The Torch of Love
A Sacred Journey of Peace Through the Generations
1988 → 1990 → 2026
His Holiness the Dalai Lama blessing the Children's Torch of Hope in 1990, saying "children are the greatest resource of our world." This sacred moment birthed Children of the Earth and sent the Torch on its journey around the globe.
The Journey of the Torch
The First Earth Run
A Torch of Peace was passed around the world, engaging 25 million people and 45 heads of state in 62 countries. A billion people witnessed it via media as it circumnavigated the globe. As part of its journey, the Torch of Peace shed light on acts of cooperation for the common good and raised millions of dollars for children suffering the ravages of war.
This historic event was led by David Gershon in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund and ABC Television. Torch bearers included His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, and many heads of state and peoples of the world.
The Children's Torch of Hope
The World Summit for Children brought all countries of the world together. Nina Meyerhof began reinstating the pilgrimage of the Torch, renaming it the Children's Torch of Hope. After the United Nations conference, the Torch with 50 youth met His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and He blessed the Torch in the name of children everywhere, saying "children are the greatest resource of our world."
He suggested and then birthed the organization, Children of the Earth.
This Torch then circled the globe, first with a band of young people on a bus moving from youth event to youth event across the United States and later carried all around the world to a large series of events held by the United Nations and parallel youth events. Each youth holding this Torch stated their life intentions.
The Torch Returns: Walk for Peace
After many years of staying dormant, Nina had a vision to bring the Torch to the Walking Monks for Peace. As they inspire us and bring their light into our national capitol, it seems profoundly appropriate that their magnetic presence should carry this sacred symbol.
Their loving kindness mindful walking is gathering such unexpected momentum and is so deeply heartfully experienced by so many.
May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace. May all our light shine brightly radiating peace and unity for all. May this be the Torch of Love.
The Walk for Peace Arrives in Washington, DC
Nineteen Buddhist monks from Fort Worth, Texas, are completing a historic 2,300-mile pilgrimage to promote healing, unity, and compassion across America.
Led by Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, these monks have walked barefoot through snow, heat, and challenging conditions, spreading peace bracelets and blessings to thousands. Their journey embodies the same spirit of the Torch—bringing light, hope, and unity to a world in need.
Certificate of Appreciation
Children of the Earth presents The Children's Torch of Hope to the Monks Walk for Peace in recognition of their extraordinary pilgrimage.
Since 1998 this original Torch of Peace was passed around the world engaging 25 million people, spiritual leaders and 45 heads of state in 62 countries. After the World Summit for Children in 1990, Youth carried the torch to His Holiness H.H. Dalai Lama who blessed it, "Children of the Earth are the greatest resource of our world." The new organization Children of the Earth was born and the torch was renamed the Children's Torch of Hope.
Join Us in Washington, DC
Lunch gathering for monks and nuns at American University (registration required)
Arrival at Washington National Cathedral, West Lawn — 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC
Interfaith welcome, reflection, prayer, and procession to National Mall
Event at Lincoln Memorial
All are invited to witness this historic moment as the monks complete their pilgrimage and carry forward the sacred vision of the Torch of Love.
Track the Walk for Peace
After many years of staying dormant, I had a day-dream to bring this to the Walking Monks for Peace. As they are so inspiring for us and are bringing their Light into our national capitol, it seems appropriate that their magnetic charging is to carry this symbol. Their loving kindness mindful walking is gathering such an unexpected momentum and so deeply heartfully experienced by so many.
May you and beings be well, happy and at peace. May all our light shine brightly radiating peace and unity for all. May this be the Torch of Love.