Chien Le and the Inspirational Journey of Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara

Chien Le first met the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara in 2005, recognizing his unwavering determination. As the secretary at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Le remains amazed by Pannakara’s resolve. ‘When he decides to do something, he goes all the way,’ said Le. Pannakara is now the deputy abbot at this Texas Buddhist temple where he embarked on a remarkable meditative Walk for Peace earlier this year.

The 2,300-mile journey began in Fort Worth on October 26, ending in Washington, D.C., on February 14. Pannakara led this event with support from international monks and his rescue dog, Aloka, now a mascot for the movement.

An Ascetic Gains Attention

Pannakara delivered talks on mindfulness and kindness at venues like churchyards, town squares, and the Lincoln Memorial. These events drew diverse crowds, while millions more followed online. The Walk for Peace turned Pannakara into a prominent voice for inner peace and unity in a divided nation. His rise has invited comparisons to figures like the Dalai Lama, Martin Luther King Jr., and Thich Nhat Hanh.

Despite the attention, Pannakara remains focused. ‘There is no fame for monks,’ he said. His journey rooted in Theravada Buddhism includes following the ‘Vinaya’ — a set of monastic rules, avoiding social media, personal possessions, and handling money. He practices celibacy and modesty, eating only before noon. Pannakara even adopts sitting up while sleeping to deepen mindfulness.

From Engineer to Monk

Born in Dak Lak, Vietnam, in 1981, Pannakara was the youngest of 10. His family practiced Buddhism in name only before moving to the U.S. in 1997. He graduated in information technology from the University of Texas at Arlington, discovering Buddhism in American temple summer camps.

His transition from engineering to monkhood, guided by Venerable Ratanaguna, was gradual. It was motivated by a desire to move beyond suffering and inauthenticity observed around him. Although initially distressed, Pannakara’s parents came to accept his decision.

Under his teacher’s guidance, Pannakara swiftly mastered temple projects such as landscaping, kitchen construction, and building homes for monastics. He traveled to Myanmar between 2018 and 2020 to study Vipassana meditation, a core technique taught by Buddha. Returning during the COVID-19 pandemic, he organized food drives to support the community.

Influential Journeys

In late 2022, Pannakara joined about 100 monks on a 2,100-mile pilgrimage, retracing Buddha’s steps from Lumbini, Nepal, to Kushinagar. The journey emphasized simplicity as monks walked barefoot, ate one meal a day, and slept under the stars. This journey introduced Aloka, meaning light in Pali, to Pannakara’s life.

While previously visiting Bodh Gaya, Pannakara envisioned building stone stupas preserving Buddha’s teachings for future generations. Supported by his teacher, the $200-million Dhammacetiya project aims to construct 840 stupas in 10 languages.

Pledging to pursue peace and preserve teachings, Pannakara highlights these efforts long-term. Ajahn Nisabho, a Theravada Buddhist monk, praised Pannakara’s dedication and authenticity. Pannakara’s walks have gathered diverse crowds, echoing its spiritual roots.

Conscious Decision to Avoid Politics

Senior monk Bhikkhu Bodhi commended Pannakara’s silence on politics during the peace walk, though hoping he later addresses social issues. Nisabho echoed the importance of avoiding politics to maintain inclusivity, highlighting the unique ability of peace walks to attract diverse participation, a space seldom found elsewhere.