[Buddha-l] The passing of Samdech Preah Maha Ghosananda

[Richard Hayes]

On Tuesday 13 March 2007 15:44, Jamie Hubbard wrote:

> Samdech Preah Maha Ghosananda, one of the amazing spiritual leaders of
> our times, passed on the morning of Monday, March 13, 2007 in
> Northampton, Massachusetts.

It was sad to see this news upon returning from a blissful five-day respite 
from e-mail. Venerable Mahaghosananda was one of those people whose demeanor 
and presence gives one great confidence in the dharma. I was fortunate enough 
to do two weekend-long mini-retreats with him, one on vipassana and the other 
on the brahma-viharas. His twinkling eyes and his gentle sense of humor were 
unforgettable.

Once Ven. Mahaghosanda came to Toronto for a few days. He had a very full 
schedule of visiting monks, lay Buddhists, Canadian politicians and 
academics. Everyone he met gave him a small gift, which he gracefully 
accepted. Upon meeting the next person on his rounds, he would accept their 
gift and say "And I brought something for you," as he handed them the gift he 
had received from his previous encounter. At the end of the day he gave the 
last gift he had received to the graduate student who had attended him all 
day. He ended the day as free of possessions as he began it, a feat that 
deeply inspired all of us who knew about it.

My favorite story about Ven. Mahaghosananda is about his meeting with Pope 
John Paul (a well-known Catholic leader). The Vatican officials carefully 
instructed Ven. Mahaghosananda on the protocols involved in greeting the 
Pope. The venerable sir listened attentively to all the details of how to 
enter the room, how to walk, where to stop, what to say and so forth. When he 
was finally taken to the room where the Pope was receiving visitors, the 
Buddhist monk, who stood no more than about 152cm tall (about 5'0''), ran 
across the room with his arms wide open and gave the pontiff a huge bearhug. 
The Pope was reportedly delighted to get such a warm and heartfelt greeting.

Thanks for sending this news on, Jamie. I'm sure all of you in the Northampton 
area will be feeling this loss of this gentle and inspiring presence. As you 
hear of funeral arrangements, please keep us posted.

-- 
Richard Hayes
Department of Philosophy
University of New Mexico