Manjusvara - Three Poems and a Funeral

July 6th saw Triratna’s Bristol sangha celebrating the funeral of Manjusvara, who died leading a retreat at Dhanakosa. Kamalamani has sent us an account of the day, and we’ve discovered three poems by Manjusvara in the latest edition of the Bristol Buddhist Centre’s on-line newsletter, which we reproduce below. Bristol’s Newsletter contains a moving ‘Rejoicing In Manjusvara’ by Ananda, his friend and colleague for many many years, during which he describes his friend as “the most generous person I ever knew”. Click here to read it.

Kamalamani writes -

“Manjusvara's funeral at Bristol Buddhist Centre was a very rich and fitting celebration of a life well lived. It marked beautifully the moving on of Manjusvara from his current life as a Dharma farer, son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, ex-husband, lover, musician, poet, writer, fundraiser and world traveller. The funeral services were co-ordinated and led with immense love and care by Harshaprabha, Saddhanandi and Taravajra, following Manjusvara's wishes. There were rejoicings and remembrances from his family and friends (his brother: John Keefe, Meg Moginot, John Crown and Mario Cavalli, John Bloss, Manjuvajra and Samayasri), from poet and 'Wolf at the Door' friends (Dhivan, Larry Butler, Varasahaya), from friends at the Karuna Trust (Jayaraja and Amalavajra), from India (from Padmadhara read by Silajala), and from Bristol sangha friends (Satyalila, Suhada and Jvalamalini). In recent months Achintya has been creating a digital archive of poems by Manjusvara and Ananda, so we were fortunate to hear recordings of Manjusvara read some of those poems - it was incredibly poignant to once again hear his voice.

“The funeral was followed by a smaller service at the North Bristol crematorium with eulogies starting with a pre-Buddhist friend Stephen Hewitt, then his brother John, followed by another 'Scouting friend', Keith, then Harshaprabha and Ananda. Keith named how Manjusvara's funeral was a meeting of 'two gangs': his Buddhist 'gang' and his 'gang' of family and friends, and how moved he was to witness the love and respect for Manjusvara from his Buddhist 'gang' and his considerable achievements as a poet, writer, and fundraiser. The services were followed by feasting and an afternoon of spontaneous offerings for Manjusvara in the form of words, poems, songs and music.

“There was a recurring theme throughout Manjusvara's funeral: that he was a kind and encouraging man who gave so much in the different facets of his life and never wasted a moment. Whilst the funeral physically took place in Bristol, it felt to be an international celebration of him and his life. Indeed, several services and rituals have been held in his honour and memory from the UK to India since his death. The love and respect for Manjusvara was reflected in the diverse richness, love, humour and sobriety of his funeral service. The love of his friends in the local sangha was reflected in the responsiveness of so many Bristol friends in making the practical arrangements, skilfully woven together by Satyalila with the support of Jvalamalini and the centre team.

“In drawing this to a close I am reminded of a line from Manjusvara's poem, 'Writing Poetry at Edinburgh Airport': 'there is only one human story: it ends in leaving'. Whilst still absorbing the shock of the swiftness with which Manjusvara's left this life, we are also fortunate to witness his legacy of connection, kindness, boundless creativity, integrity, magical mischief, and love. May all blessings be yours, Manjusvara, as you journey into the next chapter of your human story”.

Three poems by Manjusvara -

Ghazal – Buddha

Even if we can’t see it,
we bow down in our own perfection.
The world is this mirror: our constant
re-telling of the image before us.
Time only serves the lament of the world.
There can be no shadow without the lust for shadow.
Fire placed on the highest ground. A golden thread
of sympathy connecting us through all darkness.
Surely this is reason enough to smile?
Trust in our goal; let things happen as they should.


