“Please continue to pray for Ajarn. who l@st his legs on the walk for peace journey”
A Buddhist monk known as Phra Ajarn Maha (𝓓𝓪𝓶 𝓟𝓱𝓸𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓼𝓪𝓷) experienced a life-changing moment while walking more than 2,300 miles for peace, alongside fellow monks and their loyal companion, Aloka the Peace Dog, on a journey from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C.
On November 19, 2025, while the group was traveling through Dayton, Texas, tragedy struck. According to the Dayton Police Department, a pickup truck crashed into their escort vehicle, leaving Ajarn Maha Phommasan seriously injured.
Phra Ajarn Maha Phommasan is the abbot of Wat Lao Buddha Khanti of Atlanta, a spiritual leader known for his gentle guidance and dedication to compassion. When he returned home, his community welcomed him with a moving ceremony filled with prayers and gratitude for his life.
During his treatment at Piedmont Healthcare and OrthoAtlanta, spine surgeon Dr. Tuan L. Bui and the medical team cared for him and shared how deeply inspired they were by his strength, calmness, and unwavering commitment to peace.
Even after losing his leg, Ajarn Maha did not speak with anger or bitterness. Instead, he chose forgiveness.
In an interview with WSB TV, he quietly and courageously 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.”
His words touched thousands.
In a statement, his temple asked simply and humbly,
“Please continue to pray for Ajarn.”
A few weeks later, a GoFundMe page was created to support his recovery and medical needs. The response was overwhelming. Through the kindness of people around the world and the support of the Stay Inspired community, more than $160,000 was raised to help cover his medical care and living expenses.
This journey, once measured in miles, has become something far greater.
It is now a living reminder that even in deep loss, the human spirit can still choose compassion, peace, and love.
(Photo courtesy of Wat Lao Buddha Khanti of Atlanta and OrthoAtlanta)
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