PHOTOS: Venerable monks preach peace, mindfulness in Richmond
Venerable monk leader Bhikkhu Paññākāra speaks to a crowd of thousands at Richmond City Hall on Feb. 2. He emphasized mindfulness and the need for people to get off of their phones and find peace. Photos by Burke Loftus.
Burke Loftus, Staff Photographer
Members of the crowd carried signs bearing varied messages. Some projected their political beliefs, though the monks did not claim to stand for anything but “peace.”The venerable monks walk through Richmond.Richmond and VCU Police assisted with the monks’ demonstration by escorting them to City Hall and controlling crowds of thousands.Some Richmonders opted to follow the Monks through the streets from Richmond Fire Station 17 to City Hall.Some people offered flowers or received them from the monks, as they are said to be a symbol of purity and peace in the Buddhist tradition.The 17 venerable monks cross Manchester Bridge en route to City Hall.The crowd to witness Bhikkhu Paññākāra speak flooded the East Marshall Street and North 9th Street sides of City Hall, and spilled out to blocks beyond.A person closes their eyes at the instruction of Bhikkhu Paññākāra, who asked the crowd to turn off distractions and think deeply.Gov. Abigail Spanberger officially proclaims Feb. 2, 2026 to be “Walk for Peace Day” in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It was her first proclamation as governor.
