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"Monks equally deserve a dignified end of life."
Lord Buddha said, "No one is born free from disease, aging, and death." Likewise, Ven. Bhagsa Deep Mahathero, residing at Dursury Monastery, developed a serious illness a few years ago, prompting a fundraising effort for his treatment at higher medical centers in Bangladesh.
However, due to insufficient funds, he had to return early before fully recovering. Over time, his condition worsened as the illness became more severe and aging took its toll. He was later moved to Tablabagh Monastery, where he is currently under the care of the Abbot.
It is a well-known fact that monks, once ordained, renounce their families to live a monastic life, without the support of parents or siblings. As a result, the responsibility of caring for a monk when he is unwell falls upon the community. Ven. Bhante has dedicated 36 years of his life to serving humanity in both good and difficult times, across Mizoram and beyond.
Yet, in his final moments, Ven. Bhante lies on his deathbed with only a few attendants, aside from the Temple Abbot, to provide him a proper end of life.
The story of Ven. Bhagsa Deep Mahathero Bhante is undoubtedly shared by many other bhikkhus, whose stories remain untold. It serves as a wake-up call for the community to extend greater efforts in the religious sphere.
The resident monk of Tablabagh, speaking to the media, expressed concern for the condition of other monks, fearing they may face a similar fate.