Ashokarma Buddha Vihara all set to organize Bhante Baba's Smaranjali in Arunachal

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BORDUMSA: The Ashokarma Buddha Vihara in remote Bordumsa in Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh is all set to organize a series of religious and charity activities to commemorate the second death anniversary (Smaranjali) of U Gunawantha Mahathera — popularly known as 'Mounglang Bhante Baba', here on November 10.

"All preparations have been completed to observe the 'Smaranjali' here. The disciples, followers and religious leaders would participate in the day-long programme. Late MounglangBhante is one of the torch-bearers, religious and spiritual Buddhist saints," saidBhanteNyanaloka of the Vihara.

"The poor, downtrodden, deprived and sufferers of the society were always the focal point of the MounglangBhante during his lifetime; so, we have decided to donate 108 blankets and 108 shawls for the poor and needy sections of the area," pointed out BhanteNyanaloka, adding that the other programmes will include the lighting of 1000 candles, prarthana (prayers), meditation, merit sharing to MounglangSayadew and donation at the MettaStupa. Besides, prayers and homage would be paid to late GunawanthaMahathera followed by Panchasila, 'DhammaDeshna' and 'Sangha Dana' on the day.

MounglangBhante is one of the most venerated Buddhist monks of India. He left for his heavenly abode on November 10, 2018 — just a days before attaining the age of 100. He was suffering from a long time from old-age related ailments. He underwent treatment at a private hospital in Margherita in Tinsukia district.

Also known as 'LeduBhante' across the country, the saint was born on November 12, 1918 to U NgweMohim and Dawayetin at Toungoo in Myanmar. He was ordained as a novice by RajindaMahathera. He was then 18 years of age.

Completing his full ordination, he spread the principles of Buddhism in neighbouring countries and various places within India. Following an invitation from the then Chief Minister of Assam, Bishnu Ram Medhi, 'LeduBhante' along with nine other monks came to the State in 1953. The visit was organized under the aegis of the 'Burmese BauddhaSasana'.

After a brief stay at PengareeInthem and Pomoung in Tinsukia district, he shifted to Mounglang in 1962. Mounglang — located near the coal town of Margherita near Ledu — is home to the people of the Tai-Phakes, Tai -Khamtis and Ponthais. It was here that 'LeduBhante' established the 'MounglangKhamti Buddhist Monastery', where he had been serving the cause of the people and the religion. The demise of the spiritual leader was widely mourned not only by the Buddhist followers but also by politicians, community leaders, ministers, Chief Ministers, legislators and businessmen of Assam, Arunachal and the nation as a whole.

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