Touching On My History

There's a room in my house
where an eagle flies
I hear its wings beating against the walls.
It has the smell of blood on its breath,
that seeps under the doorway.
I go months, even years,
trying not to think about that room.
But the eagle never forgets:
It has set me in its perfect vision.
It knows one day we will meet.
And whether I am ready or not,
it will be ready;
it will be there waiting to take me


Writing Poetry at Edinburgh Airport

Li Po said: 'To read poetry is to be alive twice.’
At the airport it is easier to see how everyone is equal.
There is only one human story: it ends in leaving

Friends in the Bristol sangha have created a blog in honour of Manjusvara, with photographs of his life, accounts of the funeral, his ordination, his Karuna and Wolf at the Door work, and more. It’s at manjusvara.blogspot.com

A death in the Order

Saricitta, who has been in close contact with Bodhilocana writes from the US to say - 'It is with great sadness that I am letting you know that Dharmacharini Bodhilocana passed away last Sunday July 17th. She slipped into a coma around 3:00 PM and left her body at 5:30 PM. Her partner and her sister were with her. Several Order Members gathered to chant the White Tara mantra. Her departure was as lovely as her presence...with strength, peace and great beauty. She suffered no pain and had absolutely no fear. Her greatest concern was for those she was leaving behind'.

Bodhilocana was diagnosed with ovarian cancer two years ago and ordained a year ago. She lived in Newmarket, New Hampshire.

A death in the Order

Manjusvara

Nayaka writes from Dhanakosa, Triratna’s retreat centre in the north of Scotland, with the sad news of the death of Manjusvara, at Dhanakosa co-leading a fully-booked Wolf at the Door retreat with his colleague Ananda. This was following a serious stroke he suffered on Monday evening. Nayaka says -

“Dear Friends, I am sorry to have to inform you that Manjusvara passed away at 3.30 this afternoon. His brother was with him. The family have been very respectful of Manjusvara’s Buddhism and are intending to involve the Bristol Buddhist Centre in Funeral arrangements but have asked that in the meantime we do not contact them, but wait for them to contact us through the Order members they are already in contact with.

“With Metta, Nayaka.

Manjusvara was a much-loved poet, author of The Poet's Way, veteran fundraiser and mentor to many generations of Karuna fundraisers, and co-founder of Wolf at the Door, created with his friend Ananda to “to bring the wildness of imagination into our everyday lives”. He will be much missed.

Two deaths in the Order - correction

Vijayatara from London

There have been two recent deaths in the Order. From London, Dhammadinna writes with news of Vijayatara, saying “Dear friends, this is to let you know that our dear friend, Vijayatara, died at about 8.45 a.m. Sunday morning, in St. Joseph's Hospice, London. Savi, her long time partner, and Savi's sister Rohini and a nurse were with her. I arrived just after the last breath. Later other friends arrived and also Atula, Santva, and Muditasri. We were allowed to be with her for about four hours, and read to her from the Tibetan Book of the Dead, recited a three-fold puja - which she loved - chanted the Tara mantra and the blessings. Later I chanted the Vajrasattva Mantra with her. With love, Dhammadinna”

Vijayatara was 49 when she died. She was associated with the London Buddhist Centre and was ordained in August 2003 at Tiratanaloka; her private preceptor was Dhammadinna and her public preceptor Ratnadharini. The practice she took at ordination was Green Tara. Munisha adds - “Here is a link to a talk on Videosangha which  Vijayatara gave to the women's National order Weekend last December, in which she shares her reflections on her Order chapter in London. May she be well and happy. With love, Munisha”

Khemapala from Auckland

And from Auckland New Zealand, Purna writes - “It is with sadness that I am letting you know Dharmachari Khemapala died on Saturday 12 March at 3:10 pm local time. Nityajyoti was able to be with him as he passed away, as were Khemapala’s sister Sandra, his son Ari and his daughter Rochelle. There will be a funeral service at the Chandrakirti Buddhist Meditation Centre near Nelson in New Zealand, on Tuesday 15 March followed by a cremation. I received a lot of emails from Order members expressing their best wishes, love for and appreciation of Khemapala. Unfortunately we were not able to pass these on while he was still conscious. I read the names of all these Order members to Nityajyoti who has written them into a book of condolences for Khemapala’s family. With metta, Purna”

Khemapala was ordained by Sangharakshita in 1982 and took the Amitabha sadhana. Our apologies for wrongly stating yesterday that Khemapala was ordained in 1975 and took the Green Tara sadhana.

