Monk’s Journey for Inner Peace and Unity

Chien Le first encountered the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara in 2005 before Pannakara became a novice monk at a Texas Buddhist temple. Pannakara’s dogged determination impressed Le then, and continues to do so. As the temple’s secretary, Le sees Pannakara as someone who tackles challenges head-on. “When he decides to do something, he sees it through,” Le noted.

Pannakara’s resolve was evident during the Walk for Peace earlier this year. Leading an international group of monks and accompanied by his rescue dog, Aloka, he embarked on a 2,300-mile journey from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C. This journey, which took place from October 26 to February 14, included public discourses on mindfulness and kindness at numerous locations, gathering large audiences and online followers worldwide.

The Walk for Peace catapulted Pannakara into the limelight as a unifying voice for peace in a divided country. His rising popularity drew comparisons to figures like the Dalai Lama and Martin Luther King Jr. Despite the attention, Pannakara remains focused on his mission. “There is no fame for monks,” he explained. “I walk to promote awareness of peace, kindness, and compassion.”

Pannakara adheres to the strict “Vinaya” monastic rules, refraining from personal possessions, money, and social media. He practices celibacy, modesty, and limits food consumption to before noon. Sleeping sitting up is another practice he follows to deepen mindfulness, although not required for Theravada monks.

From Engineer to Monk

Born in 1981 in Dak Lak, Vietnam, Pannakara is the youngest of 10 children. Though his family identified as Buddhist, his deeper exposure to Buddhism came from attending temple camps after immigrating to the U.S. in 1997. He graduated with a degree in information technology from the University of Texas at Arlington and initially pursued an engineering career. However, inspired by his teacher, the Venerable Ratanaguna, Pannakara left engineering for monkhood, becoming fully ordained in 2010. His decision stemmed not from a single event but from observing the suffering and competitiveness around him.

Despite the initial sadness of his parents, they eventually accepted his path. Pannakara proved to be an adept learner, taking on various temple projects, including landscaping and construction of facilities. In Myanmar, between 2018 and 2020, he learned Vipassana meditation to further his spiritual enlightenment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he organized food drives to assist those in need.

According to Amanda Phan, a member of his temple, “Pannakara embodies kindness, compassion, and wisdom.” She refers to him as a bodhisattva, dedicated to alleviating the suffering of others.

A Sacred Pilgrimage

In late 2022, Pannakara joined around 100 monks on a 2,100-mile pilgrimage that traced the Buddha’s life. The journey took them from Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini, Nepal, to Bodh Gaya, where he attained enlightenment, and finally to Kushinagar, where he passed away. This experience deepened Pannakara’s connection to Buddhist teachings and revealed his capability to withstand adversity. During this pilgrimage, he formed a bond with Aloka, his dog, who exemplified resilience.

Pannakara’s vision for the future includes the Dhammacetiya project. This $200-million initiative aims to build 840 stone stupas preserving Buddha’s teachings in multiple languages. These stupas, he hopes, will endure for 4,000 years. Pannakara committed at the 2022 International Vesak Ceremony to this mission, stating he would reincarnate if necessary to complete it.

Seattle-based monk Ajahn Nisabho finds Pannakara’s genuine commitment inspiring. Nisabho recalled how Pannakara’s hand-stitched robe from cloth during his Indian walk honored Buddhist traditions and inspired vast numbers of followers.

Avoiding Politics

During the Walk for Peace’s conclusion in Washington, senior monk Bhikkhu Bodhi stated that Pannakara wisely avoided political discourse. Bodhi hopes Pannakara will eventually speak on urgent social issues like poverty and climate change. Meanwhile, Nisabho views Pannakara’s current approach as a means to foster a diverse, apolitical environment. “Introducing politics can alienate,” Nisabho said. “A monastic’s vision inspires awakening free from suffering.”

The Associated Press supports religious coverage with contributions from The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.