Sis. Paru shared her recent experience as a ‘samaneri’ and how good friends supported her in that spiritual journey.

On Sunday 5 January, Nalanda members and devotees gathered for the first Sunday Morning Service of the year together with offering of lunch dana to the Sangha.  In this first session of the learning series on ‘Building a Harmonious Buddhist Community’, Sis. Paruadi Ramasamy shared about the importance of ‘kalyana-mittata’ (spiritual friendship).

A good spiritual friend is one that is accomplished in faith (saddhā), virtue (sīla), generosity (cāga) and wisdom (paññā) as taught by the Buddha.  On the flip side, Sis. Paru also explained the traits of a person of no integrity such as one who is devoted to untrue persons and one who acts, speaks or has intentions for his own or others’ or for the affliction of both.

The Sunday Service Morning team delivered a song in line with the Dhamma learning session on good friendship.

Together devotees performed the morning chanting.

After the service, devotees offered the lunch meal respectfully and joyfully.

Sharing of merits with departed relatives.

The service starts with meditation and offerings to the Three Jewels.

Devotees sing the song about good friendship together as well.

“We are often influenced by those with whom we associate with.”

Devotees share a light moment with Sis. Paru.

Venerable sir shared Dhammapada verse 155 : “They, who in youth have neither led the life of Purity nor have acquired wealth, waste away in dejection like decrepit herons on a drying pond deplete of fish.”

Drawing from her many personal anecdotes, Sis. Paru reminded us that one who wants to progress their spiritual growth should abandon one’s faults and replace them with virtue, as well as be easy to advise whilst consistently and constantly correcting our thoughts, speech and actions in accordance with Dhamma.

We thank Sis. Paru for her sharing.  With this guidance, may we also reflect on our own thoughts, speech and actions so that we can improve upon ourselves as a good friend to others, and actively contribute to the building of harmonious communities.  Sadhu.

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