to pet Aloka the Peace Dog?
Not really. Aloka is considered part of the walk’s spiritual practice, just like the monks themselves. While he’s gentle and friendly, interactions with him are meant to stay calm and respectful. Organizers often ask people not to crowd him, overstimulate him or treat him like a typical “meet-and-greet” dog.
The Walk for Peace Instagram page provided an update on Aloka on Jan. 22:
“As Aloka is still in healing and recovery from his recent surgery, he will mostly not be walking on the road until he has fully healed. We are taking great care to ensure his comfort and complete recovery while he travels with us.”
Can you buy monk merch?
Maybe, but there aren’t any official products. “Please note that the Walk for Peace does NOT sell any merchandise, products, or services online or at our stops,” a post from the group’s Instagram page reads.
Some unofficial products, such as t-shirts, are available on sites like Etsy. Independent sellers hawking shirts were spotted near the Pittsboro route on Thursday, The News & Observer reported.
How to support the monks
You can support the monks by making an online donation to help fund the walk and support their mission through their official donation page at zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-the-walk-for-peace-2300-miles-of-hope.
You can also send donations directly via Zelle using the following email address: huongdaovip2018@yahoo.com.
How can you see the monks in Raleigh / the Triangle?
According to their overview map, the route is expected to take the monks through Cary, then southwest Raleigh, downtown Raleigh and east Raleigh. They will then take a northward turn passing near Rolesville and Louisburg, then a sharper northward turn to pass near Warrenton on their way to Virginia.
In Raleigh, the monks plan to start a public walk from N.C. State’s Poole Jr. All Faiths Chapel (1030 Richardson Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603) at 2 p.m. Saturday and arrive at the NC State Capitol for a gathering at 3:30 p.m.
Be prepared for traffic delays in those areas on Saturday.
Will the ice storm impact the monks’ walk in Raleigh?
The timing and exact path of the monks’ journey could be impacted by the severe ice storm arriving in the state Saturday. North Carolina is currently under a state of emergency because of the storm.
The monks have “adequate warm clothes and protection,” and have outlined a contingency plan for hazardous weather. They are prepared to add layers, seek indoor shelter or adjust their walking schedule as needed to prioritize safety, according to a Thursday morning Facebook update.
Raleigh Police Lt. David Davis told The N&O on Friday that it’s best for people to try to see the monks during their visit to the Capitol, instead of on roadsides.
“We want to adhere to the state of emergency,” said Davis said. “We don’t want people just driving through Raleigh just to get to a location where they can see them. If you’re already downtown, if you can safely walk to the Capitol, that’s what we want people to do.”
The monks have vehicles in their convoy, and if people drive too closely to get a look at the monks it can cause vehicle accidents, he said.
This story was originally published January 23, 2026 at 1:51 PM.
