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How a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace thrust a Texas monk and his rescue dog into the spotlight
By Deepa Bharath, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 17, 2026
· 6 min read
Chien Le first met the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara in 2005, a few years before Pannakara became a novice monk at the Texas Buddhist temple where he is now the deputy abbot.What struck Le then, and amazes him still, is Pannakara’s iron-clad determination.“When he decides to do something, he goes a...
Key takeaway The 2,300-mile (3,700-kilometer) journey started in Fort Worth on Oct.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara's rise to prominence has significant implications for the San Antonio community, where Buddhist temples and organizations have long been a part of the city's diverse spiritual landscape. As a leading voice for inner peace and unity, Pannakara's message of mindfulness and kindness resonates deeply in a city that values its cultural and religious diversity. The fact that his Walk for Peace drew large, diverse crowds and millions of online followers suggests that his message has the potential to bridge cultural and socioeconomic divides in San Antonio. Furthermore, Pannakara's connection to the Texas Buddhist temple in Fort Worth highlights the importance of regional Buddhist communities in promoting peace and understanding. As San Antonio continues to grow and evolve, Pannakara's teachings and example may inspire local initiatives and events that foster greater unity and compassion among residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Chien Le first met the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara in 2005, a few years before Pannakara became a novice monk at the Texas Buddhist temple where he is now the deputy abbot.What struck Le then, and amazes him still, is Pannakara’s iron-clad determination.“When he decides to do something, he goes a...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Deepa Bharath, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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