It is with sadness that we received news that Dr. Upali de Tissera, one of the pioneering supporters of Aloka and the Australian Buddhist Mission, passed away early this morning.
Bro John Cheah, current president of ABM, wrote this to us: Dr Upali has been a key member of the Australian Buddhist Mission serving as Vice President for 6 years, from 1987 – 1994, and as President for 7½ years, from April 1999 to September 2006.
His participation in the committee has spanned two critical phases in the history of Aloka and ABM : the setting up of the Aloka Meditation Centre in 1999 and the construction and opening of the Aloka Stupa in 2005.
In 2006, he was able to hand over to the next generation of leaders, although he continued to be involved in ABM in an advisory capacity. He was also a founding Life Member of the Dhammaduta Foundation Inc.
As a doctor, he personally looked after the health and well-being of Venerable Mahinda and Sister Sumitra, residents of Aloka as well as those from Malaysia and Singapore who were in Aloka Meditation Centre for long retreats. That is his brand care, compassion and love.
Bro John Cheah also related this: Bhante has been with Dr Upali right up to the last days of his illness, postponing his travel to Malaysia. Dr Upali very faithfully received Bhante’s instructions and guidance, maintaining his steadfast devotion to the Dhamma.
Bhante has this short message to share with us:
“In the last week when Dr Upali was in hospital, I asked him 3 questions.
‘Do you have any fear?’ He said ‘No’.
‘Do you have any worries?’ He said ‘No’.
‘Do you have any attachment?’ He said ‘No’.
From this I understood he was well-prepared to face death. I visited him on several occasions to remind him, even in his final moments, to take the opportunity to apply and realise the Dhamma, which he did. Despite his physical pain and discomfort, I was able to see him get into deep levels of calmness and peace."
Dr Upali briefly stopped over in Kuala Lumpur enroute to Sri Lanka to provide relief work after the tsunami of 2004 and it was a privilege for some of us to meet him. Dr Upali came across as a soft spoken, humble and above all, a selfless man.
Let us dedicate all the merits for Dr Upali's spiritual well being. May he continue to give blessings, guidance and protection to all his family members and loved ones, as well as to all the members and devotees of Aloka.
Bro John Cheah, current president of ABM, wrote this to us: Dr Upali has been a key member of the Australian Buddhist Mission serving as Vice President for 6 years, from 1987 – 1994, and as President for 7½ years, from April 1999 to September 2006.
His participation in the committee has spanned two critical phases in the history of Aloka and ABM : the setting up of the Aloka Meditation Centre in 1999 and the construction and opening of the Aloka Stupa in 2005.
In 2006, he was able to hand over to the next generation of leaders, although he continued to be involved in ABM in an advisory capacity. He was also a founding Life Member of the Dhammaduta Foundation Inc.
As a doctor, he personally looked after the health and well-being of Venerable Mahinda and Sister Sumitra, residents of Aloka as well as those from Malaysia and Singapore who were in Aloka Meditation Centre for long retreats. That is his brand care, compassion and love.
Bro John Cheah also related this: Bhante has been with Dr Upali right up to the last days of his illness, postponing his travel to Malaysia. Dr Upali very faithfully received Bhante’s instructions and guidance, maintaining his steadfast devotion to the Dhamma.
Bhante has this short message to share with us:
“In the last week when Dr Upali was in hospital, I asked him 3 questions.
‘Do you have any fear?’ He said ‘No’.
‘Do you have any worries?’ He said ‘No’.
‘Do you have any attachment?’ He said ‘No’.
From this I understood he was well-prepared to face death. I visited him on several occasions to remind him, even in his final moments, to take the opportunity to apply and realise the Dhamma, which he did. Despite his physical pain and discomfort, I was able to see him get into deep levels of calmness and peace."
Dr Upali briefly stopped over in Kuala Lumpur enroute to Sri Lanka to provide relief work after the tsunami of 2004 and it was a privilege for some of us to meet him. Dr Upali came across as a soft spoken, humble and above all, a selfless man.
Let us dedicate all the merits for Dr Upali's spiritual well being. May he continue to give blessings, guidance and protection to all his family members and loved ones, as well as to all the members and devotees of Aloka.
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