WELL DONE JOHN DAVID HUGHES
On the occasion of his Funeral Celebration Ceremony on 6 December 2003.
Tribute from his wife Anita.
Most Venerable Master John D. Hughes, Noble friend, Dear Husband.
My heart overflows with love as I realise some of what you have done on this earth in this human life.
I rejoice that we can continue your great work in Buddha Dhamma to help all sentient beings and that is my utmost wish.
I thank you for your life's work in establishing a place where the Buddha Dhamma can be taught, preserved, practised and realised.
I know it as a rare opportunity to meet the conditions to learn the Buddha Dhamma. This opportunity exists at this Temple because of your work this life and in your past lives.
I join with all Buddha Dhamma practitioners and students in the world and in the heavens to celebrate your life in building this Temple, a sattadevamanussanam Temple for Humans and Gods.
Thank you John D. Hughes.
We come together to celebrate your global work in the propagation of Buddha Dhamma.
Thank you John D. Hughes.
We revel in and admire the minor and major works accomplished by our Temple.
Thank you John D. Hughes.
We celebrate the attainment of past present and future Members and Students of this Temple.
Thank you John D. Hughes
We come together in harmony, meet in harmony, disperse in harmony as recommended by Lord Buddha to generate the causes for long life of this Temple.
Thank you John D. Hughes.
We celebrate your determination and will in recovering from illness and overcoming many pains to stay here as long as you could.
Thank you John D. Hughes.
We celebrate our good fortune in having known you and helping you with your mandate, that this Temple last for the next 500 years as a Buddha Dhamma Temple for the future generations of sentient beings.
Thank you John D. Hughes.
Let goodly co-mates in the righteous life come here in the future, and let those that have already come live happily.
We will continue with your Buddha Dhamma work and live a long and healthful life for the sake of all sentient beings. I will serve you all the days of my life.
May the Buddha Dhamma flourish in our Temple and in all Temples in Australia and around the world.
Condolences
Venerable Suddhananda Mahathero
President
Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha
ACRP & WCRP Bangladesh Regional Chapter
World Fellowship of Buddhists, Bangladesh Chapter
Past Vice-president, WFB Executive Member,
World Buddhist Sangha Council & High Priest
Dhammarajika Buddhist Monastery, Bangladesh
I am immensely saddened that I received the news of the passing away of Rev. John D. Hughes on November 29, 2003. The news is just a bolt from the blue for me.
Rev. John D. Hughes was a great scholar, a devoted personality for Dhamma who sacrificed his life for the sake of humanity and world peace. His contribution for the propagation of Buddhism in Australia will be ever memorable.
The peace loving people of Australia have lost an illustrious son of their soil and I lost one of my most cordial friend in Dhamma. I had the rare opportunity to welcome John D. Hughes many times here at Dharmarajika and I visited several times to him.
Today I on behalf of Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha and myself wish to pay my deepest respect to the sacred memory of Late John D. Hughes. My profound sympathy is to the people of Australia, the Buddhist fraternity in particular.
May he attain the Nibbana.
Most Venerable Thich Nhu Hue, President
The Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Australia - New Zealand
Venerable Trang Gha (Quang Duc)
Master John David Hughes was the founder and President of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.
Born on the 9th September 1930 and passed away on 29th November 2003 and had enjoyed longevity of 73 years old.
Funeral Ceremony
Saturday 6 December 2003
The Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Australia - New Zealand
National Executive Council and all sangha members send our condolences to the family and members of the Buddhist Discussion Centre on the great loss of Master John D. Hughes. To be blessed with good karma in the next realm.
Namo Sakya Muni Buddha.
Tu Vien Quang Duc
Master John D. Hughes was the Founder, Abbot and Resident Teacher of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. It is a Regional Centre of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, an Associated Institution of the World Buddhist University and a member of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria. The Editorial Board of The Quang Duc Website Homepage send our condolences to the family and members of Buddhist Discussion Centre on the passing away of Master John D. Hughes. He was a great man who dedicated his life to the Buddha-Dhamma and his passing away is a lost to the Buddha Sasana. Master John D. Hughes' high spirit of propagating the Dhamma will live on in our hearts. Let the Dhamma be the guide in times of grief. May the Lord Buddha bless everyone with peace!
