Source: Los Angeles Times

On December 21, 1999, the Los Angeles Times reported that Bhikkhu Buddha Dhatu, a Buddhist monk, is walking barefoot from San Francisco to Los Angeles to promote world peace. He began in San Francisco on November 26th and plans to be in Los Angeles on Thursday, December 23rd for a millennial peace ceremony that will include a release of doves from a cage and prayers for peace in the next century. Dhatu's journey is being funded by thousands of followers worldwide, including a number of Hollywood celebrities. Dhatu began walking for peace in January 1998 in Bodhigaya, India with the Dalai Lama and goes to various places of the world to do these walks. Since Dhatu is prohibited by his religious beliefs from handling money, he relies on donations of food from supporters. For travel between countries, Dhatu relies on donated airline tickets. Dhatu plans to finish his walk in Sydney, Australia, where he lives, in time for the Summer Olympic Games in 2000.