The 8th Global Conference on Buddhism, with the theme “In the World of Rapid Change“, was held at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See (KMSPKS) in Singapore from 6 – 7 July 2013.  1,300 participants took part in the largest gathering of its kind this year.  The Conference was organised by the Buddhist Fellowship and Buddhist Congress of Singapore, and supported by 5 other local organisations.

20 Nalandians from Serdang and Johor Bahru, including 5 youth members, returned from the Conference greatly enriched by the informative and inspiring sharings by notable speakers, among them, Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso, Ven. Thubten Chodron, Prof. Richard Gombrich, and Angie Chew Monksfield.  Malaysian speakers also featured prominently at the Conference; Datuk Dr. Victor Wee, Mr. Keek Seng Bee, and Dr. Wong Yin Onn all presented papers.   Nalanda Founder Bro. Dr. H S Tan also spoke on “A Journey of Transformation in a World of Rapid Change“.  Bro. Tan’s talk was very well-received, and he was thereafter invited by 4 other organisations to speak in Singapore.

Nalanda members’ visit to Singapore was also a great opportunity to deepen our close ties with members of Buddhist Fellowship (BF) and other groups in Singapore, as well as to meet new friends. Nalandians visited Ven. Rathanasara Thero at the Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple in Serangoon.  Nalandian Youths meanwhile had their own wonderful outing with BF Youths to the Esplanade.  In the Dhamma, we are truly united as a happy family!