Achariya Buddharakkhita Maha Thero  (1922 – 2013)

“Anicca vata sankharā” – all component things are subject to change.

The most Venerable Achariya Buddharakkhita Sangha Nayake, the Founder of Maha Bodhi Society of Bangalore, an eminent educationist and humanitarian, passed away peacefully on 23 September 2013, at the age of 91, having spent 64 years as a Buddhist monk.

Nalanda Buddhist Society’s Founder Bro. H S Tan, management and members, extend our deepest condolences to the Maha Bodhi Society of Bangalore, all societies and institutions where Bhante was a spiritual director, Bhante’s monastic and lay disciples, and the Buddhist communities in India, for having lost a great ‘Sakyaputta’ – son of the Buddha.

Achariya Buddharakkhita had a long and illustrious vocation as a Dhamma propagator, having been involved with India’s Buddhist revival in the 1950’s and 60’s, and through his association with distinguished scholars and teachers.  With Bhante’s passing, an era has come to a close.  Our only consolation in his passing is the fact that Bhante had laid a strong foundation in the establishment of viable institutions helmed by able disciples to carry on with his good work.

We fondly recall Bhante’s visit to Nalanda Buddhist Society Malaysia a few years ago with his disciples, and his precious gift of a Buddha-rupam, made of red Indian sandstone, to Bro Tan.  But more precious than anything else was Bhante’s gift of Dhamma – his affirmation of the great value of Buddhist education, and the encouragement and blessings he bestowed upon us.

Achariya Buddharakkhita’s remains will be cremated on Friday, 27 September 2013, at 10.00am local time at Mahabodhi Dhammaduta Vihara, Bangalore, India.  Nalanda Buddhist Society will be offering pūja and transference of merits at 10.00am Malaysian time, at Nalanda Centre, Sri Serdang.  The pūja will be led by our Founder Bro H S Tan.  May the most Venerable Achariya Buddharakkhita Sangha Nayake be remembered by Buddhists far and wide, throughout India and abroad, and honoured for his inspiring leadership and contributions to Buddhist education and humanitarian work.  Santī, Peace.