Reverend Masayuki Soutetsu
Secretary International Affairs
Rev. Eiko Sakuri
Secretary of General Affairs
Japan Buddhist Federation
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Master John D. Hughes, a former Vice-President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists who has made great contributions over the years to the solidarity of world Buddhists as well as to the cause of world peace. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
We pray from the bottom of our heart that the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd will overcome this sorrow soon and continue to pursue your goals in the interest of Buddhism and world mankind.
Sincerely,
Rev. Masayuki Soutetsu Watanabe
Secretary of International Affairs
Rev. Eiko Sakurai
Secretary of General Affairs
Japan Buddhist Federation
Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab
Rector
World Buddhist University
Bangkok, Thailand
Dear Members of the Hughes Family,
The World Buddhist University (WBU) Rector, Dr. Nantasan Seesalab and the staff f the WBU Headquarters in Bangkok learn with great sorrow about the passing away of Mr. John Hughes.
He was the most dedicated master with competent hand of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. one of the most active Associated centres of the World Buddhist University.
It is not, therefore, the loss of the Hughes Family alone, but for the World Buddhist University.
We together pray for his soul to rest in peace. His dedication for the World Buddhist University and World Buddhists in general, both local and abroad will always be remembered.
Yours in the Dhamma
(Dr. Nantasan Seesalab) Rector,
The World Buddhist University
Dato' Khoo Leong Hun
Hon. Vice-president,
World Fellowship of Buddhists
and
Madam Ang Gaik Soon
Penang Malaysia
To: Mrs. Anita Hughes
I and my companion, Madam Ang Gaik Soon are very sad to receive news from Ms Pennie White of Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd that our very good friend, Master John D. Hughes passed away on Saturday, 29 November 2003 at 5.50 p.m. EST Australia at the Angliss Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Personally, I have known Teacher Master John D. Hughes for many years. I had grown to be, not only, his friend, but also, an admirer of the great work he had done for the propagation of the Buddha Dharma. He really took pain to meticulously diffuse the Dharma to people in many countries. The loss of this great man will be felt, not only, in Melbourne and various parts of Australia, but also, in the many countries he helped to spread Buddhist Teachings and in The World Fellow of Buddhists (WFB).
As a former Vice-President and presently Hon. Vice President of the WFB, I would like to express my deepest sympathy and mourn for the loss of Teacher Master John D. Hughes.
From: Dato' Khoo Leong Hun,
Hon. Vice-President, The WFB
and Madam Ang Gaik Soon, Penang, Malaysia.
Dr. Ananda W.P. Guruge
Vice-president,
World Fellowship of Buddhists
Chairman,
World Buddhist University Council
I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of my dear friend John Hughes. I met him in Sri Lanka in 1982 and have ever since been in constant contact with him and admired his devotion to Buddhism. He has been a great inspiration to many young people of Australia, who through his guidance benefited immensely from the noble teachings of the Buddha.
As a Vice-president of the World Fellowship of Buddhists and as the Director of an Approved Regional Centre of the World Buddhist University, his services to the International Buddhist Movement has been significant and widely appreciated. He will be greatly missed by us all.
My Deepest Sympathies go to his wife and family as well as to his many disciples and friends. The greatest service that all of us can do to commemorate him and his contribution to Buddhism will be to continue the many activities in which he had been involved.
I join all his admirers and friends in wishing that his journey in Samsara be short and that he attains the ultimate bliss of Nibbana.
