The visiting Nalandians having a group photograph with VBG abbot, Ven. Dhammavuddho.

On Friday 29 September, a group of 20 blessed Nalandians from Nalanda Kuala Lumpur Branch led by founder Bro. Tan visited Vihāra Buddha Gotama (VBG) in Temoh, Perak.  The group was warmly welcomed by abbot of VBG, Venerable Dhammavuddho Mahāthera and other resident monks there.

After offering lunch dāna, Nalandians actively participated in many activities of the monastery such as cleaning, chanting, group meditation, and Dhamma discussion with Ven. Dhammavuddho. They also gained many insights from the tour of VBG led by Bro Tan.

In front of the hostel building near the entrance of the monastery.

Lush greenery around VBG provided a welcome respite from the bustle of city life.

The Nalandian group stayed overnight at VBG to experience a day in the life of a monk, and to soak in the atmosphere of a forest monastery.  The next morning, they went along for Pindacāra (monks on alms-round) in Teluk Intan.

Venerable Sangha members going on their weekly alms-round in Teluk Intan.

The Nalandian visit was in preparation for the upcoming Sangha Day observance to be held at Nalanda Education & Outreach Centre, Happy Garden on 12 November, and at Nalanda Centre on 19 November.  One of the purposes of the visit was to provide members with an experience of the daily activities and practices in a monastery, and to be inspired by the wholesome ways of monastic life.

Since the theme of the visit was “To know, to appreciate, and to be inspired”, some video recordings of the daily routine of VBG monks were made as part of the effort to bring awareness on the importance of Sangha members to our Buddhist community today.

The congregation of monks and laity performing the evening chanting.

Bro. Tan consulting with Ven. Dhammavuddho on local Buddhist developments.

Nalandians recording Ven. Dhammavuddho’s talk and Q&A session.

The brief visit ended the next evening after grateful Nalandians took leave from Ven. Dhammavuddho.  Everyone was gladdened by the association with such wise and humble Sangha members.  We wish Ven. Dhammavuddho and monks in VBG good health and long life.  May we work together to support the Buddha-Sāsana!

Nalanda Kuala Lumpur Branch members presenting Ven. Dhammavuddho with robes, requisites, and publications with respect and much gratitude.

The documentary crew: (from left) KL Branch Chairman Bro. Ng; Bro. Andrew; and Bro. Disheng.