In Liberty County, Texas two Buddhist monks were hit by a truck while traveling on foot along Highway 90. The monks were part of a two thousand, three hundred mile peace walk that began in Fort Worth, Texas in the hopes of reaching Washington, D.C. in one hundred, twenty days.

One of the injured monks, Bhante Dam Phommasan, suffered severe injuries that required him to undergo surgery to have his leg amputated. Bhante Dam is 58 years-old and he serves as the abbot of Wat Buddha Khanti in Atlanta, Georgia.

Organizer of the “Walk for Peace” pilgrimage commented on the accident by stating, “We are grateful to share that Bhante Dam Phommasan’s surgery to remove his leg has been successfully completed this morning.” (Houston Public Media)

The collision occurred on Highway 90 in Dayton, Texas. Bhante Dam Phommasan was injured when a pilot vehicle that was acting as a liaison for the walking group was hit by a truck. The collision caused the pilot vehicle to run over Bhante Dam and another monk. One of them was to a Houston-area hospital via helicopter and the other was transported via ambulance.

Hospital staff did their best to help the monk, however, in the end he was left with a difficult decision, endure a long series of reconstructive surgeries or go through with the amputation. Bhante Dam decided on the latter, and he said of his decision, “Don’t feel bad for me. It is my decision,” he then went on to say, “I accept everything that happened.” (Georgia Asian Times)

After receiving an outpouring of support from the community, organizers released a follow-up statement noting, “On behalf of the Walk For Peace community, we extend our deepest appreciation for your prayers, compassion, and support during this challenging time.” (KHOU)

There are thirteen monks taking part in the journey. One monk commented on the purpose of their pilgrimage while sharing meals with locals in Houston, “We are advocating for peace, unity, and compassion.” (Houston Public Media)

Currently, organizers plan for the journey to continue even though Bhante Dam will no longer be able to participate. The group said, “Please continue to keep Bhante in your thoughts as he focuses on recovery.” (Fox4 KDFW)

The accident has helped to raise awareness around rural highways and the dangers they pose to pedestrians. However, monks are more interested in spreading their message than focusing on the dangers that they face. One monk described the purpose of the peace walk, “We walk to remind people that peace is not just a destination, but a path we walk together.” (Houston Public Media)

The monks have received support from people all over the United States in the way of prayers, donations, and logistical support. They are using their Facebook page to give updates and allow followers to track their progress. It has also been a source of encouragement with people leaving well-wishes.

They have been warmly welcomed in many of the towns that they have visited. In Jasper County, Texas, one community commented on their trek by stating, “It’s inspiring to see people walk so far just to remind us of peace,” (Houston Public Media)

The leader of the peace walk is a monk named Tykheo Tue Nhan. In addition to his fellow monks, Tykheo is accompanied by a dog named Aloka. The group has made steady progress on their journey. They entered their third state, Mississippi, on 5 December.

One of the organizers for the “Walk for Peace” said of their progress, “This journey is about more than us—it’s about showing that peace can be lived, step by step.” (Houston Public Media)

Learn More

Walk For Peace USA (Facebook)
Buddhist Monk Loses Leg After Texas Accident, but Peace Walk Continues (Georgia Asian Times)
Buddhist monk has leg amputated after being hit by truck in Liberty County during walk across United States (KHOU)
Buddhist monk’s leg amputated after he was hit by a car on ‘Walk for Peace’ (Houston Public Media)
Monk injured in crash during ‘Walk for Peace’ in Liberty County has leg amputated (Fox 4 KDFW)

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