The Venerable Urgyen Sangharakshita
With great sadness we inform you of the passing away of Urgyen Sangharakshita
We’ve recently heard the news that Sangharakshita died at approximately 11pm our time last night in Hereford Hospital. We were informed earlier yesterday that Bhante had been diagnosed with pneumonia and had sepsis from which recovery was not possible.
Please join with us as we direct our metta towards Bhante, recollecting his wonderful qualities and remembering with gratitude all that he has given to so many of us.
We wanted to let you know about the Auckland Buddhist Centre’s plans for marking Sangharakshita’s death and celebrating his life over the next three or four days.
We’ll be doing a metta bhavana meditation practice tonight at 7pm and you are all very welcome to join us. Please do come.
The centre will be open from 3-7pm every day until this Saturday 3 November. This will be an opportunity to come together as sangha - hopefully at a time that suits you. The shrine room will be open for meditation or reflection and there will be snacks and drinks available in the reception room. You are very welcome to contribute food if you are able.
Tomorrow night (Thursday) we’re inviting Order members to a puja, starting at 7pm. On Friday night we’re inviting Order members and mitras to a puja, starting at 7pm. And on Saturday night, we’ll be having another puja which is open to all. Children are welcome on Friday and Saturday evening.
The funeral and burial will take place at Adhisthana in Herefordshire, UK on Saturday 10 November and we will be streaming the funeral live in the Auckland Buddhist Centre shrine room from around 1.30am Sunday 11 November. We understand that the timing of this event will not suit everyone but want to invite you to attend his funeral in this way. More details here.
Details about practical arrangements for the UK funeral will be posted on The Buddhist Centre online soon.