A Fort Worth Buddhist monk injured during a walk to the nation’s capital underwent surgery to amputate his leg.
Bhante Dam Phommasan was one of several monks participating in a 2,300-mile walk to Washington, D.C., as part of a Walk for Peace initiative that began in late October at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in east Fort Worth.
He entered surgery at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 3, according to an announcement on the Walk for Peace official Facebook page. Wednesday afternoon the group posted that Phommasan’s surgery was “successfully completed” and that he was “resting comfortably under medical care and beginning the healing process.”
Phommasan was injured late Nov. 19 just outside of Houston after a pickup truck driver struck one of the group’s escort vehicles, pushing the car into the monks walking along the shoulder of U.S. Route 90, according to ABC13.
In a video posted to the page, Tue Nhan Bhikkhu, also known as Rev. Nguyen and the vice president of the temple, and Phommasan shared a conversation before his surgery.
Phommasan discussed his decision to undergo the surgery to remove his leg rather than enduring multiple surgeries needed for his injuries.
“Unfortunately, things happen. I’m very happy that you are very strong and decisive and you want to move on. You don’t want to spend time like that,” Nguyen said, adding his apologies to
Phommasan.
“Don’t feel bad for me,” Phommasan responded. “It is my decision … I accept everything that happened.”
The 110-day expedition is meant to be “a journey to bring blessings to countless lives in a world filled with uncertainty and restlessness,” Tue Nhan Bhikkhu said during an Oct. 19 press conference.
The monks are set to traverse 10 states along their route, stopping at state capitols, historic landmarks and in local communities to share their message and invite people to join them in moments of reflection and prayer.
Since their departure from Fort Worth, drivers and Texas residents have shared sightings or encounters with the monks on social video. The official Walk for Peace USA TikTok account has amassed nearly 90,000 followers.
The group has a live Google map, where people can track the monks’ journey along the way. The monks are currently near Archie, Louisiana.
The Walk for Peace group shared its thanks to the community for their support.
“We extend our deepest appreciation for your prayers, compassion, and support during this challenging time,” the post said. “Please continue to keep Bhante in your thoughts as he focuses on recovery.”
Marissa Greene is a Report for America corps member, covering faith for the Fort Worth Report. You can contact her at marissa.greene@fortworthreport.org.
At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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Great Job Marissa Greene & the Team @ Fort Worth Report for sharing this story.
