Saturday, 18 January marked the first ‘Meet the Author’ session for 2025 hosted by Pustaka Nalanda. Members and devotees had an opportunity to learn from Achariya S. Vijaya, who brought us into his thought journey behind the book he authored ‘A Buddhist Reflects on Ending Pain, Feeling Joy.’
Pain or suffering has afflicted humankind since the beginning of time and man’s quest to achieve happiness led to varied and differing approaches. The Buddha, who had firstly freed Himself from the roots of suffering – greed, hatred and delusion, taught us how to attain the same bliss through exerting efforts to purify the mind.
We do this by devotedly walking the Noble Eightfold Path to develop sīla (morality), samādhi (mental discipline) and paññā (wisdom). By adjusting ourselves according to this noble way of living, we will gradually free the heart and mind from many miseries and discontent in this lifetime itself.
We extend out heartfelt thanks to Ach. Vijaya for this rousing learning session and look forward to learning more with him in the future. On the occasion of Ach. Vijaya’s 85th birthday this January, we extend our warmest well-wishes to him – May Ach. Vijaya have the blessings of good health and a long life continuing to live in Dhamma and propagating the Buddha’s teachings. Sadhu anumodana.