Death of Dhammachari Dhammaratna in India

Karmavajra,  an Indian Order Member working in Triratna’s Order Office in Pune, writes with news of the unexpected death of Dhammachari Dhammaratna.  He says -

“We regret to inform you that Dh. Dhammaratna died suddenly at his residence at Ulhasnagar (near Mumbai) at 4.00 am on the morning of Thursday February 3rd.

“Dhammaratna was ordained in 1987 and his Public and Private Preceptor was Kamalashila. He was 71 years old.  The funeral and cremation were held on the same day.

“Yours in the Sangha, Karmavajra (Maitrijal - Indian Order Office)”.

A death in the Order

Manjupriya writes from Brazil, saying “Dear Bhante, brothers and sisters in the Order, early this morning (Saturday January 15th) Dharmachari Sanghadarshin died at the hospital he had been admitted to over a month ago. His daughter called with the news. He was 90, and ordained by Moksananda in 2006. I will go to Rio today.

“Yours in the order, Manjupriya"

This is a painting of him Moksananda did about 3 years ago. He says “It's not great, but I think he liked it”

Death of Dharmacharini Vidyajyoti

Prajnadevi writes from London to say -

"Dear brothers and sisters in the Dharma, Vidyajyoti died peacefully on 21 December 2010 at 4.23pm GMT. Her dear friends James and Sita were by her side.  Friends gathered around her after her passing and we recited the Heart Sutra and chanted the Vajrasattva mantra.

"The cremation will be held with a small gathering of friends. A memorial service to celebrate her life and rejoice in her will take place at a later date in January at the London Buddhist Centre.  Details to follow.

Yours in the Dharma"

Vidyajyoti was ordained in 2000, when she was given her name, meaning 'She who has the light or fire of learning or aesthetic appreciation'.

Keep the Three Jewels Shining: Part III - Sangha

Keep the Red Jewel Shining!

21st November is the full-moon night when we celebrate Sangha Day. Traditionally the time when the monks gathered for the start of the rainy season retreat, it is also when our Centres hold gatherings of their sanghas to celebrate the support and inspiration to be gained from spiritual community.

So, as we approach Sangha day, Triratna News brings you the third in a series of short, six-minute films celebrating spiritual community. In each, Triratna practitioners have talked about their relationship to each of the Three Jewels – Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. In this last film, they talk about what they love and appreciate about our Triratna Sangha.

The three films are part of a campaign "Keep the Three Jewels Shining" which is about encouraging people to make a will, and also asking them to consider leaving a gift in their will to the Triratna Buddhist Community. Watch it in the embedded player below or watch it direct on Vimeo

As Vajragupta, one of those behind the campaign, explains: "There are lots of ways to support the sangha and help it to thrive in the future. A gift in your will could be one way of doing this. You may have family and friends who are going to be foremost in your mind when you make your will. But you could, if you wished, also leave a gift to your local centre, your favourite retreat centre, or project. Any gift will make a difference, be really appreciated, and help ensure that others can experience the help and support of sangha after you."

"Quite a number of our centres have received gifts in wills in recent years. At the Krakov Centre - our first centre in Poland - a gift has helped pay for translations of Dharma texts. At Taraloka, a surprise gift helped buy badly needed new furniture that the retreat centre hadn't expected to be able to afford. There are lots of other similar stories of generosity that help keep the Three Jewels shining."

There is a brochure with a easy, ten-step guide to making a will, available at all UK Centres soon. Alternatively, you can download it at www.triratnadevelopment.org

Keep the Three Jewels Shining: the tour continues

"I know quite a few people who've recently made wills and who've found thinking through the issues involved quite uplifting and liberating, not at all morbid or depressing."

So says Vajragupta, director of the Triratna Development Team. Members of the team are one-third of their way into a tour of UK Centres during which they are launching and promoting a campaign called "Keep the Three Jewels Shining". Vajragupta explains:

"We are giving out a free brochure with a ten-step guide to making a will, and also a short DVD film. The aim is to encourage people to make a will, and also to encourage them to think about leaving a gift in their will to the Triratna Buddhist Community.

