In 2005, Chien Le first crossed paths with the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, long before Pannakara took on his role as the deputy abbot at the Texas Buddhist temple. Le, who serves as the temple’s secretary at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, remains in awe of Pannakara’s unwavering determination. ‘When he decides to do something, he goes all the way,’ Le remarked, highlighting Pannakara’s fearless approach to overcoming obstacles.
This resolve was evident during the meditative Walk for Peace, led by Pannakara, which featured international monks and his rescue dog, Aloka. Starting from Fort Worth on October 26, the walk concluded in Washington, D.C., on February 14, covering 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers).
An Ascetic’s Rise to Prominence
Pannakara spoke on mindfulness and kindness at various locations, drawing large and diverse audiences. The Walk for Peace quickly elevated Pannakara from obscurity to prominence, becoming a leading advocate for inner peace and unity amidst division. His impact has been likened to that of notable figures like the Dalai Lama and Martin Luther King Jr.
Though he traveled to Southern California for several engagements, Pannakara remains unconcerned with fame. ‘There is no fame for monks,’ he stated. ‘I am committed to raising awareness for peace, loving kindness, and compassion.’
As a Theravada Buddhist, Pannakara follows the ‘Vinaya’ or strict monastic rules. This includes no use of social media, owning personal possessions, handling money, and practicing celibacy and modesty. His diet and sleeping habits also reflect his ascetic lifestyle, eating only before noon and sometimes sleeping while seated.
The Journey from Engineer to Monk
Born in Dak Lak, Vietnam, in 1981, Pannakara was the youngest of 10 children. Although nominally Buddhist, his family didn’t actively practice the religion. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1997, he obtained a degree in information technology from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Pannakara’s first significant exposure to Buddhism was through temple summer camps. His shift from engineering to monastic life came in response to seeing widespread suffering and a societal focus on material success. According to Le, Pannakara was a quick learner, substantially contributing to the temple community through various projects.
Between 2018 and 2020, Pannakara studied Vipassana meditation in Myanmar, following directives from his teacher, the Venerable Ratanaguna. When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, he returned to Fort Worth, organizing community efforts like food drives.
Pilgrimage of Transformation
In late 2022, Pannakara joined around 100 monks in a 2,100-mile (3,380-kilometer) pilgrimage, tracing important sites in the Buddha’s history. They walked barefoot, ate a single meal daily, and slept outdoors. This journey not only deepened Pannakara’s understanding of Buddhism but also tested his resilience.
During the pilgrimage, Pannakara encountered Aloka, a dog who endured hardships alongside the monks. The journey reaffirmed Pannakara’s ability to withstand adversity and inspired his vision of constructing stone stupas to preserve the Buddha’s teachings.
In 2022, during an International Vesak Ceremony, Pannakara pledged to continue efforts for peace and enlightenment, encompassing peace walks and the $200-million Dhammacetiya project to build stupas bearing the Buddha’s teachings.
Remaining True to Values While Avoiding Politics
Ajahn Nisabho, a Seattle-based monk, praised Pannakara’s authenticity. Pannakara’s decision to avoid political statements during the Walk for Peace was acknowledged by Bhikkhu Bodhi, who endorses focusing on broader social issues as Pannakara gains visibility.
Nisabho agreed with Pannakara’s choice, suggesting that bringing politics into a spiritual space risks diminishing its universal appeal. ‘The vision of a monastic is to inspire awakening and relieve suffering. Mixing politics into this can alienate people,’ Nisabho stated.
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