Upekkha, whose name means “equanimity” or “non-discrimination,” graced Sangha House NOLA as our beloved temple cat and dharma companion. Since the launch of the Great Aspiration, she traveled with Venerable Dayananda across the country, a steady and loving presence through three years of mobile monastic pilgrimage. From that sacred journey, Sangha House was born—and Upekkha helped found it with us. A gentle lover of nature, fish, and belly rubs, she welcomed everyone who crossed our threshold with soft leg sweeps and the quiet wisdom of her being. Upekkha was our temple guardian and dharma protector, her warm energy woven through the sangha in ways we feel still. She taught us, in her grace, that all beings belong in sacred space and that hospitality flows in many forms. We bow to her with deep gratitude and reverence.