"Making a will is an act of generosity. Firstly, it is generous in that you are making sure your affairs are in order so that you're not leaving difficult issues to be sorted out by your loved ones after you've died and they are grieving. Secondly, it's an act of generosity because in making a will you have to think about how you can make use of what you own after you've gone. It is an opportunity to give to family, friends, and communities and causes you care about.

"Making a will can be inspiring and satisfying; it is a chance to think through what really matters to you, and a small way of reflecting on the Buddha's teaching of impermanence.

"We've also made a film to go with the will-making campaign. It’s a short and simple, 20 minute film, in which various members of our community reflect on what the Three Jewels mean to them, and why we need to keep the Three Jewels shining.

"In the second film, available here, people talk about how their practice of the Dharma has deepened over time, and also on their attitudes to death and dying. There are a few moments in the film in which you sense people's practice has gone deep. This is my favourite of the three sections of the film".

Brochures and DVD's will be available at all UK Centres soon. Alternatively, you can download the films and ten-step guide to making a will at www.triratnadevelopment.org/wills


Padmavajra introduces the second part of 'Keep the Three Jewels Shining'

Keep the Three Jewels Shining: new Triratna campaign launches across UK

This month sees the start of a new Triratna campaign in the UK.  Called "Keep the Three Jewels Shining", it's about raising awareness of  the importance of making your will - and asking people in the Triratna Buddhist Community to consider leaving a gift to Triratna in their will.

Vajragupta, one of those behind the campaign says, "It is obviously important to have your affairs sorted out, so that the family and friends you want to benefit in your will do so. Making a will is also an opportunity to make a difference to causes you care about, or communities you want to support."

"It is a lot easier and quicker to make a will than people sometimes think. We've produced a website and brochure that have a clear, 10-step guide to making a will. We are now touring UK Centres to promote these and a short, inspirational film made for us by Clear Vision."

The 10-step guide can be found at www.triratnadevelopment.org/making-a-will . The brochure and film will soon be available at UK Centres, as Vajragupta and other members of the Development Team visit almost every Triratna centre in the UK through October and November.

And here's the first part of the new Clear Vision film: "Keeping the Three Jewels Shining". It’s a short, 20 minute film, in which Triratna practitioners reflect on their relationship to each of the Three Jewels. In the first part of the film (6 minutes), they reflect on what inspires them about the Buddha, and why his message is needed today.



http://player.vimeo.com/video/15470699

Abhayaratna Trust launches, makes first awards to Order Members in need

Jnanamitra writes with news of the launch of a new Trust, the first dedicated to helping Order Members in the face of sickness, old age or disability.  It’s called the Abhayaratna Trust, and she says -

“What would your life be like if the Buddhist Centre where you first learned to meditate wasn’t there, or the retreat centre had not been started?

“The Buddhist Centres of the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order, (likely soon to be renamed the Triratna Buddhist Community), only exist because of the dedicated hard work of pioneering Order Members.  Many of these people lived on low levels of support while they gave themselves to pioneering the places that we now use and enjoy.

“It is important to us that the members of the Western Buddhist Order (likely soon to be renamed the Triratna Buddhist Order), are cared for in their older years, especially as many of them will not have any pension.  We can play a role in supporting their spiritual lives into active old age.

“A new Trust has been established, the Abhayaratna Trust.  It’s the first Western Buddhist Order/Triratna Buddhist Order benevolent fund.  We’re inviting members of the Sangha to include it in their Wills - any legacies received will go toward the needs of older members of the Order.  This is a way of leaving money to the Western Buddhist Order, leaving money to the Triratna Buddhist Order, and knowing that it will be well used.

The new Trust, which has been specifically created for this purpose, will ensure that your money goes quickly to help older Order members lead active spiritual lives, so that they are looked after.

“The new Trust is named after the first Buddhist Order Member to leave a legacy for the benefit of the Order, Dharmachari Abhayaratna.  His name means Fearless Jewel – Abhaya means fearless, and Ratna means Jewel – now part of the new name for the Order, Triratna, Three Jewels.

“Facing death involves fearlessness; he was a jewel in the Order, and left his legacy to the Order he loved.

