28 October 2013 marks the auspicious 60th birthday of the Most Venerable Bootawatte Sri Saranankara Nāyaka Thero. Nalanda Buddhist Society records our felicitations and deep appreciation to Ven. Sri Saranankara for his tireless efforts in promoting the welfare of Malaysian people and in cultivating the spirit of social service and unity amongst Buddhists.
Read moreNalanda Buddhist Society members congregated at our ‘spiritual home’ – Nalanda Centre – on Saturday 26 October for another reunion-like Members’ Day gathering. This round, new members from Nalanda Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru branches also joined the assembly for the first time. They received a warm and encouraging welcome from other Nalandians.
Read moreDuring his most recent tour to Indonesia, Bro. Tan took time to visit a few amazing ‘Srikandis’* in Maribaya and Klaten. Bro. Tan first paid tribute to Venerable Bhikkhunis Ayya Santinī and Ayya Sīlavatī in Maribaya, West Java, last Wednesday. Both Ayyas are currently the only two Theravadin bhikkhunis in Indonesia. They conduct many meditation retreats annually at their centre, as well as travel extensively throughout the vast country to teach Dhamma.
Read moreIt is with profound respects that we announce the passing away of His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, on Thursday, 24 October 2013. His Holiness had been the 19th titular head (Somdet Phra Sangharaja) of the Thai monastic order since 1989. Read more
Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia (VBCM) EXCO Members Bro. Pek Chee Hen and Bro. Chew Eng Ghee paid a courtesy visit to Nalanda Centre on 23 October to meet with Founder Bro. H S Tan and Nalanda Institute Director Achariya Vijaya Samarawickrama. Secretariat Manager Sis. Joanne Tan was in attendance.
Read moreUposatha Days are occasions for Buddhist monks, nuns, and laity to congregate and immerse ourselves in the Dhamma. There are four Uposatha Days in a month – on the New-moon (1st day), 8th day, Full-moon (15th day), and 23rd day of the lunar calendar.
Read moreOn Sunday 20 October, a group of 40 undergraduates from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) held a one-day meditation camp at Nalanda Centre. The retreat started at 9am and ended at 10pm, and was led by Venerables Bhikshuni 持向 (Chi-Xiang) and Bhikshuni 继持 (Ji-Chi). University and college students regularly make use of Nalanda Centre for their programmes and activities. Sadhu anumodana
Read moreOn Saturday, 12 October, the “Butterfly Lovers” Musical was performed by the acclaimed Dama Orchestra to a packed hall at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre! It was a mesmerising night as the audience was swept away by the creative designs, talented performances, and a captivating storyline delivered with a fresh perspective and humorous wit.
Read moreSmiling faces after a fruitful training On Tuesday 15 October, Nalanda Dharma School organised a training programme for facilitators to learn about healthy living and to gain a better understanding of educational philosophy and theories. This full-day training was attended by 15 facilitators from Nalanda Dharma School, Nalanda Free School, Nalanda Youth Centre and Nalanda Volunteer Centre.
Read moreDr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born in 1891 into the ‘untouchables’, a segment of India’s population that was hitherto deprived, degraded, and often mistreated by the other castes. Yet despite his early deprivation, Dr. Ambedkar later rose in stature and prominence through hard work and fortitude to become the first Law Minister of independent India. He is also popularly regarded as the ‘principal architect of the Indian Constitution’ – a social contract that granted liberties, justice, and respectability to India’s dejected millions.
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