Ananda W. P.Guruge
Vice-president, World Fellowship of Buddhists
Chairman, World Buddhist University Council
Professor Sukomal Barua
Chairman
Department of Sanskrit and Pali
University of Dhaka
Bangladesh
Condolence Message
I was saddened to hear of the untimely death of His Holiness Most Venerable Master John D. Hughes, the Founder, Abbot and Resident Teacher of the Buddhist Discussion Centre and the recipient of the Visuddhananda peace Award 1999. As a pious and learned Teacher, he had a highly successful life in which he developed both in himself and in others many spiritual and intellectual qualities. He traveled widely all over the world bringing the message of peace as thought by the Lord Buddha. His demise is an irreparable loss by the time badly need his service. He will be long remembered, I am convinced, for his socio-religion and cultural contributions that caused to bringing peace and harmony over the world. I firmly believe that although he has left us, his light will continue to show us the way.
I, on behalf of the Buddhist community of Bangladesh and teachers and students of Dhaka University express great thanks and regards to the late Master John D. Hughes for his sincere activities during his life as the messenger of peace. I also pay my deep condolence to the family, friends and all the followers of Master John D. Hughes.
Yours in the Dhamma
Professor Sukomal Barua
Chairman
Department of Sanskrit and Pali
University of Dhaka
Bangladesh
Professor Dr. Bikiran Prasad Barua
Founder, President
Aburkhil Janakalyan Samati-Bangladesh
Regional Centre World Fellowship Buddhist Youth
Organising Secretary
Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha
Chairman,
Standing Committee on Publication, Publicity, Education Culture and Art, World Fellowship of Buddhists, Bangkok Thailand
Message of Condolence
I and my wife Prof. Priti Kana Barua are deeply shocked at the mournful demise of our one best friend and guide Master Dr. John D. Hughes. We are so close to each other that I have no language to express my feelings at this present moment.
I still remember the moment when in the year 1992 at the World Fellowship of Buddhists Conference at Taiwan R.O.C. when Master Dr. John D. Hughes presented me a Buddha Relics. Such a holy relics is serenely preserved in my residence. Whenever I look at the relics and pray to it I remember Dr. John always. He was so magnanimous and kind enough to present a Buddha relics to me.
I still remember those days when Dr. John visited my Dhamma Village Aburkhil and visited our Aburkhil Janakalyan Samiti Office and Our International Meditation Centre. He visited Dhamma Village Aburkhil twice. Aburkhil people are grateful to him for his kind visit from long distance Australia.
Dr. John D. Hughes is a spokesman of Buddha's teachings throughout the world. He was so dedicated in the propagation and practicing of Buddhism for the benefits of many. His Buddha Dhyana Dana Review is widely circulated Buddhism review which has attracted millions of devotees throughout the world.
His depth of knowledge in Buddhism is worth noting. I have gone through many of Dr. John's articles in which there are always something to learn. A high quality personality in Buddhist world is everywhere loved and felicitated. I myself is an admirer of Dr. John.
Aburkhil Janakalyan Samiti - Bangladesh, a Regional Centre of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth is very happy to award him with the title Dhammaduta (Messenger of Dhamma) for his outstanding Contributions towards the propagation of Dhamma throughout the world.
Dr. John served the World Fellowship of Buddhists as Vice President for many many years. I still remember the dynamic performances of his team during the Buddhist conferences in New South Wales, Australia and also at Malaysia in the year 2002.
Their tremendous sincere performances in the office sector is really worth noting. Credit goes to Dr. John for creating such a good office team.
Dr. John is a good friend of Bangladesh Buddhists. I have seen to keep one donation Box in his Buddhist Discussion Centre Office only for support to Bangladesh. This shows how much he loved Bangladesh Buddhists. He was so magnanimous that whenever any appeal goes from Bangladesh he always publishes the appeal in Buddha Dhyana Dana Review and circulated it throughout the world so that generous people come forward to support the Bangladesh Buddhists activities.
Once in Chittagong , at a gathering at Nava Pandit Vihar, Katalganj I translated his speech into Bengali. He was so happy by listening to my translation. And blessed me with all his heart.
I and my wife pray for the after life welfare of Master Dr. John D. Hughes. We transfer our merits to Dr. John by the influence of which he will always go up and up.
Because of very short period I cannot attend the funeral ceremony of late Dr John. D. Hughes on 6th of December. I hope that the funeral ceremony of Dr. John D. Hughes will be a successful one at the presence of many dignitaries from all over the world.
