Pannakara, a dedicated monk at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, displays unwavering determination. Chien Le, temple secretary, praises his resolute nature, capable of handling obstacles effectively.
Earlier this year, Pannakara led the meditative Walk for Peace, alongside monks and his rescue dog, Aloka, which spanned 2,300 miles from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C. The journey spotlighted Pannakara’s discourses on mindfulness, attracting millions of followers online and diverse crowds in public spaces.
Through his teachings and dedication, Pannakara emerged as a prominent voice for unity and peace, drawing comparisons to icons like the Dalai Lama and Martin Luther King Jr.
Despite the attention, Pannakara remains grounded, committed to promoting peace, kindness, and compassion. He adheres to Theravada Buddhist practices, following ‘Vinaya’ rules, which include no social media, handling money, or personal possessions. His lifestyle includes celibacy and modesty, eating before noon, and sleeping sitting up to deepen mindfulness.
Pannakara’s path began in Dak Lak, Vietnam, born in 1981 as the youngest of ten children in a family with nominal Buddhist practices. After migrating to the U.S. in 1997, he graduated in information technology and was introduced to Buddhism domestically.
Shifting from engineering to monastic life was driven by witnessing suffering and insincerity in society. Ordained in 2010 by his mentor, Venerable Ratanaguna, Pannakara’s family eventually accepted his decision.
His capabilities extend beyond spiritual teachings, completing several projects at the temple, and engaging in humanitarian activities like organizing food drives during COVID in Fort Worth.
Pannakara’s transformative experiences also include a 112-day pilgrimage across 2,100 miles in late 2022, tracing Buddha’s historic steps. This journey reaffirmed his understanding of Buddhist teachings and personal resilience.
During this pilgrimage, Aloka, meaning ‘light’ in Pali, joined him, sharing in the challenging footsteps.
Inspired by visions during a Bodh Gaya visit, Pannakara proposed the ambitious Dhammacetiya project, aiming to build 840 stupas, preserving Buddha’s teachings in multiple languages for 4,000 years.
The project aligns with his vow to perpetuate peace and spiritual teachings, an endeavor he promises to continue, even beyond this lifetime.
Ajahn Nisabho highlights Pannakara’s authenticity, recognizing the monk’s impact on diverse followers during peace walks, demonstrating a commitment to cherishing shared values.
Bhikkhu Bodhi appreciates Pannakara’s decision to abstain from politics, stressing the importance of focusing on social issues without dilution by political discourse.
Acknowledging today’s divided spaces, Nisabho emphasizes the need for neutral realms, akin to Pannakara’s peace walks, fostering unity and spiritual awakening.
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