An Important Update About Bhante Sujatha’s Visit

We are saddened to share that Bhante Sujatha’s mother has passed away. As a result, Bhante will no longer be traveling to Omaha this week and is instead returning to Sri Lanka to be with his family.

Because of this change in plans, the following events will not take place as scheduled:

• Fireside Chat & Meditation

• Resonance: A Closing Evening of Sound & Stillness

Our Spring Daylong at Platte River State Park will still be taking place as planned.

We hold Bhante and his family in our hearts with compassion during this time of loss. We are deeply grateful for the care, understanding, and support of this community, and we look forward to welcoming Bhante back at a future date.

Bhante shared the following message:

To my beloved family and sangha:

With a heart that bows to the Dhamma, I share that last night my mother laid down this body at the age of 83.

The Blessed One taught that all conditioned things are impermanent anicca vata saṅkhārā arising and passing away according to their nature. Knowing this, we do not cling in blindness, yet still, the heart feels.

Before I knew robes, before I knew teachings, I knew my mother. She was my first refuge in this world. From her, I learned the language of kindness, the quiet strength of patience, the simple act of giving without asking. Whatever goodness has come through this life, it has roots in her care.

We think we become who we are through effort alone. But often, we are carried gently, invisibly by the love that raised us.

Her life was not small. It was filled with generosity, with endurance, with a heart that turned again and again toward others. For this, there is deep gratitude.

Now the body has returned to the elements.
This is the way of all things.

So rather than hold tightly to what cannot be held, we turn the mind wisely:
to gratitude,
to loving-kindness,
to the truth that nothing truly owned was ever lost.

Wherever her journey continues, may it be peaceful.
May the conditions for awakening draw nearer.

And for all of us who remain, may this be a reminder—
to love fully,
to act kindly,
and to awaken while we still have breath.

May all beings be free from suffering and as always we can remain, well, happy and peaceful,

Venerable Bhante Sujatha

We are deeply grateful for the care, understanding, and support of this community, and we look forward to welcoming Bhante back to Omaha when the time is right.

Learn more about Bhante and his work HERE.