Dr. John will always be remembered in our hearts for his loving kindness, compassion and sympathy. We have lost him physically but mentally he will be always in our hearts.
May the blessings of the Triple Gem be on Dr. John to get himself free from all bondages for directing himself towards nibbana.
Sincerely yours in the Dhamma,
Prof. Dr. Bikiran Prasad Barua
Founder President, Aburkhil Janakalyan Samiti- Bangladesh
(A Regional Centre of the WFBY in Bangladesh)
Organizing Secretary
Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar sangha
Chairman, Standing Committee
On Publication, Publicity, Education Culture and Art
The World Fellowship of Buddhists
Bangkok, Thailand.
Dr. Ranjith Hettiarachi
President
Buddhist Foundation Australia, Fairfield, Victoria.
6 December 2003 at BUDDHIST DISCUSSION CENTRE, UPWEY.
Mrs. Anita Hughes and Family,
Dear Friends of Master John Hughes,
I am most thankful to the family of John Hughes for the opportunity given to me to address this gathering as the President of the Buddhist Foundation Australia and on behalf of the Regional Centre in Melbourne for the World Fellowship of Buddhists in Thailand.
On this day we lay, the remains of Master John Hughes to rest, we recall, recollect and reminisce his illustrious role in the services to the Dhamma and to the World Buddhist community during his current birth segment.
Born a Christian by faith and driven by sheer Kammic destiny, he was most fortunate to embrace and seek solace in the Dhamma. When asked about his decision to do so, he attributed it to a Kammic determination of a past birth. He founded and led the Buddhist Discussion Centre in Upwey, Victoria from it’s inception, right on to the time of his final illness in November 2003.
My first experience of John was in Oct- Nov 1988, when he was paying his respects to a visiting Mahanayaka Thera from Sri Lanka. I was pleased that he had made in-roads to a Sri Lankan temple. Later, I learnt that he did so with many other temples and centres of various traditions and cultures within Australia and elsewhere in the world He was clearly one of the most successful proponents of a global Buddhist Community.
John made a unique contribution towards our Australasian Buddhist Convention of 2002. John’s Centre was the only Buddhist organisation to respond in writing, expressing his pledge of support to the Convention. A period of illness and convalescence did not deter him from presenting himself with his team at the preliminary planing meeting. He assigned three of his most senior members to our steering committee as a mark of his committed support to the Convention. John was most resolute in his visions of a fruitful outcome for the Convention.
Minutes before the Opening Ceremony of the Convention, thinking that I could be nervous, he whispered to me "don’t worry Ranjith, I can see clusters of Celestial Beings around you and the Hall to protect you and the Convention all the way." And, so they did, since it turned out to be the best Convention the Buddhist world had seen.
In December 2002, when our Foundation was invited by the World Fellowship of Buddhists, to take up Regional Centre status for Melbourne, John Hughes was most gracious in providing an unsolicited, full endorsement to our application, which obviously was successful and our Foundation became the second Regional Centre for Melbourne. Such was the large-heartedness and such was his confidence in the Buddhist Foundation Australia.
A gesture, that most of those who attended our Buddhist Symposium in August 2003 would remember for a very long time would be John’s courage on that winter’s night. Following two strokes, a severe heart attack and a cardiac arrest, that hospitalized him for many months, he turned up at the Symposium on a wheel chair with a suction machine for his Tracheotomy.
Master John Hughes was a fine leader and a teacher to the members of his Buddhist Centre. He groomed a fine set of well disciplined, dedicated and devoted young men and women, in whom we have seen young Buddhists of exemplary conduct, decorum and manner. Out there in the Buddhist world, he contributed much as the leader of the Regional Centre for the World Fellowship of Buddhists as Vice President for many years.
It is with much sadness, that we reflect upon the great loss of a charismatic Buddhist leader of many visions and enriched experiences. The Buddhist world will no doubt miss his courageous leadership and far- sighted visions.
According to the Buddha’s Teachings, we would have known John Hughes in many past birth segments and we sincerely hope that we will be associated with him in many future birth segments in our services to the Dhamma.
