A Buddhist monk named Phra Ajarn Maha (𝓓𝓪𝓶 𝓟𝓱𝓸𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓼𝓪𝓷) faced a life-changing moment while on a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace with other monks and their loyal companion Aloka the Peace Dog from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. On November 19, 2025, he was badly injured after a pickup truck hit their escort vehicle in Dayton, Texas, according to the Dayton Police Department. Phommasan serves as an abbot, or head monk, of Wat Lao Buddha Khanti of Atlanta. He was welcomed home with a ceremony. At Piedmont Healthcare and OrthoAtlanta, spine surgeon Dr. Tuan L. Bui helped care for him. The doctor's team shared how inspired they were by Phommasan's strength and his commitment to peace. Even after losing his leg, he said he was not angry and expressed forgiveness and compassion toward the person who hit him. In an interview with WSB-TV, Phommasan 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." In a statement, his temple said, "Please continue to pray for Ajarn." And a few weeks later, they created a GoFundMe page on his behalf. Many people have supported Phommasan and raised over $160,000 to help with his medical bills and other expenses. Thank you to the Stay Inspired community and everyone who helped. (Photo: Courtesy of Wat Lao Buddha Khanti of Atlanta / OrthoAtlanta)

A Buddhist monk named Phra Ajarn Maha (𝓓𝓪𝓶 𝓟𝓱𝓸𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓼𝓪𝓷) faced a life-changing moment while on a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace with other monks and their loyal companion Aloka the Peace Dog from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. On November 19, 2025, he was badly injured after a pickup truck hit their escort vehicle in Dayton, Texas, according to the Dayton Police Department. Phommasan serves as an abbot, or head monk, of Wat Lao Buddha Khanti of Atlanta. He was welcomed home with a ceremony. At Piedmont Healthcare and OrthoAtlanta, spine surgeon Dr. Tuan L. Bui helped care for him. The doctor's team shared how inspired they were by Phommasan's strength and his commitment to peace. Even after losing his leg, he said he was not angry and expressed forgiveness and compassion toward the person who hit him. In an interview with WSB-TV, Phommasan 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." In a statement, his temple said, "Please continue to pray for Ajarn." And a few weeks later, they created a GoFundMe page on his behalf. Many people have supported Phommasan and raised over $160,000 to help with his medical bills and other expenses. Thank you to the Stay Inspired community and everyone who helped. (Photo: Courtesy of Wat Lao Buddha Khanti of Atlanta / OrthoAtlanta)