Devotees in Sungai Petani are grateful to be able to learn from Ajahn Kalyano in person.

On Tuesday 11 July, Nalanda leaders Sis. Buddhini, Sis. Nandini and Sis. Evelyn together with members of Nalanda Sungai Petani Branch were honoured to host Ven. Ajahn Kalyano, Abbot of Buddha Bodhivana Monastery in East Warburton, Victoria.  It was Ajahn’s first visit to Sungai Petani, and devotees up north were privileged to learn from this senior monk of the Ajahn Chah lineage.

Ajahn Kalyano advised the congregation that when Buddhist teachings and faith in the Three Jewels are not well-established in our hearts, we will not spend time to practise and live in accordance to Dhamma.  It is important for us to train our mindfulness because in its absence, unwholesome thoughts enter the mind, resulting in unwholesome actions and speech.  This practice is not easy, and just like climbing a mountain, we need to be persistent.

Nalanda leaders Sis. Buddhini, Sis. Nandini and SP Branch Chairman Dr. Song welcome Ajahn to the Nalanda NEO Centre in Sungai Petani.

Nalanda leaders Sis. Buddhini, Sis. Nandini and SP Branch members welcome Ajahn to the Nalanda NEO Centre in Sungai Petani.

Ajahn autographing his new publication ‘Peace from within’.

Bro. Seng Giap brings the venerable monks around the Centre, describing the Buddhist symbols within its design.

Ajahn advised us to try to see the value of looking after the mind. When we see the value, we will appreciate and spend time for it.

Nalanda SP Branch members also hosted Ajahn on a tour around the main archaeological sites around Bujang Valley, where traders from India had sailed across the Bay of Bengal and built settlements.  We thank Ajahn Kalyano for visiting us and hope that he will come back again to guide us. We also extend our appreciation to members and volunteers of SP Branch for their kind hospitality and hosting.  Sadhu anumodana.

Ajahn also advised us to reflect on impermanence and practice letting go.

Members and devotees express ‘Sadhu’ with gratitude for Ajahn’s teachings.

Offering of dana to venerable monks.

At the site of the stupa uncovered at Sungai Batu.

A group photo at Semeling Jetty.

A group photo outside the Bujang Valley Archelogical Museum.

The group is grateful to be able to bring venerable monks to these sites.

For more photos, please click here