HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, Feb 6: The three-day Poi Leng celebrations, observed with utmost Buddhist religious sanctity following the passing of the highly revered Theravadi Buddhist writer and philosopher Dr Shashana Bongsha Mahathera Bhante of Salapathar Buddhist Monastery, came to an end on Monday amidst over 20 thousand people of all communities and beliefs. After about six months of preserving the body in strict Buddhist tradition at Solapathar Monastery, the sacred body of the Dr Shashana Bongsha Mahathera was consigned to flames according to Buddhist tradition on a decorated chariot with full state honours. Cultural minister Bimal Bora, Revenue minister Jogen Mohan, and Sonari MLA Dharmeswar Konwar, were present on the occasion and offered floral tributes to the great scholar. Gyanpal Mahathera, the presiding Bhante of Namphake Buddhist Monastery, set fire to the chariot carrying the body of Dr Shashana Bongsha Mahathera in religious tradition amidst an emotionally soaked ambiance around the crematorium.
Earlier, presiding over the last memorial meeting of Dr Bhante, Dr Jayram Beggi, retired commissioner of Arunachal Technical Education, said that Dr Bhante was a bridge of brotherhood and unity among the people of the two neighbouring states. State Cultural minister, Bimal Borah, said that the Buddhist scholar was hugely popular among people of diverse faiths and was one among a few who dedicated their whole life to advancing the state culturally and through religious traditions. On the occasion of Poi Leng, various rituals including mongalacharan, cleanliness drive, annadaan, khamsin thomtra, kant, sanghadaan, and petessa were also performed.
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In another memorial meeting on Sunday, noted environmentalist and director of Nature’s Beckon, Dr Saumaydeep Dutta, released the souvenir ‘Buddhibrikshya’ edited by Supritee Shyam. In his speech, Dutta said that only the Buddhist religion prescribes the simplest ways of searching the truth of existence through steps humanly possible for every person without any institutional formalities.
The Anandaram Barooah Award Winner Buddhist scholar Dr Shashana Bongsha Mahathera Bhante passed away on August 23, 2023, in Solapathar, 30 km from here. Dr Bhante was the chief attraction of thousands of Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims that visited the shrine every year. He was widely revered by people of all faiths in Charaideo and Sivasagar districts. Dr Shashana Bongsha had over fifty books to his credit, especially on many oral traditions and scriptures of Buddhist society. Through his writings in Assamese language, Dr Mahathera Bhante popularised the lofty Buddhist philosophy and literature among the people. He also undertook a journey into Myanmar on foot on his spiritual quest. He had a post-graduation degree in Pali language and received numerous awards and recognitions from various institutions and organisations during his lifetime.
