Bro. Tan giving a Dhamma talk at the ‘Open House’ at NEO Centre Sungai Petani.

On Friday 12 February, Nalanda Sungai Petani Branch organized an “Open House” for the public at NEO Centre Bandar Mutiara in conjunction with the Lunar New Year celebration.  Members of the public began streaming in continuously as the Centre opened at 10 am.

Visitors welcomed at NEO Centre on the fifth day of Lunar New Year.

Visitors were warmly welcomed by Nalanda members and invited to participate in the morning service – with meditation, offerings, and Pāli chanting.  The highlight of the “Open House” programme was a Dhamma talk by Nalanda founder Bro. Tan, who spoke about the spiritual way of celebrating New Year.  He said that there is more to New Year than merely eating, drinking and merry-making, as there are culturally and spiritually more meaningful ways to celebrate it.

Branch Chairman Bro. Khaw (left) engaging with first-time visitors to the Centre.

Director of Pustaka Nalanda Bro. Ananda Fong’s family also dropped in for a visit.

After the wonderful talk, first-time visitors were shown around NEO Centre, which was opened just 7 weeks prior to that.  Many people were delighted to tour the beautiful facility with its functional space and cosy corners.  Everyone then joined in a simple lunch prepared by Nalandians especially for the occasion.

Besides Bro.Tan, Deputy President Bro. Charlie, Board Member Sis. Santi, Pustaka Nalanda Director Bro. Ananda and his family, and several other members from Serdang were also present at the Sungai Petani “Open House”.  Sadhu!

Nalandians and visitors mingling happily over a simple lunch.