Ven. Ñanukkamsa (far left) and Ven. Alokavamsa leading the weekly meditation session.

At the weekly Wednesday meditation on 21 December, Nalandians lent ear to an enlightening Dhamma talk by Ven. Ñanukkamsa on the purpose of becoming a Buddhist.  In the Mahā Sāropama Sutta, the Buddha expounded that the purpose of holy life does not have gain or fame or even the accomplishments of virtue, concentration, or knowledge as its end goal.  Instead, its ultimate goal is to attain the unshakeable liberation of the mind.

Diligently and heedfully following the Buddha’s gradual teaching, we can eradicate all our mental impurities, making the mind firm and equanimous in the face of worldly contingencies.

Ven. Ñanukkamsa gave clear and concise explanations accompanied by many interesting similes and stories.  He elucidated the practices of generosity, morality, concentration, and insight meditation, guiding devotees to clearly see that the purpose of living the spiritual life is to attain liberation from suffering.  Knowing this purpose, we can channel all our energy to do just that.

We can infer that in the past, we have cultivated certain wholesome qualities to be able to come to this world as a human with many favourable conditions.  Therefore we should treasure it by taking every opportunity to work on further improvements.

We thank Ven. Ñanukkamsa for his inspiring teaching.  May we heed this wise advice and continue to strive for liberation from all taints.  Sadhu anumodana!

Devotees paying respect with gratitude after the Dhamma teaching by Ven. Ñanukkamsa.