Recipient of the “Best Overall Performance” Award for BPS304 Course, Phang Yan Chin (left), posing with Nalanda-achariyas.

On Saturday 14 January, Nalanda Institute held a Convocation Ceremony and Gratitude Day for graduates of BPS304 Certificate in Buddhist Studies who successfully completed their course in December 2016.  The day marked the culmination of months of lectures, assignments, presentations and written evaluation throughout the whole course, and naturally the graduates received their certificates and transcripts with much joy and satisfaction.

The event started with inspiring messages by three Nalanda-achariyas – Achariya S. Vijaya and Achariya Tan Siang Chye.  The teachers emphasised what a privilege it is for one to be able to learn and comprehend Dhamma in this lifetime.  Thus we shall not waste such a great fortune and furthermore, develop a sense of responsibility to share the Dhamma with people around us.  Hence, the end of the course should mark a new beginning of deeper learning and living in accordance to Dhamma for the graduates.

Chairman of Nalanda Education Committee Achariya Vijaya presenting certificates to graduates.

After presenting tokens of appreciation (Pāli: Guru-dakkhinā) to their respected teachers, the graduates amused everyone with various performances cleverly acted by each course group.  It was a joyous and heart-warming session where family members of graduates, lecturers, and volunteers congregated to witness the result of diligent effort and determination put forth by course participants over the past 6 months to learn the Buddha’s teachings.

There were lovely performances by students to enliven the occasion.

Front row view – Nalanda Buddhist Society Board Members and the Director of Dhamma School were special guests at the Convocation Ceremony.

Nalanda Institute congratulates our graduates for their success, and thanks all our lecturers, supporters and volunteers who have contributed to the students’ learning and spiritual progress.

The achariyas and Head of Department Sis. Sandy (second right) posing with recipients of the “Best Group Assignment Award”.

Sis. Chan Jia Xin’s written examination paper was adjudged the best in 2016. Sadhu!