The miracle-workers of Nalanda – leaders and members of Nalanda’s various educational divisions.

Every year, ‘Nalanda Education Day’ is celebrated on 11 December to mark the anniversary of the launching of Nalanda’s “Educational Philosophy,” which calls for a holistic approach in education leading to integral development of people.  On this occasion today, Nalanda educators from the various educational divisions gathered to review and discuss the effectiveness of Nalanda’s approach to our programmes and what principles we can incorporate to deepen the spirituality of the community.

The session started with a review of a 1-hour message from Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro on the role of Buddhist educators – teaching is not just a matter of transmitting content but the relationship between the educator and audience.  This means that we have to begin with everyday life and connect with the experiences of our audience; not ploughing through a syllabus and hoping that somehow they pick it up.  The best way to transmit this is for educators to embody what they are teaching – we need to commit to the teachings and have some form of experience and conviction to be effective.

Starting the day with Achariya-abhivadāna – asking for forgiveness and paying respects to Nalanda’s late Spiritual Advisor Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda.

Listening intently to Venerable Ajahn Jayasāro’s simple and profound message to Buddhist educators.

Sis. Paruadi, Director of Training & Enhancement Centre facilitating the discussion.

Ven. Jayasāro also elaborated on the four areas of development which he developed for Thawsi and Panyaprateep schools in Thailand that are based on the threefold training of sīla, samādhi and pañña – (1) relationship with the material world, (2) relationship with the social world, (3) cultivating the heart, and (4) cultivating wisdom.

We thank Venerable Ajahn Jayasāro for his impactful message.  We also thank the educators at Nalanda who have committed themselves to illuminating the Dhamma through various learning platforms.  Buddha-sāsanam ciram titthatu – May the Buddha-Sāsana long endure!

Bro. Ānanda Fong representing Dhammaduta Collegiate to share the discussion outcomes.

Photos below depict various groups formed including Dhammaduta Collegiate, Youth Centre, Nalanda Branch KL, Dhamma School and Training & Enhancement Centre, for deeper discussions on the principles and approaches of each educational division, and subsequently sharing the outcomes with the wider group.