Report by Lim Jie Sheng
On Sunday 26 October, Nalandians gathered in unity to commemorate yet another great Buddhist luminary – Venerable Narada Nāyaka Māha Thero. This commemoration day programme was both initiated and organised by Pustaka Nalanda (the library). The commemoration service began with pūja and chanting, followed by Dhamma teachings by Nalanda Founder Bro Tan. He spoke about values that Ven. Narada held on to, and how the late venerable was a great Buddhist leader for us to emulate and learn from. Read more
Yesterday marked the 180th day since the Nalanda Centre Building Expansion Project began in mid-May. The scaffolding and netting which ‘wrapped around’ the front of the annex building was removed just a few days ago, “unveiling” the façade of the reconstructed building for the first time in almost 6 months!
Read moreReport by Ruby Tan
On Sunday 19 October, Sis. Tan Yee Yong gave an interesting talk on strengthening the state of our minds in times of sickness. Understanding the impermanent nature of life – where birth is inevitably followed by ageing, illness and death – one prepares mentally and spiritually to face changing circumstances before sickness or any misfortune takes place.
Read moreOn Saturday 25 October, Nalanda Sungai Petani Branch held our monthly Members’ Day at our usual rendezvous place – Gurun Buddhist Association. Branch members who attended the gathering were still feeling joyful over the recent success of our inaugural fund-raising event – the “Melodies for the Heart” concert held a week before that.
Read moreToday marks 8 months since MH370 vanished over the Indian Ocean in March with 239 people on board. Let us spend a moment in quiet reflection on impermanence and the uncertainty of life, and generate thoughts of mettā (loving kindness) and karunā (compassion) to the grieving families of its passengers and crew. May they have the strength and resilience to carry on with their lives wholesomely. May they find Peace.
Read more“If you haven’t watched it, please do!” That was the comment by Bro. Tan after he attended last night’s performance of ‘Xuan Zang – Journey to the West’ at Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur. This fabulous original musical by Han Production depicts the travels and travails of Venerable Master Xuan Zang who journeyed for 17 years from China to India and back, in his determined quest to obtain authentic Buddhist teachings and scriptures for his native land.
Read more‘Sangha Day’ is an important occasion at Nalanda for the lay community to honour the virtues and contributions of the Māha Sangha (monastic order) in preserving and propagating Buddhism. It is also an opportunity for devotees to express gratitude and to support Sangha members by offering robes, requisites, funds for their medical care and education, etc.
Read moreReport by Rose Cho
On 25 and 26 October, the final two sessions of the Mandarin Buddhist Studies Course (Semester 2) was conducted by Sis. Nandini Tan at NEO Centre Johor Bahru. Sis. Nandini gave separate lectures on the ‘Four Noble Truths’ and ‘Noble Eightfold Path’. Six new participants joined the weekend’s class and showed great enthusiasm by arriving early at the Centre to learn the Dhamma.
Read moreOn 11 October, students of BPS402 Higher Certificate in Buddhist Studies attended Lecture 8 after returning from a fruitful and enjoyable study tour to Bujang Valley a week before. Achariya Tan Siang Chye explained the Indian social context and political structures that existed during the Buddha’s time.
Read moreOn 10 October, Nalanda Founder Bro. Tan was invited to Central Kedah Buddhist Association in Sungai Petani to give a keynote presentation on the “Buddhist Presence in Kedah”. The special talk was in conjunction with the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia’s “Dharma Walk” programme held at the same venue. Members from more than 20 Kedahan Buddhist societies attended the event. Read more