In February 2026, the Venerable Theravada Buddhist Monks led by Bhikkhu Pannakara and their loyal companion, Aloka, arrived in Washington, DC, after walking 2,300 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, touching hearts and inspiring peace, loving kindness, and compassion throughout our nation and the world.

To celebrate and continue the teachings of the Venerable Buddhist Monks, let’s gather for a loving kindness meditation and a Walk for Peace in Jacksonville. We will meet at the Mandala in the new RiversEdge Park on the South Bank downtown on the river (east of Duval County School Bldg).

1. We will gather in a circle in the mandala with the opportunity for some to share precious learnings from the monks.
2. We will do a loving kindness meditation together.
3. We will walk the mandala from the center bindu, symbolically leaving behind that which no longer serves our highest good, and through each breath, strengthening that which we wish to cultivate within and share with the world.
4. We will walk together along the riverfront to Friendship Fountain and back to the Mandala, focusing on our breath and spreading loving kindness in our community (approx 2 miles).
5. Walking barefoot is welcome, and definitely doable in the mandala.