Group photo of participants of Adult Dhamma Camp.

From 28 to 29 December, a group of over 50 regular Sunday Service devotees and volunteers ended the year with a reflective and spirited Adult Dhamma Camp held at Nalanda Centre. Exploring the theme ‘Happily Do We Live’, the two days non-stay-in camp gave the adult participants opportunities to experience deeper happiness in life by inculcating Dhamma as a way of life – by cultivating dāna, sīla and bhāvanā, the happiness derived is more lasting and satisfactory, and not dependent on worldly pleasures.

The camp featured Dhamma teachings from wise teachers – Ven. Luang Por Viradhammo and Ven. Lim Sukhito, as well as in-house speakers Sis. Santī Cheang and Sis. Sunandā. Together, they engaged in fun-filled programmes such as ‘Dhamma through Drama’ and a treasure hunt which encouraged teamwork and mindfulness. Participants also performed dāna to the Venerable Sangha members and rendered their service to maintain the cleanliness of the Centre. The Camp concluded with the Nalanda Dhamma School Honours & Appreciation Night which the participants contributed to by preparing and serving dinner to all the families in attendance.

Registration was being conducted systematically.

‘Happy Do We Live’ was the theme for the Adult Dhamma Camp.

Fun ice-breaking sessions to start-off the camp.

Though it was a short Camp, participants and volunteers alike were full of joy and gratitude, learning and serving alongside good spiritual friends (kalyana mittas). May this camp benefit all who were involved and be an impetus for them to cultivate deeper happiness.

“Happily do we live, without yearning among those who yearn;

among people who yearn, we dwell without yearning. “

– Dhammapada 199

Sis. Buddhini setting the tone of the camp.

In-house speaker Sis. Santī Cheang giving sharing.

Participants listening attentively to the Dhamma teachings given by Ven. Lim Sukhito.

Participants can share their views and reflections during the group discussion.

Reflection before meal to remind oneself about the purpose of partaking food.

Daily chanting led by Bro. Ajit.

Meditation is also part of the programme to train the mind.

Participants helping out in upkeeping of Nalanda Centre.

Participants serving each other their daily meals.

Participants working together harmoniously.

Participants bringing out the teachings through ‘Dhamma through Drama’.

Participants utilizing their creativity in bringing out the Dhamma teachings in a fun yet effective manner.

Sis. Nandini guiding the participants.

Part of treasure hunt.

Part of treasure hunt involving the traditional game ‘Congkak’.

Celebration of birthday together.

Young adults happily performing.

Group ‘Saddha’ – Faith.

Group ‘Viriya’ – Energy.

Group ‘Sati’ – Mindfulness.

Group ‘Samadhi’ – Concentration.

Group ‘Panna’ – Wisdom.

Group photo of happy volunteers for the Adult Dhamma Camp.