With the completion of the Rains-Retreat (Vassana), lay Buddhists around the world have been engaged in the joyous and festive ‘Kathina-offering’ season, making offerings to honour the Sangha (the Buddhist monastic order).  In Itivuttaka verse 107, the Buddha said to his retinue “Monks, brahmans & householders are very helpful to you, as they provide you with the requisites of robes, alms food, lodgings, & medical requisites for the sick.

“And you, monks, are very helpful to brahmans & householders, as you teach them the Dhamma admirable in the beginning, admirable in the middle, admirable in the end… In this way the holy life is lived in mutual dependence, for the purpose of crossing over the flood, for making a right end to stress.”

This mutual support afforded by the Buddha to the monastic and lay communities is a blessing to us all, and plays a part to prolong the Sāsana.  We invite you to join us on Sunday 29 October for ‘Sangha Day’ at Nalanda to honour the monastic community by registering at .  The service includes Dhamma talks, and offering of robes, requisites and lunch dāna to monks.  Shuttle service from UPM MRT is also available upon request.  All are welcome.