When photographer Henry Eiland heard that a group of Buddhist monks on a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace across America were coming to Alabama, he knew he had to see them.
In December 2025, Henry documented the monks as they passed through Auburn and Opelika. Before becoming a photographer, Henry spent 8 years as a journalist telling other people's stories. But he found himself inside a story that changed his life forever.
On December 25, 2025, Henry and his wife Kendra went to see the monks during a peace gathering at Foundry Opelika Church in Opelika. Henry grew up in a Pentecostal Christian church. He saw people of every culture and background standing together.
In an interview with Stay Inspired News, he said, "I haven't seen that many different kinds of people come together since 9/11." The moment stayed with him.
The next day, Henry followed the monks to West Point, Georgia and brought his camera. Henry said the monks move fast and are on a very tight schedule. He took photos, gave an offering, and walked with the crowd gathered to support the monks.
Dr. Long Si Dong, one of the organizers who helped plan the journey for the Walk for Peace, approached Henry to see the photos he took. Dr. Long loved Henry's work and invited him to take portraits of each of the monks the following day.
He took portraits of all of the monks. And each photo truly captures the essence of why they are doing the Walk for Peace.
Henry took a portrait of Bhante Sumato, a Buddhist monk who is part of the Walk for Peace and also captures the journey as a photographer. As the monks walk in a single-file line, Sumato walks with them while taking pictures. He has taken thousands of photos, and each one tells a unique and powerful story.
What's special about Henry’s portrait of Sumato is that it lets others feel what Henry and countless others feel when they see the monks.
Throughout his time documenting the monks, Henry said they received so much food, water, and gifts that they had to leave some behind. They couldn't fit all of it in their escort vehicle. What they couldn't carry was donated to help local communities in need.
On December 30, 2025, Henry posted the portraits of the monks online. Many people wondered where their loyal companion Aloka the Peace Dog was. A few days later, he posted a headshot of Aloka on Facebook.
Henry is 52 years old, runs Visual Poetry Studio, and works as a freelance photographer for Auburn University. For over 25 years, he has photographed everything from wildlife and weddings to fine art. He said his true passion lies in nature and landscape photography.
Buddhist monks have been walking for peace for a long time. It's something that’s been done for centuries as a way to show compassion, faith, and unity.
When asked why he took the portraits, Henry said, "I believe in what they are doing and I know that they're doing it for a good cause. This country needs more compassion. There are more people who love each other than those who don't, and I hope this story helps people remember that."
At first, Henry was hesitant about posting the portraits of the monks. But he shared them on his Facebook and Instagram page to help spread their message of kindness. Henry did this from the heart and not for attention.
Phra Ponchai Khamyeam is from Pak Chong, Thailand. Over the years, he's traveled to Malaysia and India to spread a message of peace.
"There is so much hate in the country right now, and there are just walking to spread love and kindness," Henry told Stay Inspired News.
All of the portraits and photos he took of the Buddhist monks on their Walk for Peace can be viewed on his website Visual Poetry Studio.
The monks' journey can be followed online through an interactive Google map that shows their route and daily progress as they walk. It also shows their walking paths, rest stops, and overnight locations. Supporters can use the map to see when the monks are near their community and follow the Walk for Peace in real time.
The monks' mission of spreading peace and compassion is reflected in the images he captured.
