Buddhist monks set to stop at Lenoir Rhyne University in Columbia for peace talk
As Buddhist monks continue to make their way through South Carolina this weekend, a university in Columbia will host the men for a nightly talk and peace reflection.
Lenoir Rhyne University announced Saturday afternoon the monks will trek to their Columbia campus to afford the community “a quiet” and “reflective” discussion “focused on peace, mindfulness, compassion and unity,” according to a news release.
The event will be located at 4201 N Main St. on the front lawn of Beam Hall at 6 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public, according to the release.
“This is a meaningful opportunity for our campus and the wider Columbia community to pause, reflect, and engage with a global message of peace,” Perry Bradley Jr., campus representative coordinating the visit, said in the release. “We are honored to provide hospitality and space for rest, healing, and reflection during this important journey.”
To ensure safety while the monks are on campus, the university is coordinating with the mayor’s office and local law enforcement, the release said.
The event will follow a stop by the monks on the south steps of the State House, planned for around 3 p.m., after a break at the West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater — 109 Alexander Road — at 1:45 p.m.
What happens at a stop on the Walk for Peace?
A group of two dozen Buddhist monks are walking 2,300 miles cross-country from their home temple in Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. They are currently making their way across South Carolina on the way to Columbia.
The monks are updating their journey daily on their website, with planned stopping points for lunch and where they plan to stop for the night.
Members of the public are welcome to greet the monks as they traverse the state. But there are correct ways to do it.
How to talk to a monk
The correct way to greet a Buddhist monk is with hands in a prayer position and a slight bow. They use the style “venerable” and can be addressed as “venerable sir.” Touching the monks is a no-no, but they will accept small gifts such as flowers and are willing to pose for photos and distribute blessings if requested.
Nightly visiting time
Once the monks arrive at the location where they stay overnight, there will be another large crowd gathered to see them and the monks will make an appearance in a designated area.
On Saturday, the monks are scheduled for an overnight rest at the Lutheran Theological Seminary on Lenoir Rhyne’s campus. Visiting hours will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., according to a post on Facebook by the monks.
This story was originally published January 10, 2026 at 12:59 PM.
