It has been announced that 90% of the Malaysia adult population have now been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The daily infection numbers have also started to drop in the past weeks and vaccinations are now being administered for teenagers ages 12 to 17. We have also reached a milestone for the lifting of travel restrictions cross-states today, allowing many Malaysians to visit their family or go on holidays.
Read moreOn World Mental Health Day this year, the looming shadow of Covid-19 continues to trigger factors leading to mental suffering and illness such as the demise of loved ones, threat of new virus variants, loss of jobs and income, prolonged financial distress and family issues arising from long isolation. Stress is also faced by medical frontliners who experience exhaustion and even severe burnout from long working hours.
Read moreToday is the 8th anniversary of the passing of eminent Tipitaka and Pāli Scholar, Venerable Kakkapalliye Anuruddha Nayaka Thero, and renowned meditation teacher, Acharya Satya Narayan Goenka. Nalandians pay humble tribute to them for their significant contributions towards the propagation of Buddha-Sāsana, and humanity. May both respected teachers experience the highest bliss of Peace.
Read moreBeing mindful and staying in the present moment is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice. Yet, we frequently find our thoughts wandering off due to external stimuli of all kinds and proliferation of thoughts. This inability to focus results in a mind that is not calm, serene and concentrated. The distracted mind also drains our energy level and hinders our spiritual progress.
Read moreThe full-moon of the eighth lunar month shines brightly above us tonight, as Chinese communities around the world celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节). It is traditionally a time for families to gather for reunion dinners in the spirit of harmony and togetherness. Where travel is restricted in this period due to the pandemic, we can still endeavour to have a meaningful reconnect on-line with our loved ones by showing our genuine care and concern for their well-being.
Read moreToday is the 58th anniversary of the formation of ‘Malaysia’– a federation of 13 states spanning the Malay Peninsula, Sarawak, and Sabah. As a multi-ethnic and multi-religious, Malaysians have grown to be more resilient and progressive as we face the challenges of economic turmoil, political uncertainties and now, the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read moreTwo decades have passed since the deadly blow of coordinated terror attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in New York on the morning of September 11, 2001. The world reeled with shock at the emergence of such brutality which caused 2,977 fatalities and left thousands injured.
Read moreCraving (tañha) occupies the mind when wisdom is not applied to pleasant and unpleasant experiences. Without the wisdom of seeing their impermanent and transient nature, we react in unwise ways that lead to our affliction. We are unable to see straight because we are blinded by craving, and even allow emotions to control us. The Buddha explains the unwise reaction to tañha in Sallatha Sutta (SN 36.6).
Read moreThe Paralympics Games Tokyo 2020 concludes today after two weeks of competition. The Malaysian contingent had its best performance ever this year by winning three gold medals and two silver medals. We rejoice in the sportsmanship of all the Paralympics athletes who have upheld the Olympic spirit of friendship and harmony throughout the games.
Read more31 August 2021 marks 15 years since the passing away of Venerable Dr. Kirinde Sri Dhammananda Nāyaka Thero. Venerable Dhammananda spent most of his life building and nourishing the growth of the Theravāda Buddhist community in Malaysia. Under his spiritual leadership, many Buddhist societies were established since the 1960s and continue to benefit Dhamma learners and practitioners today.
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