local
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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 Piney Point
The Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara's rise to prominence has significant implications for the Houston area's Buddhist community, which has been growing in recent years. As the deputy abbot of the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Pannakara's message of peace and unity may inspire more local residents to explore mindfulness and meditation. His connection to the area, having lived and studied in Texas, could also lead to increased interest in Buddhist teachings and practices among Houstonians. Furthermore, Pannakara's international recognition may put the Houston area on the map as a hub for Buddhist thought and leadership, potentially attracting visitors and scholars interested in learning more about his work and the local Buddhist community. As Pannakara's popularity continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how his message resonates with local residents and whether it leads to increased engagement with Buddhist organizations and events in the Houston area.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Deepa Bharath, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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