Prominent Buddhist monk Bhante AB Gyaneshwar passes away at 90 after prolonged illness

LUCKNOW: Renowned Buddhist monk Bhante AB Gyaneshwar, a revered spiritual leader and president of the Kushinagar Bhikshu Sangh, passed away early Friday at a private hospital in Lucknow.

He was 90.According to officials of the Buddhist Vihar, Bhante Gyaneshwar had been suffering from a prolonged illness and had been admitted to Medanta Hospital about 20 days ago.His mortal remains will be brought to Kushinagar and placed at the Burma Buddha Vihar for public homage until November 10, following which his final rites will be performed according to Buddhist traditions.A highly respected figure in the Buddhist world, Gyaneshwar also served as the head of the Myanmar Buddha Vihar and was honoured by the Government of Myanmar with its highest religious title — becoming the first Indian ever to receive this distinction.

Condoling his demise, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath described Bhante Gyaneshwar as “a revered saint who devoted his entire life to spreading the teachings of Lord Buddha rooted in wisdom and compassion.” He said the monk’s death was “an irreparable loss to the Buddhist community and humanity at large.”

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati also expressed her sorrow, calling him a worthy successor of Bhante Chandramani Mahasthavir, who had administered Dhamma initiation to Dr B.R. Ambedkar. BSP state president Vishwanath Pal and Azad Samaj Party chief Chandrashekhar Azad also paid their tributes.