Bro. Ananda Fong, Director of Pustaka Nalanda, presenting the life of Ven. Narada and his immense contribution in the propagation of Dhamma.

Report by Lim Jie Sheng

On Sunday 26 October, Nalandians gathered in unity to commemorate yet another great Buddhist luminary – Venerable Narada Nāyaka Māha Thero.  This commemoration day programme was both initiated and organised by Pustaka Nalanda (the library).  The commemoration service began with pūja and chanting, followed by Dhamma teachings by Nalanda Founder Bro Tan.  He spoke about values that Ven. Narada held on to, and how the late venerable was a great Buddhist leader for us to emulate and learn from.

Bro. Tan shared why “heroes” of Buddhism like the late Ven. Narada is worth remembering and commemorating.  Bro. Tan said that in this deluded world, the mass media’s portrayal of fictional superheroes in movies had made people feel small, helpless and selfish.  Bro. Tan urged all to appreciate and learn from real people (and not ‘reel’ heroes!) who although do not possess “super powers”, but had developed mental and spiritual strength, character, vision, courage, fortitude, compassion, and wisdom to overcome worldly problems and spread happiness.

“We should revere REAL heroes with deep spirit of humanity and selflessness; and not worship fictional characters with super-human powers in movies!” – Bro Tan.

Bro. Tan gave a teaching on why "heroes" of Buddhism like the late Ven. Narada is worth remembering and commemorating.

The late Ven. Narada was a great example of a Buddhist missionary who influenced many generations of monks, and inspired communities all over the world with his eloquent writings. Bro. Tan ended his sharing by advising everyone to get to know, and be inspired by Ven. Narada’s life in the Dhamma, to develop character and inner strength, and not give in to delusion.

The programme continued with a presentation by Bro. Ananda Fong, Director of Pustaka Nalanda, on the life of Ven. Narada and his immense contribution to the propagation of Dhamma in many countries.  Let us all not forget the effort and contribution of the late Ven. Narada towards the propagation of Dhamma, and strive to continue the late venerable’s vision and legacy for many generations to come!

Bro. Charlie Teng presenting a "book offering" to Pustaka Nalanda, which was gratefully received by its Director, Bro. Ananda Fong.