Crowds swell near Carolinas border to see Walk for Peace monks on journey

The Walk for Peace, Buddhist monks walking 2,300 miles from Texas to Washington, D.C., was making its way to Charlotte on Wednesday as crowds swelled to about 250 people at an intersection near the Carolinas border.

Around 3 p.m., people of different ages and races stood at the corner of Pineville-Rock Hill Road and Flint Hill Road, awaiting the monks’ arrival. Bundled in winter coats and braving the winter breeze, some held cameras to capture what some described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The parking lots of two abandoned buildings — one an old auto shop, the other a bar or tavern — were packed to the brim with monks about 10 minutes away, according to a live map of their journey.

Many held up their phones as the monks arrived around 3:15 p.m., and then followed them in silence. Some in the crowd offered flowers and gifts. The monks walked single file, some with nothing but bandages covering their feet.

A minute or two later, the monks crossed the border toward Charlotte.

“Goodbye, South Carolina,” the monks posted on Facebook. “Hello, North Carolina. We have just crossed the state border ..., continuing our journey for peace into a new landscape!”

Earlier in the afternoon, people at the S.C. intersection, near Nations Ford Road and the North Carolina line, spoke about their admiration for the monks and their message.

Michael Lynch of Lancaster, S.C., left work early — from a nearby warehouse — for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

He showed up because of a deep belief in what the monks are walking for.

“We can all agree we should all come together,” he said.

Nicole Lawrence of Gastonia said videos on TikTok and Instagram drew her interest. She saw the videos on Tuesday night and took her children with her to the intersection.

“It’s an experience like nothing else,” Lawrence said through teary eyes.

The monks were headed her way from Fort Mill.

Peace, kindness, compassion

The walk, which began in October and amassed a social media following surpassing 1 million, is intended to promote peace, kindness and compassion across the United States. As part of the walk, the monks are eating only one small meal per day and sleep beneath trees — to observe ancient tradition, according to a press release on their Facebook page.

Their journey has enamored communities where thousands of people have lined up for their arrival. Their most recent stop was in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where the monks greeted visitors.

The group is using a live map through Google Maps to help visitors locate and greet them.

Sherreese Platt of Charlotte took her five children to the intersection near the Carolinas line “to see that it is possible to peacefully protest. They have seen protests, and they’re always, like, it’s loud and a lot of voices. So I really wanted them to experience something different.”

The walk also will expose her kids to cultures different from their own, Platt said.

Angel Green took her daughter Nariah Benjamin to see the monks. As her daughter prepares to vote next year, Green said it’s important for her to be socially involved.

“So that she can know how important it is,” Green said. “And know that she has a voice, even when it feels like she doesn’t.”

Benjamin said this moment means a lot to her.

Around 8 p.m., the monks arrived at their night rest stop, Marion Diehl Recreation Center on Tyvola Road in Charlotte.

Thursday, they walk to Concord on U.S. 29, stopping for lunch at Sugar Creek Recreation Center on West Sugar Creek Road.

Peace dog recovering from surgery

Aloka the Peace Dog, who is accompanying the monks on their walk, continued to recover Wednesday from surgery Sunday for an injury to one of his legs, according to the dog’s Facebook page.

“A huge and heartfelt thank you to the wonderful medical team for their expert care, patience, and kindness,” his handlers said. “Their dedication is helping our ‘Peace Dog’ get stronger every day, and we are so grateful to have such professional support for him.”

Check back for live updates.

This story was originally published January 14, 2026 at 2:57 PM.