“Here’s a way to express your gratitude at being able to use the Buddhist Centres and Retreat Centres that older members of the Order have created. 

To make a contribution now, or to find out how to include the Trust in your Will, click on the website link below.

www.westernbuddhistorder.org/abhayaratnatrust

“In December the Trust gave away the first grants, 11 Order members benefitted, most from the UK but two from further afield, and a grant was given to the Order in India.

“The Trust is now set up to give away grants to individual order members in need, and with more money from regular donations and from legacies more people will be helped.

“Dharmacharini Jnanamitra

Secretary, the Abhayaratna Trust

March 2010  

A Death in the Order

Akasasuri writes from Holland with news of the death of Vajrayogini, one of the Order's oldest members.  She says -

"Dear friends,

"Vajrayogini died on the morning of Monday February 8th, at home very peacefully, without illness or pain, with two nurses present.  At the age of nearly 94, her life came naturally to an end. The last two days she had difficulties recognizing people.  The funeral was on Friday 12 February at 2pm in Rotterdam, Holland.

"She was ready to die. Last Thursday when I asked her whether there was anything she still wanted, she said to me: 'It's been enough. Life is very tiring these days. I'm going to the Buddha'. When I asked her whether she thought we would meet again (we've known each other closely for 24 years) she said: 'Of course'! She said it in English, despite not having spoken English for years!

"Vajrayogini came into contact with the Order and movement through Vajradaka, whom she met in the context of a psychosynthesis weekend in the UK in the early seventies. She started the first FWBO retreats in Holland around that time supported by various Order members from the UK and Sangharakshita.

"Vajrayogini was ordained 35 years ago and at her ordination she received the Gate Gate mantra from Bhante.
Her main meditation practice all those years has been the mettabhavana. Over the last ten years or so the Abhaya mudra of Amoghasiddhi had also become a 'constant' companion for her, giving her faith and trust that in the end 'all will be well'.

"She had a long and eventful life, with strong dakini-like qualities (not surprisingly with a name like hers!) which she used very skillfully in her work as a Gestalt and Psychosynthesis therapist. She stopped working and leading a yearly retreat at the age of 84! Even then she carried on with a meditation group at her home.

"She had great faith and trust in Bhante Sangharakshita. And I've been moved several times by their connection and friendship. Though she wasn't involved in the institutions and life of the Order and movement very much, she showed her loyalty and commitment in other ways. She was extremely generous to 3 retreat centre projects (Guyhaloka, Akashavana, Metta Vihara), donating large sums of money to them. She also gave financial support to quite a few Order members so that they could spend their time spreading the Dharma.

"May she be well and happy.
"Akasasuri

A Death in the Order

Maitreyaraja, Centre Manager at the London Buddhist Centre, writes with news of a death in the Order. He says -

“Dear Dharmachari/ini,

“I am writing to let you know that Aryamitra died on Wednesday morning the 9th of December at around 6am. Nityabodha led a ritual for him in the Breathing Space shrine room at the London Buddhist Centre the same evening at 9.45pm.

“Aryamitra was ordained in 1974 and was aged 61.

“Details about Aryamitra’s funeral will be sent around in due time.

“In the Dharma,
“Maitreyaraja.

FWBO News adds -

Aryamitra contributed to the life of the Order and the Movement in many ways. To mention
just a few things: in the late seventies he was involved in establishing the FWBO Printing
Service at Aryatara in Croydon with Mangala. In the eighties he left Glasgow and went alone
to set up the Leeds Buddhist Centre. In the nineties he was involved with the Ordination team
at Padmaloka for a while and became part of the process of helping men to prepare for
ordination. In 1995 it was discovered that he had a brain-tumour. The tumour was removed
and after recovering Aryamitra moved to London. At the London Buddhist Centre he led
meditation courses and retreats, and for many years regularly led lunchtime classes.

Death of Dhammachari Silendrabodhi in India

Amrutdeep, one of the Indian Order Convenors, writes to say -

“I am very sorry to inform you that Dhammachari Silendrabodhi passed away at his home in Ulhasnagar, India, on Saturday 14th November at 11.30 a.m. His death was due to old age - he was 92 years old.

