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A group of Buddhist monks stopped in Morristown Friday on their way back to Texas from Washington, DC after walking to the nation’s capital on a journey that took 108 days to complete as they promoted peace, mindfulness and kindness.

The group’s leader Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara spoke to over 1,500 people gathered outside Morristown Landing, the city’s recreation and event space off of Merchants Green Boulevard.

“Regardless of our belief, or our religion practicing, we are not we are not here trying to spread Buddhism or promote or to convert anybody,” he said. “We’re sharing all this to let you know — we should do something better for our self, before we die. Before we die we should have something to bring with us, but not material.”

Pannakara spoke about peace and merit, non-attachment from material things, the importance of mindfulness and associated practice that includes meditation, and other Buddhist teachings.

The monks made their journey from the Fort Worth area of Texas all the way to Washington by foot, but were travelling by bus on the way home. Their journey attracted national attention, and even international attention and well wishes from figures like the Dalai Lama.

Pannakara’s dog Aloka travelled with the monks and has become a bit of a celebrity, and a little boy who had been following the group’s journey online was invited to the stage to greet the pup.

Gathered officials said the visit from the monks is another sign of Morristown’s growing presence in East Tennessee and Morristown Landing GM Andy Fischer spoke about the monks stopping by the facility and the importance of people coming together for peace.

“And we are deeply honored to welcome the Walk for Peace Monks to Morristown Landing,” he said. “Their journey represents something bigger than a single event; it represents intentional action toward unity and compassion. Morristown Landing exists to bring people together, and today is a powerful example of that mission in action.”

After speaking to the crowd and answering the questions, the monks handed out bracelets to supporters and prepared to continue on their journey back to Texas.