Ven. Rahula shared that the Precepts is not just refraining from unwholesome deeds, but to cultivate wholesome habits.

On Friday 19 May, we warmly welcomed Ven. Rahula, a monk of Mexican descent, to Nalanda Centre for the new-moon Uposatha Service.  In his Dhamma talk on the importance and benefits of keeping the Five Precepts, Ven. Rahula said that the Buddha taught us how to attain happiness which is independent and comes from within.  However, without the right training, much of our happiness is dependent on our senses.  This kind of happiness is unstable and fleeting.

The Five Precepts form the foundation of our moral and spiritual cultivation, as it is a set of training rules which develops goodness, and frees us from guilt and remorse.  The precepts restrain our senses and help us to overcome mental impurities such as anxiety and fear.  Over time, we will also feel more joy and be grounded in wholesome actions, speech and thoughts.

Members joyfully welcome Ven. Rahula.

Bro. Disheng hosts Ven. Rahula upon his arrival.

Devotees paying close attention to Ven. Rahula.

Sis. Paru and Bro. Alex brings Ven. Rahula around the 20th Anniversary Special Exhibition.

A group photo at the exhibition with Bro. Tan Siang Chye, Ven. Rahula, Bro. Alex, Sis. Paru and Sis. Wei Nee (left to right).

We must also remember to be kind to ourselves especially when we make mistakes.  Ven. Rahula aptly reminded us that if we do not have kindness within, how then can we offer it to others.  We thank Ven. Rahula for coming to visit us again and for giving us refreshing perspectives on the Five Precepts.  We wish him good health and smooth progress in his propagation of the universal truths as taught by the Buddha, in Mexico.  Sadhu.