“Silendrabodhi was ordained in 1987. He contributed a lot to establishing the Ulhasnagar centre and was Kalyanamitra for so many Order members and well respected amongst the whole Order here.

“His funeral took place evening of 14th November 7.30 p.m. and before that his body was kept in the shrine hall at Ulhasnagar centre”.

“Yours in the Sangha, Amrutdeep”

An interview with Silendrabodhi about his remarkable life, including a meeting with Dr. Ambedkar, can be found on the Karuna Trust website. He begins -

"I was born in 1918 in Hyderabad, which at that time was a separate country with its own ruler. My mother died when I was very young and I was brought by my father to a village near Nagpur in what was then the British ruled part of Maharashtra. While I was growing up we suffered a lot because of untouchability. At primary school if we accidentally touched the food of other children we would be beaten up and the food would be thrown away. My father worked in the Brahmins' fields, but we couldn't drink from their wells or go into their houses..."

Click here to read more.

First Funding Allocation for the Abhayaratna Trust: Seeking to help Order Members in need

We're pleased to pass on important information regarding a significant new development in the Western Buddhist Order: the launch of the Abhayaratna Trust and their first big 'give-away'.

The Abhayaratna Trust aims to relieve financial hardship among members of the Western Buddhist Order, particularly in the face of sickness, old age or disability. Their vision is to contribute to a long and vibrant life of spiritual practice for members of the Western Buddhist Order, especially in the face of old age, sickness and disability and the isolation that can bring; to be a means for Order Members to support each other where help is most needed.

Over the past couple of years they've been thinking though how best to help, and they're just about ready to go. Read on for details of their first funding allocation...

- FINAL NOTICE of -

* The ABHAYARATNA TRUST's * FIRST FUNDING ALLOCATION *

---------- Seeking to help Order Members in need ----------

£3000 to be given away at allocation meetings in December

~ Extended DEADLINE  ~

Applications are invited by Saturday OCTOBER 31st

GRANTS will be given to individual Order members to meet needs due to hardship arising out of old age, sickness or disability that are unable to be met by Local Authorities, Charities or Sangha friends. For example, we are keen to help you go on retreat, get to an Order weekend or solitary.

Our VISION is to contribute to a long and vibrant life of spiritual practice for members of the Western Buddhist Order; to be a means for Order Members to support each other where help is most needed.

To APPLY please write or email to:-

The Secretary

The Abhayaratna Trust, 7 Edward Close, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 4BE, UK

email:- jnanamitra.emmett@homecall.co.uk

www.westernbuddhistorder.org/abhayaratnatrust

Applicants can apply on behalf of a friend.

P.S. We also invite all readers to MAKE A BEQUEST in your WILL and also think of giving by regular donation. Help more Order Members to have a long life in the Order.  Details on Application.

Death of Dharmachari Buddhapriya in India

Lokamitra writes from Pune with sad news of the death of Dhammachari Buddhapriya. He died on Sunday 16th August at 4.30. p.m. in Talegaon General Hospital. His funeral was held on 17th August.

Lokamitra says -

“ I have just heard the news of Buddhapriya’s death and am leaving shortly for his funeral at his home near Dehu Road.

“Buddhapriya was one of the first to be ordained by Sangharakshita in India, on 1st June 1979, at Sinhagad Fort and was given his name because of his obvious devotion to the Buddha. He was extremely loyal to Bhante from the word go.

"He was a head master but left his job to work for us with no security in those days. Without him we would not have got the land for Bhaja retreat centre nor our land in Buddha Gaya. At both places he spent months, if not more, living in the most primitive conditions. Buddha Gaya at that time was infested with dacoits and buying land was one of the most dangerous things one could be involved in. He had to be in hiding at times for fear of his life.

“He had a heart attack a few years ago, and went to the hospital by bus, standing for some of the way! Last night or this morning he had another heart attack and did not survive. Buddhapriya was born in February 1930, so this year was his 80th year.

“We have lost someone who made a very special contribution to the movement through both the way he lived, and what he did.

