Yen (Kathmandu), Nepal Mandala – The most Venerable Bhante Buddhaghosha the eldermost Buddhist monk in Nepal passed away this morning at the age of 90. Known as Sangha Naayaka (President of Buddhist monks), his body remains lay with religious honour at the Sumangala Buddha Vihara in Lalitpur till tomorrow (Sunday) evening and will be cremated on Monday.
If a monk of his calibre expires in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Burma, a state honour will be given by the Government of these countries and head of the states will visit the departed monk and pay respect. But we are yet to know how the demise of a respected Buddhist monk is treated by the President and the government of Nepal where the Buddha was born. The Newah expresses its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Buddhist community of Nepal and aborad mourning his demise. May he attain to blissful Nirvana!
Update Sep. 26, 2011
Bhante Buddhagosa was cremated today afternoon at Sankhamola crematorium amidst chanting of sutras by hundreds of venerable monks, nuns, followers and wellwishers joining the procession from Lunkhusi to Sankhamola despite all day long rain. To learn more about Bhante Buddhaghosa and his contribution to peace, please visit here for English article; to read the article published by Annapurna Post, click here .