We are grateful to share that Bhante Dam Phommasan’s surgery to remove his leg has been successfully completed this morning. He is now resting comfortably under medical care and beginning the healing process.

 

On behalf of the Walk For Peace community, we extend our deepest appreciation for your prayers, compassion, and support during this challenging time. Please continue to keep Bhante in your thoughts as he focuses on recovery.

 

May he find strength, peace, and swift healing.

 

 

AMID LIFE’S HARDSHIPS – A RADIANT BLOSSOM OF GREAT COMPASSION
December 3, 2025

 

This morning, upon learning that Venerable Dam Phommasan would soon undergo surgery to amputate one of his legs, following the accident that occurred in Houston in mid-November, many devotees and spiritual friends were deeply moved.

 

Their hearts were filled with both sorrow and profound respect for the extraordinary courage, steadfast purity of mind, and fearless spirit of a true practitioner standing serenely amid the life’s hardships.

 

After careful contemplation, the Venerable made his final decision: to joyfully accept the removal of the injured leg in order to preserve his health and continue the path of practice ahead.
Perhaps what touched people the most was the compassionate and wise conversation between the two Buddhist practitioners who had been walking together on the Walk for Peace journey

 

In his conversation with Venerable Paññakāra, Venerable Dam Phommasan remained serene and mindful. With a gentle smile and a heart free of expectation and fear, he shared that joining the Walk for Peace was his own decision, and accepting the loss of part of his body was also his own decision—entirely not anyone else’s fault. He expressed joy in being able to contribute to this sacred journey.

 

As a practitioner, the Venerable received this adversity with a tranquil mind and wisdom that clearly sees the workings of cause and condition, and the nature of impermanence, suffering, and non-self in all phenomena. For him, this became an offering to the Walk for Peace and an offering to the Triple Gem.

 

It seems the price of “peace” has never been an easy one. To preserve and nurture peace in this world, one may sometimes face sacrifices, both great and quiet, visible and invisible, even involving one’s own body. Yet it is precisely in such sacrifices that the light of compassion and fearlessness shines most brightly, unshaken by danger, undisturbed by loss, unwavering before adversity.

 

His moving words echo a passage from the Dasa Pārami in the Kinh Đáo Bỉ Ngạn (Crossing to the Far Shore):
“The path of giving leads the way,
Selfless in nature, unexpectant in mind.
Not bound by love or hatred,
The giving hand makes no distinction.
Even limbs or life itself
May be relinquished, this fleeting body is but a shell.
The Buddha perfected this ancient path;
May we follow the footsteps of Great Compassion.”

 

Today it did not rain, yet the eyes of many grew moist – moist compassion, reverence, and deep emotion for a brave practitioner who has offered part of his own body to uphold a noble and sacred ideal of the Dhamma.

 

May the power of the Triple Gem, the protection of the devas, and the wholesome merits accumulated support Venerable Dam Phommasan’s surgery to proceed smoothly and safely. May his body and mind remain at ease, his wisdom bright, his strength unwavering, and his recovery swift.

 

May no one have to endure suffering from loss and pain. And may the Sangha remain safe, steady, and courageous as they continue the Walk for Peace, so that loving-kindness and the message of peace may be planted and spread throughout the world.
Sādhu! Sādhu! Sādhu! 🙏

 

 

 

 

 

#TykheoTueNhan #BaoThapTangKinhThanhDien #Buocchanhanhgia
#WalkForPeace #W4P #Walk4Peace #Dhammacetiya

Posted by Bước Chân Hành Giả on Sunday, November 30, 2025