Today, I am sad to learn that my dear friend of many decades, Ven. Sayadaw U. Nyaninda, passed away in Yangon, Myanmar. Although he served in the most esteemed position of abbot of the Myanmar Vihara Temple in Bodhgaya, India, to the local community and to countless overseas visitors he was simply known as Bhante-ji.

We are so delighted that our global sangha will have the opportunity to come together this year to celbrate Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's birthday.