In conclusion, reflecting upon the last words of the Buddha, (which to my surprise he has included in his final message) :-
VAYA DHAMMA SANKHARA, APPAMADENA SAMPADETHA
Which means, "subject to change are all component things, strive on with diligence", we offer our heartfelt condolences to John’s dearly beloved wife Anita and her family, and Johns two lovely daughters Jocelyn and Rani, who have followed the father’s footsteps in their services to the Dhamma.
May John Hughes achieve the supreme Buddhist liberation of Nibbana, at the earliest possible time during the course of his cycle of future births !
FAREWELL DEAR JOHN !
SADHU ! SADHU !! SADHU !!!
Dr. Ranjith Hettiarachi,
President,
Buddhist foundation Australia,
130 Station St, Fairfield, Victoria.
Mr Steven Aung
President
International Buddhist Friends Association,
Canada
I just realized from your email that Master John D. Hughes has passed away on Nov. 29, 2003. On behalf of International Buddhist Friends Association of Canada as well as from myself personally, I'd like to send our heartfelt condolence to Anita and the Buddhist societies in Australia. Even though he may pass away, but his spirit will be forever with us. I am quite sure he will be in a very wonderful place.
If you have any information regarding the funeral as well as brochures, please do not hesitate to send it to us. He is really a great master and our best wishes are always with him.
Sincerely yours,
Steven Aung
President
International Buddhist Friends Association, Canada
Mr Graham Lyle
Chairman
Buddhist Council of New South Wales
Australia
Please pass my condolences to John Hughes's family and students.
Graeme Lyall AM
Chairman
Buddhist Council of New South Wales
Padma Jyoti
Member, Executive Council,
World Fellowship of Buddhists
Kathmandu, Nepal
and
Meera Jyoti
Secretary General
Buddhist Women's Association of Nepal
I am a relatively new member of WFB but have heard so much about Master John Hughes and his lifetime devotion to Buddhism. I have also had the honour of meeting him a number of times in WFB meetings. His passing away is a great loss to the Buddhist world, but his remarkable and untiring contributions will continue to inspire many in future.
We pray that Master John Hughes's journey to Nirvana will be achieved. Our heart felt condolence to Mrs Hughes.
Respectfully in Dhamma
Padma Jyoti
Member, ExCo, WFB
Kathmandu, Nepal
and
Meera Jyoti
Secretary General
Buddhist Women's Association of Nepal
Eva Maroscheck
Austrian Buddhist Society
World Fellowship of Buddhists Regional Centre,
Vienna, Austria
A wonderful communicator and engaged Buddhist passed away. We will meet him again, I am confident.
Eva Maroscheck, Austrian Buddhist Society
My commiserations to his wife and consort.
Mr.Ian Green
Director
Great stupa of Universal Compassion
Atisha Centre
Bendigo, Victoria
On behalf of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion and Atisha Centre please accept our wishes that all proceeds well with the ceremony and our prayers for John's rebirth.
Yours in the dharma,
Ian Green
Director
Pinayo Prommuang
World Buddhist University
Thailand
From: "Pinayo Prommuang"
I'm sorry to hear that your most respect teacher passed away. I know a little story about Master John D. Hughes from you. The goodness of the master you told me make me confident that he has gone already good realm. And Master John D. Hughes is regarded as good model for buddhists to follow. I express this Buddha word to respect master John:
"Happy is one, who beholds the holy ones. To live with the holy ones is ever pleasant. It would be pleasant if one never comes across a fool."
Dhammapada
Yours Sincerely Love,
Pinayo Prommuang
Ms. Sangeeta Barua
British Council, Bangladesh
Higher Education Links Officer
Bangladesh
Dear Little Sister Pennie and
the bereaved family and friends of Master Hughes,
Relation between people is really a miracle. Just one month ago I was designated to read the greeting message of Master John Hughes on the Kathina Chibara Occasion of Bangladesh Buddhist Temple at Bodhgaya, India. While reading I was in the deep feeling that I have seen this remarkable man several times in my life fortunately and that day I was reading his writing in front of thousands of people.
