Today, February 15, is recognized as Parinirvana Day in many parts of the Buddhist world. This day marks the anniversary of the Buddha’s death, or Parinirvana, and serves as a reminder of life’s impermanence and change. Traditionally, Buddhists commemorate this day by reading scriptures about the Buddha’s death, especially the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, visiting temples for meditation, and reflecting on the fleeting nature of life. It’s also a time to remember departed friends and family by placing their images at altars.
For me, this blog acts as a memento mori, a reminder of death. I’m aware that five contributors to this blog have passed away, with two of them being personal acquaintances. On Parinirvana Day, I feel it’s fitting to remember them and highlight their contributions.
Suvarnaprabha, which means “Golden Radiance,” was a fitting name for someone with such a vibrant personality. She preferred the simpler name “Suvanna,” and was known for her humor and ability to make others laugh. I recall watching Robin Williams perform with her in San Francisco, where both of us were in tears from laughter. On this blog, she wrote an advice column called “Ask Auntie Suvanna” that started humorously but gradually took on more serious tones. Her responses remained compassionate and often amusing. She also shared her experiences of teaching meditation in prison and documented her battle with cancer in blogs.
Another contributor was Saddhamala, which translates to “She who is garlanded with faith.” We started corresponding around 1998. She worked as a chaplain and volunteer coordinator at a hospice and passed away in one. Opting not to treat her cancer, she continued to contribute wisdom through her writing, often offering practical meditation tips and personal reflections.
Marcus, a therapist and Zen practitioner from California, was known for his extensive Buddhist-themed tattoos. Although I never met him in person, his journey and reflections on reclaiming his body through tattoos were shared on this blog. Marcus passed away in 2013, and though details about his death remain unclear, his unique contributions are memorable.
Hazel Colditz, a talented photographer, documentary maker, and sculptor, was another distant acquaintance from the Arizona desert. We connected over social media when she reviewed books for the blog. Despite battling aggressive cancer, she produced insightful reviews and shared her artistic talent until she passed away in January 2012.
Lastly, Navachitta from the Auckland, New Zealand sangha of the Triratna Buddhist Community, made significant contributions. Though I never met her, we corresponded via email. A therapist active in the recovery community, she shared her experiences and insights through articles on addiction and personal growth. She passed away in London at 62 from an infection.
These stories may inspire you to explore the work of these five individuals. Their sudden departures remind us that life is unpredictable. The Buddha taught us to reflect on death, not to induce fear, but to inspire us to make the most of our time.
“Impermanent, indeed, are all created things.” Let’s honor our losses while recognizing their inevitability and use this awareness to live our best lives.