Today is the full-moon day of Asalha month, which marks the occasion when the Buddha first taught the Dhamma after His Enlightenment. He spoke about the ‘Four Noble Truths’ – of ‘Dukkha’ (suffering); its causes; its cessation; and the Path to its cessation – to His first five disciples at Isipatana. That sermon which the Buddha gave became known as the famed ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’ – the ‘Discourse on turning the Wheel of Dhamma’.
Read moreIt has been two years since the tragic downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Eastern Ukraine on 17 July 2014, while on a scheduled flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. The great loss of 298 innocent lives from that incident, and 239 lives from the earlier MH370 calamity, had cast a pall over Malaysia ever since. Our nation is still reeling from the trauma of this double catastrophe.
Read moreTomorrow*, we will be observing ‘Dhammacakka Day’ at Nalanda Centre. There will be the customary offerings, meditation, and recitation of the celebrated “Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta” – the Buddha’s inaugural discourse after Enlightenment on the Four Noble Truths.
Read moreA mountain goat in Alaska leaped into the ocean and drowned after photo-taking onlookers crowded the wild animal in the harbour town of Seward, 209km south of capital Anchorage. The goat’s appearance at the harbour was unusual and caused a stir, said an Alaskan Department of Public Safety spokesman. Mountain goats are often seen in the cliffs above the tourist town, but not in the town itself, he added.
Read moreOn late Thursday night, a suspected Islamist terrorist rammed a truck into a large gathering in Nice, southern France, killing at least 80 people. The crowd was enjoying firework display at a beach – it was ‘Bastille Day’, a national holiday in France.
Read moreThe full-moon day of Asalha month in July marks the occasion when the Buddha first preached the Dhamma to His initial few disciples. In one of the most enlightening teachings ever, the Buddha taught them the truths of life – ‘Dukkha’ (suffering); its causes; its cessation; and the Path to its cessation – henceforth termed the ‘Four Noble Truths’. At Nalanda, Asalha full-moon is celebrated as ‘Dhamma Day’, which is another important spiritual occasion after the Wesak full-moon ‘Buddha Day’ in May.
Read moreOn Saturday 9 July, Nalanda Centre was honoured by the visit by 25 Singapore Buddhist Fellowship (BF) members and volunteers, led by its Deputy President Bro. Jerry Ong. Their visit was part of the regular exchanges between BF and Nalanda, to learn from each other in order to enhance both organisations.
Read moreOn Thursday 7 July, Nalanda founder Bro. Tan and Sis. Nandinī paid respects at the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sentul where the 2nd Theravāda Samaneri Novitiate Programme was being held. More than 30 ladies ordained temporarily in order to experience the joys of monastic life.
Read moreFor 4 days from 4th to 7th July, Chin Swee Caves Temple in Genting Highlands was rumbling with youthful energy as 230 young adults gathered there to attend the spirited and inspiring Dhamma-Living Camp 3. Throughout the camp, there were insightful teachings by Nalanda founder Bro. Tan on what is the ‘true potential’ of human existence. The discussions and activities galvanized participants on a journey of self-discovery for greater happiness, peace, wisdom, and liberation from ‘Dukkha’.
Read moreOn Wednesday 15 June, at the weekly group practice, Sis. Buddhinī shared with new participants the basics of meditation. She explained the purpose of meditation, important factors to consider, the different meditation postures, and led participants through a sitting session.
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