I am deeply shocked that Master Hughes is no more with us. May his good karma lead him to a better life or towards Nirvana. May his path be smooth and blissful. May his teachings remain with us forever.
My deepest condolence to the bereaved family and all the best wishes to all friends in Dhamma in Australia.
With regards
Sangeeta
Sangeeta Barua (Ms)
Higher Education Links Officer
British Council, Bangladesh
5 Fuller Road, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Mohini Gunesekaera
I extend my deepest sympathy to the members of Master John David Hughes congregation. Although I did not personally know John Hughes, I believe he had made a significant contribution to buddhism in Victoria and as such I am saddened to hear of his passing. Due to the distance involved, I will not be able to attend the ceremony however I would appreciate you passing these sentiments to his family, friends and his community of followers.
With metta
Mohini Gunesekera
NSW
Bob Faulkner, Toni and Betty
Executive Members
Gippsland Buddhist Discussion Group
Victoria
Death of John D. Hughes
It is with a great deal of sadness that I advise you of the death of John D. Hughes, founder of the Buddhist discussion Centre in Upwey. John achieved much during his lifetime including for a time Vice President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists. He has been a great help to many beings. He was my original teacher, I met him at school in form 3 and he has been an exceptional teacher of Buddha Dhamma to me since then. I will miss him very much. Deepest sympathy especially to John's wife Anita and also to the many Buddha Dhamma practitioners who drew great benefit from his teaching. John died of a massive stroke on Saturday 29th November.
Panna Youth Centre
Panna Youth Centre, Singapore
Panna Youth Centre, Taiwan
Panna Buddhist Chapel, Australia
Mahakarunik Panna Youth Samitti, India
The management committee of Panna Youth Centre, Singapore send its condolences to the family and members of Buddhist Discussion Centre on the passing away of Master John D. Hughes. He was a great man who dedicated his life to the spread of the Buddha-Dhamma and his passing away is a loss to the Buddha Sasana. Nevertheless, we hope that everyone can emulated Master John D. Hughes' spirit of propagating the Dhamma and let the Dhamma be the guide in times of grief. We over here in Singapore will keep Master John D. Hughes in our fervent prayers. May the Lord Buddha bless everyone with peace!
By the Grace of Lord Buddha
Panna Youth Centre
Editorial Board
Quangduc Website Homepage
Tu Vien Quang Duc Temple
Fawkner, Melbourne
Master John D. Hughes was the Founder, Abbot and Resident Teacher of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. It is a Regional Centre of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, an Associated Institution of the World Buddhist University and a member of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria. The Editorial Board of The Quang Duc Website Homepage send our condolences to the family and members of Buddhist Discussion Centre on the passing away of Master John D. Hughes. He was a great man who dedicated his life to the Buddha-Dhamma and his passing away is a lost to the Buddha Sasana. Master John D. Hughes' high spirit of propagating the Dhamma will live on in our hearts. Let the Dhamma be the guide in times of grief. May the Lord Buddha bless everyone with peace!
The Editorial Board
The Dhamma Times
Singapore
The Dhamma Times 1 December 2003
The Editorial Board of The Dhamma Times send our condolences to the family and members of Buddhist Discussion Centre on the passing away of Master John D. Hughes. He was a great man who dedicated his life to the Buddha-Dhamma and his passing away is a lost to the Buddha Sasana. Master John D. Hughes' high spirit of propagating the Dhamma will live on in our hearts. Let the Dhamma be the guide in times of grief. May the Lord Buddha bless everyone with peace!
Wreaths:
Quangduc Vietnamese Monastery, Fawkner
In memory of the late Master John D. Hughes, our Brother, our Teacher and Friend in the Dhamma.
Quang Minh, Hoa Nghiem Phuoc Tuong Temple.
May the Triple Gems Always be With You
Buddha's Light International Association of Victoria,
Fo Guang Shan Melbourne
Master John D. Hughes. With our deepest sympathies.