As one in over 60 million stray dogs in India, a Pariah dog with a heart on his head followed a group of Buddhists monks on a 112-mile peace walk in 2022. During the walk, he endured weather, being hit by a car and illness, but continued to follow the monks. He was finally taken in by Bhikkhu Paññäkara, who was a part of the walk and named the dog Aloka, Sanskrit for light or illumination. Since then, he was brought to America and now lives at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Ft Worth, Texas with Venerable Monk, Bhikkhu Paññäkara and other monks there.
Today, Aloka is known as the Peace Dog and is a major part of the Walk for Peace, USA, that is being led by Venerable Monk Bhikkhu Paññäkara.
Nineteen to two dozen Venerable Monks began their Walk for Peace, USA, in Ft. Worth, Texas, on October 26, 2025, and 2300 miles later, they will stop in Washington DC by mid-February. Their mission: to promote mindfulness, hopefulness, healing, and inner peace.
Aloka was not left behind. He knew he had a job to do, and he prefers to be there for every step as protector and participant. He is charming greeter to all and is happy to accept treats along the way! Aloka has had a vet visit and a professional bath and although he is given rest or shelter, especially during inclement weather in a support vehicle, he prefers to be with the monks walking and demonstrates this by crying if he is not by their side.
As of this writing, Aloka had an orthopedic examination and diagnostic X-rays, and he was diagnosed with a cranial cruciate ligament injury in his right knee. It was important that he have surgery and that was performed without charge at the Charleston Veterinary Referral Center. He is getting physical therapy after the successful surgery and has been able to join the monks for short visits as he heals.
Aloka continues to inspire encouraging compassion, strength, and love. He has found his home.
May you and all beings be happy and at peace.
Aloka has represented the mission of the Walk every step and inspired so many, that he has his own social media!
