He extended metta to all beings

My sister’s late husband Harendra, was an exemplary person.

I have never known anyone so calm, collected and generous as him. He was a devout Buddhist in practice. He read Buddhist books and he shared them with many. He always made a print (in large letters for easy reading) laminated the book, and presented a copy to me. I’m so happy that 10 crates of his Buddhist books have been presented to the Boston Buddhist Vihara, where a library has been opened in his memory by his younger son Janath, who lives in the U.S.A.

His generosity knew no bounds. Every month, he gave alms to at least 20 to 30 monks, several poor and hungry people were also fed and he gifted various requirements to temples and aranayas (forest hermitages). He had a box full of Rs. 20 notes in his vehicle, that he gave to the poor that came to him at trafic lights.

Harendra observed the five precepts scrupulously, and never consumed any alcohol or entertained with it in his home. He never even killed a mosquito. He extended metta instead to all living creatures. There was a stray cat that used to visit their home for food. One night I had gone there to sleep over as my sister was taking me on holiday, very early in the morning. Harendra came to me and asked me whether I could chant pirith to this cat who was very sick and breathing his last. My sister and I happily did so to the last, whilst he prayed silently... I was so touched that his metta knew no bounds.

My sister was fortunate to have such an adoring husband and loving and caring father in him. He also loved his large family of brothers and sisters and respected his elders and relations.

May he realise Nibbana’s bliss.