Buddhist monks joined a ‘Walk for Peace' as the pilgrimage passed through North Carolina.

The religious followers shared a message of mindfulness and unity as they continued their cross-country journey in Greensboro on Tuesday.

Hundreds gathered outside Chua Quan Am Temple to listen as the monks addressed the crowd.

The Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, who is undertaking the walk barefoot, spoke about the importance of navigating both positive and difficult moments in life.

He said: 'We have good days and bad days, but we have to know how to manage them. Nobody in this world will love you more than yourself, and for you to love yourself, you have to find the purpose in life.'

Residents attending the event said they were moved by the monks' calm and peaceful presence.

Footage shows the 18 monks walking along the roadside under police escort on bicycles, as kindhearted locals handed out bottled water along the route.

The Walk for Peace began on October 26 at a Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to conclude in Washington, DC.

Officials have urged motorists to slow down and remain alert when encountering the group.