Dedicating merits to Nalanda benefactors, members, volunteers, supporters, and all sentient beings on “Patron’s Day”.

Saturday 18 March was Nalanda “Patron’s Day” and the 99th birth anniversary of our late spiritual adviser – Venerable Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda.  In conjunction with the occasion, Sis. Sandy Lim gave a Mandarin Dhamma talk on what constitutes ‘the highest gift’ at Nalanda Sungai Petani Branch.

Early morning on “Patron’s Day”, Sis. Sandy first led members and devotees in paying respects, ‘asking for forgiveness’, and then offering thanks to our late teacher, Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda.  Thereafter, she led everyone in dedicating merits to Nalanda benefactors, members, volunteers, supporters, and all sentient beings.

Sis. Sandy leading Nalandians in paying respects, ‘asking for forgiveness’, and offering thanks to our late teacher, Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda.

During the Dhamma learning session, Sis. Sandy shared a heartening story about the gift she had received from her late father, and the gift she had offered to him.  The ‘gift’ given to her parents was the assurance that their child would be able to take good care of herself.  This reassurance would bring peace to the hearts of parents who always have their children’s welfare at heart.

Sis. Sandy also linked the sharing to the Chinese Qing Ming tradition, where descendants often burn ‘paper money’ for their ancestors, hoping that they will be able to use them in the ‘afterlife’.  She suggested that a better way of remembering and honouring our ancestors was to perform meritorious deeds and thereafter dedicate merits to them.

However, of all gifts that we can offer to our loved ones, there is no higher gift than that of the Dhamma.  By learning, practising, and realising the Dhamma, one can liberate oneself from the repeated suffering in Samsara, discovering true bliss and peace within.

The Saturday morning service begins with meditation to calm our minds.

We would like to thank Sis. Sandy for her timely and insightful sharing at NEO Centre Sungai Petani.  The Centre located in Bandar Mutiara is open to the public every Friday evening for meditation at 7.30pm, and Saturday morning at 9.30am for the weekly service with chanting and Dhamma teachings.  All are welcome!

Lunch was served at the end of weekly service.  Sadhu anumodana.