Condolence

7 October 2016

Hurricane ‘Matthew’ devastates Haiti

The powerful Hurricane ‘Matthew’ struck islands in the Caribbean Sea earlier this week, leaving a string of destruction across Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and the Bahamas.  In Haiti alone, more than 300 people have died from the storm and floods.

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7 September 2016

Passing of Ven. Nauyane Ariyadhamma

This morning, we are saddened to note the passing away of Most Venerable Nauyane Ariyadhamma Nāyaka Thero, well-known meditation teacher and Spiritual Director of the Sri Kalyāni Yogashārama in Sri Lanka.

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25 August 2016

Saving lives against time

A strong earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter Scale struck Italy’s central mountainous region of Lazio in the early hours of Wednesday 24 August, causing extensive damage to several towns.  At least 240 people have died, and many more were injured or still trapped under collapsed buildings.

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22 August 2016

Passing of Mr. S. R. Nathan

We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of the late Mr. S. R. Nathan, and to the citizens of Singapore, on the passing of the former President.  Mr. Nathan passed away at 9.48pm tonight at the Singapore General Hospital, aged 92.  He suffered a stroke on 31 July this year, and had been in critical condition since.

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12 August 2016

Thailand hit by 11 bombs in 24 hours

From yesterday afternoon until this morning, suspected terrorists detonated 11 bombs in Southern Thailand within 24 hours, killing 4 people and injuring dozens more.  The bombing seemed to target mainly tourist centres of Hua Hin, Phuket, Phang-Nga, Surat Thani, and Trang.

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20 July 2016

Passing of Ven. Polpitiya Kassapa

We are saddened to announce the passing away of Venerable Polpitiya Kassapa Nāyaka Thero, meditation teacher and founder of Rockhill Hermitage, Sri Lanka, on Monday, 18 July 2016.  He was a disciple of the Most Venerable Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Māha Nāyaka Thera, one of the most renowned Theravada monks of the 20th century.

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15 July 2016

Terrorism can never be justified

On late Thursday night, a suspected Islamist terrorist rammed a truck into a large gathering in Nice, southern France, killing at least 80 people.  The crowd was enjoying firework display at a beach – it was ‘Bastille Day’, a national holiday in France.

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17 April 2016

Earth shattering and heart-breaking

Three powerful earthquakes in the past four days struck Kyushu Island in Southern Japan and Ecuador in South America, causing serious damage and the loss of many lives.  Dozens have been killed in each of the two shaken countries, with the death toll expected to rise further as search efforts continue.

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16 April 2016

Passing of Sayadaw U Panditā

Namo Dhammaya!  It is with regret and deep respect that we announce the passing of (Venerable) Sayādaw U Panditā earlier today in Bangkok.  Sayadawgyi was one of the most renowned and respected teachers of Vipassana meditation in the tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw.  His passing is a reminder to all of us to value our living days and practise the Dhamma diligently with a sense of urgency (“Samvega”).

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23 March 2016

Denounce terrorism, but not with hatred

“Months ago they struck Paris… and now, Brussels.  Those terrorists perform murderous acts to put fear and hate into our minds.  They want to disrupt our peaceful and productive lives.  Such acts of terrorism should be censured and denounced, no question about that.  But we should not give in to hatred (towards the terrorists).  It is easy to hate people who want to harm and kill the innocent; but please don’t give in to that.

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