When are the Walk for Peace monks coming to Richmond?

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A group of Buddhist monks and their furry companion are making their way to Central Virginia, as their 2,300-mile journey continues to take the internet by storm.

About two dozen monks and their rescue dog, Aloka, embarked on the cross-country journey last year from Texas to Washington, D.C., to promote national healing, unity and compassion, according to organizers.

The trek, now in its 68th day, has since garnered national attention, with crowds of supporters lining up each day along the route to witness the monks' progress and offer food, supplies and support.

As the group heads toward Virginia, here's what to know about the walk, where the Buddhist monks are now and when they're coming to Richmond.

Why are they walking?

The group began their walk on Oct. 26 at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The pilgrimage is expected to last between 108 and 120 days.

Led by monk Bhikkhu Pannakara Tue Nhan, the walk is to remind Americans to practice peace from within, especially at a time when the country is facing many "challenges of division."

"We walk not to protest, but to awaken the peace that already lives within each of us," the spiritual leader said in a release. "The Walk for Peace is a simple yet meaningful reminder that unity and kindness begin within each of us and can radiate outward to families, communities, and society as a whole."

Buddhist monks persist in peace walk despite injuries as thousands follow them on social media

Buddhism practices and teachings emphasize peace activism, mindfulness, humility, compassion and nonviolence, among other beliefs. Buddhist monks often undertake walking pilgrimages that may last for months.

As a practice of humility, endurance and focus, the monks eat one meal per day and sleep beneath trees, in tents or on sleeping mats while on the peace walk.

Where are they now?

The journey is expected to take the monks through 10 states to the final destination in Washington, D.C., with stops at state capitols, historic landmarks and local communities.

As of Jan. 1, the group is set to stop for a ceremony and lunch between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at temple Wat Lao Buddha Khanti in Snellville, Georgia.

The journey so far hasn't been without challenges.

Sister station CW39 Houston (KIAH) reported that when walking along Highway 90 in Liberty County, two of the monks were injured in a car crash in November. One monk suffered serious leg injuries that eventually led to an amputation and the other suffered less serious injuries.

When are they coming to Richmond?

Initially, the pilgrimage is set to conclude in Washington, D.C., by Feb. 12.

According to a map tracking the monks' journey, the group will stop by Petersburg between Feb. 1 and Feb. 10 before making their way to Richmond.

Their estimated arrival in Richmond is between Feb. 5 and Feb. 15.

To follow along the monks' journey, check this map for their live location and this map for the route overview. Visit Walk for Peace for daily updates and more information.