“With love,
Lokamitra”

A ‘punyanumodan‘ or memorial service will be held near where he lived at Chincholi, Dehu Road on 23rd August Sunday at 10.30.

Part I of Buddhapriya’s life story is published on FWBO Features, and you’ll find many mentions of him in ‘Jai Bhim’, Nagabodhi's excellent account of the ‘Dhamma Revolution’ - now available on Google Books. The second photogaph shows Buddhapriya and his companions on the day of their ordination in 1979, at Sinhagad Fort, near Bhaja.

An ordination - and a death in the Order

On Saturday 25 July, in a Public Ordination ceremony at the Bristol Buddhist Centre Kathryn Harriss became Vimalavajri, meaning 'she who possesses a stainless vajra / diamond / thunderbolt'.

She was privately ordained by Paramachitta during a small dedicated ordination retreat the previous week, and Ratnadharini conducted the public ceremony.

Sadhu!

And, sadly, we also have to report that on August 3rd Vimalashil, an Indian Order Member, died of heart failure. Vimalashil was ordained in the year 2000. He was one of a small team of Order Members who lived and worked in Modinagar, in Uttar Pradesh in north India.

Two tragic deaths in the Order

Amritadipa from India writes -

"Dear Sangha members,

With great sadness I am informing you of the death of Dharmachari Sudarshan and Dharmacharini Bodhisakhi, husband and wife, in a road accident in the early hours of the morning Indian time on Monday 6th July. They were coming by taxi from Mumbai airport after visiting their son Vikram and daughter Nagashila in USA. The driver is in hospital in a critical condition.

Sudarshan was one of the earliest Order members in India, he was ordained in 1979, and was aged 63. He is Public and Private Preceptor to many Order members. His Yidam is Manjughosha.

Bodhisakhi was closely involved in the Sangha since these very early days, she was ordained in January this year, and was aged 55. Her yidam is Green Tara.

They were both on the International Convention at Bodhgaya and had both visited several Centres around the world, especially Sudarshan who was often on International Conventions in the U.K, so they will be known to many Order members outside of India. Order members, mitras and friends all around India are today doing puja and meditation for Sudarshan and Bodhisakhi.

Your in the Sangha,
Amritadipa
Indian Order convening team"

The funeral took place on July 8th afternoon at TBMSG's Mahavihara Buddhist Centre in Dapodi, Pune and the nearby burning ghat.

Just after the news was received many had gathered for the annual Dharma Day celebrations, during which Lokamitra and Subhuti gave talks which are available on FreeBuddhistAudio at

www.freebuddhistaudio.com/community/local?c=Dhammachakra-Pravartan-Mahavihar

Both are both about 30 minutes long. There is also an interview with Sudarshan given in 2004, where he recounts his early life as a Dalit, or ex-untouchable, under the Hindu caste system.  This was published in Madhyamavani.

A death in India

Amrutdeep, one of the Indian Order Convenors, writes with news of the death of an ex-member of the Western Buddhist Order/Trailokya Bauddha Mahasangha (as the Order is known in India). He says -

"Dear Mahasangha,

"This is to inform you all that Ex- Dh. Bakul aged about 74, has expired on morning of Monday 22 due to Heart Attack in the Hospital.  His funeral took place next morning Tues 23 at 10.00 am.

Since last 15 days when he had his first attack, he was in I.C.U. (Intensive Care Unit) under observation and treatment of expert Doctor. He was ordained in 1979 and was from the first Batch of Order Members in India.

He has done lot of contribution to the Indian movement and in particular in Gujarat state.


All friends are requested please send your Metta to him as well as his Family members.

With Metta,
Amrutdeep

Death of Sampada

Prajnananda writes with news of Dharmacharini Sampada's death.

He says:

" I have just learned that Dharmacharini Sampada has died. She was 91. Her funeral arrangements are yet to be finalized but the ceremony will take place in Truro on the afternoon of Monday 22nd June. Anyone wishing to be kept in touch with the arrangements for Sampada's funeral should email me or phone 0044 1752 405173".

Sampada was ordained in 1996, and the second-oldest member of the Order. She lived in Truro, Cornwall, and until recently ran a meditation class from her home.