South Austin Buddhist Center

03/26/2026

01/03/2026

As 24 Buddhist monks traveled on a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace across America, something beautiful started happening. In early December 2025, police departments es**rting them through cities and towns started giving the monks official pins and badges. They did it as a sign of respect and support for the monks on their journey to spread peace and compassion.

On November 19, 2025, one of the monks, Phra Ajarn Maha Dam Phommasan, was badly injured when a pickup truck ran into their own es**rt vehicle in Dayton, Texas. Maha Dam lost his leg, but he wasn't angry and expressed forgiveness and compassion toward the person who hit him. In an interview with WSB-TV, Maha Dam said, "Losing a leg is a sacrifice I don't mind making if it helps spread a message of peace, love, hope, compassion, harmony, and kindness."

As the monks continue on their journey, police presence has steadily increased to ensure their safety. The Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group’s spiritual leader, proudly wears each pin and badge given to them along the way. In a statement, he said, "To the law enforcement officers who have protected us, guided us, and shown us such kindness along the way, thank you."

stayinspirednews.com/buddhist-monks-walk-2-300-miles-across-america-for-peace-and-compassion

(Photo: Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center / Walk for Peace)

01/02/2026

As you begin this new journey into 2026, take the time to sit and ponder all things...the past, any mistakes you may have made, anyone you need to forgive, anything you need to let go of. Then make a decision as to what real efforts you will be able to move towards here in this new year. Decide to choose love, patience, kindness, non-violence, charity to all, meditation, morality, courage, discipline, harmonious actions and peace. In doing this, may you develop a boundless heart of love to all beings in all galaxies everywhere.

May all beings be free from all suffering. 🙏❤️