Bro. Choong Li (front left) and Vincent leading the New Year chanting at Nalanda Centre.

1 January is certainly an important date as it marks the first day of the New Year; but for Nalandians, it is also the ‘birthday’ of Nalanda Dhamma School.

As such, Nalanda members and devotees joyously gathered to observe this wonderful occasion at Nalanda Centre.  Facilitator Sis. Hui Shien represented the School in thanking all parents, students, supporters and benefactors for their support and participation over 12 marvellous years of holistic education.

Sis. Hui Shien represented Nalanda Dhamma School to thank all teachers, parents and students who kept the School going strong.

School Director Sis. Sunandā was then invited to give a Dhamma sharing for the first Sunday service of 2017.  She shared that one way of enhancing our spiritual cultivation is by making of aspirations.  She illustrated the benefits and power of making aspirations through the story of the Bodhisatta when he was once Sumedha, wherein he first made the aspiration to attain Buddhahood.  The power of that aspiration, after having done a very wholesome deed, allowed Sumedha to persevere in his cultivation life after life, eventually reaching the final goal of liberation.

Meditating and making wholesome aspirations for 2017.

Quoting the Ittha Sutta, Sis. Sunandā said that we should not simply pray or wish for something, but instead make effort in working for results.  Sis. Sunandā thus encouraged everyone to make spiritual aspirations and to commit to fulfilling them.  To commit to something means to give time to its cultivation.  It may not be easy, but since it is beneficial, we should put in the effort.

Bro. Choong Li sharing his thoughts for the day.

Sis. Summer’s turn to share.

We thank Sis. Sunandā for her timely and motivating advice for a fresh start in the New Year.  We also record our deep gratitude and appreciation to all teachers and volunteers for supporting Nalanda Dhamma School in providing holistic Buddhist education throughout the past 12 years.  Sadhu anumodana!

Sharing thoughts and aspirations for the brand new year.