Author of " The Light of the Ten Thousandfold World System."
Sujatha Hettiarachchi Nadarajah Naidu Maha Upasikawa 88 passed away on December 3, 2013 .
Native of Sri Lanka, born into a respected and honored family, Sujatha Maha Upasikawa was educated in Sri Lanka and India. She Attend Bishops College Sri Lanka, further studies completed in India.
Both of her parents were strong practicing Buddhists, closely allied with the Temple and the giving of Alms. Her family was the dayaka ( the lay people who attend to the immediate needs to the temple.)
Sujatha Maha Upasikawa began writing poetry at the age of 3, completing her best work between the ages of 12-14. A collection of poems, ' Songs of Lanka ' and ' Wesak Mal' ( May Flowers) were published in Sri Lanka. Many years later, when she arrived in New York, she found her books had preceded her and were being used as seminar material.
The United Nations Parapsychology Group, sponsored Sujatha to teach courses on ' Right Mindfulness' . She also founded The Buddhist Cultural Institute of New York City in 1975, which continued until 1984.She later opened a branch in Lubbock, Texas. The first Buddhist Cultural Institute she founded was in New Delhi in 1959.
This unique woman taught 'Right Mindfulness' to the prisoners at Riker's Island New York ,Prison for 4 years. Sujatha Maha Upasikawa received positive feedback from the prisoners.
She produced and directed dance dramas in India and Sri Lanka based on Buddhist Culture.
Lecturing internationally on Buddhist Culture before a myriad organizations, Sujatha Maha Upasikawa is well-known and respected for her erudition and eloquence.
When asked to describe Buddhism in a "nutshell" , Sujatha says, " It can be described as the Godless, Soul-less, Prayerless and Priestless way of life. The Buddha said, " Be ye an island unto yourself - there is no other refuge."
She planned and organized a world Buddhist Seminar in 1964 held in Bombay to arrive at a Consensus for Peace. Delegates from 37 countries participated, including the late Richard Gard from the USA.
Sujatha Maha Upasikawa was predeceased by her beloved husband Raghuvel M. Nadarajah Naidu of 50 years. Sons Bharatha Maithree Amaranayaka, Shree PadmaShanthi Amaranayaka . She is survived by her children Ganga Jaggi, Kaushalya Siriwardana , Lokesh Amaranayaka , 11 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren.
Amma May You Attain Nibbana
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