It is no surprise to read all the glowing comments about Dr Holly. She’s touched a lot of us in many ways. But it is still heartwarming, and appreciated especially by her family.
I really hope everyone who met Holly will make it to the funeral on Saturday 7th May: she would like to know her passing was not something that weakened us, but something that strengthened Dhamma in Bangkok
In keeping with Holly’s wishes we are arranging the funeral here in the Bangkok that she loved so much. She was never one for flamboyant ceremonies, so we are keeping everything very simple and very Zen.
Every day between now and the final funeral, the Sala is open at Wat Taht Tong for people to go sit, meditate, reflect and process. Please feel free to come and go as you like.
This week two teachers Holly really appreciated will be in town – Jeff Oliver, none of whose talks were missed by Holly, and Steven Smith whose recent talk Holly appreciated – she specifically mentioned she’d like Steven to do the main dhamma talk at the memorial we will hold in June.
While things are still not firmly established, the basic plan is as follows.
Sunday 1st May
Jeff Oliver will be giving a talk at the WFB until 5 pm. After that, at 6pm there will be a gathering of friends at Sala 3 – Wat Taht Tong on Ekkamai BTS Station (note it changed from the previous building Sala 10). There will be some chanting, and a chance for some metta meditation with Jeff dedicated to Dr Holly.
Monday 2nd May
ABAC University, where Holly worked will likely arrange chanting and some ceremonies at Wat Taht Tong, in the evening. Anyone is welcome to join in. Also Jeff Oliver will be giving a talk at Ariyasom in the late afternoon – some people will go to the Temple after this to offer respects.
Chanting ceremony at 6.30, Sponsored by Jan G.
Tuesday/Wednesday 3/4 May
Open Sala, for those who would like to visit to pay respects.
Tuesday 3rd: Guided meditation at 5.30 and chanting ceremony at 6.30, Sponsored by Arpana Singh.
Wednesday 4th: Guided meditation at 5.30 and chanting ceremony at 6.30, Sponsored by Andy Lowe.
Thursday 5th May
3 pm – 5 pm all welcome to join Phra Pandit at the temple on this National Holiday. At 5pm we’ll go to Ariyasom for the Dhamma Talk with Steven Smith
For those not joining the dhamma talk with Steven
at 6:30 pm: Chanting ceremony, sponsored by Witches Oyster’s Bar (Gathering at 6:00 pm).
Friday 6th May
6 pm Phra Pandit and some others will be at the Temple to check on the flowers and other arrangements for the main funeral. We will hold some meditation and dedication to Dr Holly.
There will be Abhidhamma chanting in the evening, and some friends of Holly’s from ABAC.
Saturday 7th May
Please dress in black or white, or combination of these, for the funeral. It’s not mandatory, and not vital, but so far as you can as it will be nice to follow the Thai custom in this.
9am – Early arrivals gather in the Sala 3 when Holly will be transported to the funeral section and circumambulated around the crematorium three times.
10am -beginning of the ceremonies – please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start.
10am – noon we will hold the funeral and cremation ceremony. Some members of Holly’s immediate family will be present also. All are welcome to attend – we hope to show Holly’s family just how much she was appreciated and loved here in Bangkok, surrounded by friends. According to Thai tradition we will also hold a small collection to help the family with funeral expenses.
In the Evening of Saturday 7th, Holly’s nephew, Jack, and her friend, Eddie, will host a gathering at Witches Oyster Bar, Soi Ruam Rudee, Ploenchit, starting at around 6.30 pm for friends and acquaintances. That includes all of our Little Bangkok Sangha who knew her well.
And then
Thursday June 16
We will hold a memorial for Dr Holly at a venue to be decided later. This will include a short traditional chant by 4 monks, some sharing of memories, Dhamma Talk “Reflecting on Impermanence of Life” with Vipassana teacher Steven Smith, and a buffet of some sort. Details will be announced closer to the date.
