As news of Bhante's death has spread, we've been receiving messages of condolence from Buddhist leaders in other traditions. I'll be posting a few, day by day, starting with this message from Italy.
"To The Triratna Buddhist Order and Community,
The http://kunpen.ngalso.net/">Kunpen Lama Gangchen Association and its members would like to express heartfelt condolences to the Triratna community, for the death of the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order and the Triratna Buddhist Community. Ven. Sangharakshita was one of the major figures for the development of Buddhism in the west!
Aldo Marzano
President, Kunpen Lama Gangchen
Milano - ITALY
Interestingly, Lama Ganchen himself had written to Bhante earlier in the month after the European Buddhist Union meeting held at Adhisthana in September, during which many of those who attended took the opportunity to meet Bhante, or leave gifts for him. It appears they had a mutual friend many years ago...
"Most Venerable Sangharakshita:
May I convey my best regards in the dharma and good wishes for your continued long life and good health.
My name is Lama Gangchen Tulku Rinpoche. In 1963, I left my homeland Tibet and moved to Kalimpong. At that time, you and I met several times at the Bhutanese house called Kudishar since I was a disciple of Dhardo Rinpoche and a friend of Tomo Geshe Rinpoche, although at the time I was unable to speak English so we never spoke directly. I would like to thank you for realising the biography of the great master Dhardo Tulku.
Recently, on the 28th of September, I sent one of my representatives, Carlotta Segre, to the European Buddhist Union meeting that was held in the Adhisthana Centre in Coddington, and she brought you some incense on my behalf together with my calling card, which I hope reached your hands. I would like to congratulate you for all your dharma activities worldwide, especially the development of western Buddhism, and the conversion of the Dalit community to Buddhism in India...
...if your Triratna community needs our support in Spain or elsewhere, we will be only too happy to support it in all matters...
With very best wishes in the Dharma and dedications for your Long Life.
Tashi Delek!
T.Y.S. Lama Gangchen Tulku Rinpoche"