This evening Hastings sangha gathered together to remember Bhante Sangharakshita and the remarkable legacy he leaves behind for the benefit of us all. A single evening was really only an opportunity to start to reflect and process this huge event in the life of the movement – the conversation will continue as everything settles into its new form. We started with the Metta Bhavana, calling to mind both Sangharakshita and those who were closest to him. We listened to Vishvapani’s...
The day after hearing the news of our precious teacher’s death I awoke to a strange feeling that the world seemed more empty somehow. Reading some of my favourite poems by Bhante I came across one with which I was not familiar, however these appropriate lines almost leapt off the page…
Now you are gone; but only as a star,
Which, though extinct, sheds radiance from afar
To those who on this dark earth wandering are.
Go n-éirí an bóthar leat Go raibh an ghaoth go brách...
From Sangharakshita Memorial Space on Thu, 1 Nov, 2018 - 23:58Now passing through time and condition you have gone beyond, and your life The Light Beyond all obstruction that knows no night, and your voice does call To Awake not sleep, To Joy not Sorrow, To Wisdom not ignorance, To Freedom not oppression, To Love not hate, To Nirvana not samsara, and so here I sing to you, in the dusk of day, for all who find themselves in the howl and gale and storm of the world, and our...
Tonight, in our Buddhist centre in Ghent, we did Maitreyabandhu’s puja for Bhante in Flemish and sang mantras for him. Next to that we sat in silence and remembered our beloved teacher, did metta for him and some memories and rejoicings were shared. Also we listened to Bhante himself singing the Tiratana Vandana. May our Teacher live on through our friendships in the sangha.
This was how we started our puja on tuesday evening, with a walking meditation chanting Padmasambhava mantra for Bhante. Then Upekshamati recited the sevenfold puja for Bhante that Maitreyabandhu wrote. Then we chanted other mantras that Bhante requested.
Who I am? I am just a little part of this process which is coming from the Buddha. … Disciple of disciple of disciple… Bhante ordained Srimala, Srimala ordained me… I am ordaining other people. I am just part of that process.
Vijaya
Vijaya’s Annals
In 1968 I was born in Nagpur.
In 1978 I was ten years old and called Indu Gajbhiye. I was studying in primary school. We all were six brothers and sisters living with father and mother in a small...
I thought I’d send you this on this so sad day. Mahamati asked me to write it for when Bhante died. I’ve sent it to Mahamati and Parami in case they want to use it on some occasion. I have re-wrtten it just now. Do use it or pass it on if you think that’s appropriate.
