Dharamshala: - - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama Saturday, expressed his sadness over the the passing away of the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand.
'Immediately on hearing news of the passing away of the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, His Holiness composed a letter expressing his sadness,' the Office of His Holiness said in a condolence statement on October 26th 2013.
"Dear Spiritual Friends," he wrote, "I am saddened to learn of the passing away of His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara so soon after celebrating his 100th birthday. While offering prayers for the late Supreme Patriarch, I would like to convey my condolences to the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand and his millions of followers in Thailand and around the world."
The statement added "he observed that in his passing we have all lost a remarkable spiritual friend."
"I met the late Supreme Patriarch many years ago and had the deepest respect and admiration for the way fulfilled his religious responsibilities. Throughout his long and meaningful life he remained thoroughly dedicated to the service of humanity," His Holiness said in the statement.
"He advised that at such a time we may feel bereft, but the best tribute we can pay to him is to do whatever we can to develop peace and wisdom just as he did. He stated that he hopes to send a personal representative to offer prayers and condolences to the people of Thailand as a mark of respect," it further added.
According to media reports, after he was admitted to the hospital on Feb. 20, 2002, the Supreme Patriarch was able to perform leadership duties for a time, but in 2004, a senior Buddhist monk was appointed to work on his behalf.
His successor will be formally appointed by Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thailand is the world's most heavily Buddhist country, with more than 90 percent of its 67 million people members of the religion.
Thai doctors say the Supreme Patriarch, the head of the country's Buddhist monks, passed away at the age of 100 on Thursday night. He was the 19th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand and led the nation's monks since 1989.
