Report by Chuan Ze Wen

Nalanda organised a meaningful gathering to thank volunteers and devotees for the successfully-run ‘Buddha Day’ celebrations recently.

On Sunday 21 May, Nalanda had a meaningful gathering to thank volunteers and devotees for the successfully-run ‘Buddha Day’ celebrations recently.  Bro. Tan took the opportunity to share with everyone the ways of skillfully working together in harmony, and how to practise Dhamma by being mindfully aware of ourselves and our environment.

Bro. Tan reminded us that knowing and feeling the legacy of the Buddha is especially relevant to ‘Buddha Day’ volunteers.  Hence, the spirit and practice of generosity (dāna), morality (sīla), and mental cultivation (bhāvanā) should be maintained by being mindful while doing service.

Bro. Tan shared with everyone the way to practise Dhamma during busy times by being mindfully aware of ourselves and our environment.

For example, the photographer who was taking photos of the events can be mindful of moments of loving-kindness (mettā) and compassion (karuṇā) in their subjects, and he himself rejoice with empathetic joy (muditā).

Bro. Tan also explained this way of mindful awareness and reflection is a helpful form of practice while doing voluntary service.  It allows us to improve our skilfulness in avoiding unwholesome mind set, while on the other hand, to cultivate wholesomeness and humility.

Volunteers from Dhamma School student to youths and adults took turns to share their volunteering experience over Wesak.

Volunteering services not only creates opportunities for our own cultivation, but also allows others to observe and learn from our wholesome conduct.

Nalanda would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to all ‘Buddha Day’ volunteers who served selflessly and graciously throughout the 4-day celebration.  We rejoice over the merits accrued and wish everyone the best in your Dhamma practice.  Sadhu anumodanā.

Devotees and volunteers sharing their learning points in small groups.