Message from Evelyn Chow, President of Nalanda Buddhist Society.

Today marks the 15th anniversary of Nalanda Buddhist Society.  I feel blessed being around with so many members who are attending the Sixth National Members Convention here at Nalanda Centre.  There are many supportive conditions over the past 15 years which caused all of us to be here today – I believe our gathering is not by mere chance.

Since our inception in 2003, Nalanda’s mission has been to provide holistic educational opportunities based on Buddha-Dhamma for personal transformation and social improvements.  In my own 12-year journey with Nalanda, I experienced first-hand how the Society has stayed true to its mission, and that convinced me to continue my learning, practice and service here.

Last year, Nalanda’s four branches organised more than 700 programmes throughout Malaysia.  By engaging the community to learn the Dhamma through our various well-planned programmes which were offered to different age groups, we had the opportunity to enrich the lives of a few thousand people and contribute to their well-being.

In 2018, we are working towards another fruitful year.  Besides offering our regular educational programmes, we are also building new facilities to expand our community services, such as the ‘K. Sri Dhammananda Centre’ which is expected to be ready by August to cater for bigger enrolment into Nalanda Dhamma School.

At the same time, we have also kick-started the construction of the first phase of Wisdom Park.  By the end of this year, we anticipated the building to be ready to host the first Dhamma programme there.

Brothers and sisters in the Dhamma, our achievements to date is not possible without the unwavering support of many people, and not to forget – the nameless, faceless and selfless ones.

On behalf of the Board of Management, I would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to our late teacher and Spiritual Adviser, Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda, who gave our Society its name; Bro. Tan, our founder and inspiring leader, for his continuous guidance, support, and directions; the past Management Committees who laid the foundation for our Society to grow; our loyal and hardworking members; as well as our generous donors, supporters, and earnest volunteers.

We would also like to thank devotees who have been supporting us unconditionally; our neighbours and the community around us; the Theravada Buddhist Council and other Buddhist organisations locally and abroad, who have supported us in many ways.

2,600 years ago and up to now, Buddhist societies have thrived on members’ harmony.  Thus, we should continue to walk this path of Dhamma and serve harmoniously.  I would like to invite one and all to extend your service to the world for more people to experience this wonderful ‘Miracle of Education’, and the joy of transformation within oneself.

Happy 15th anniversary to all Nalandians, and have an appreciative and grateful “Nalanda Day”!  Sabbe satta sukhihontu – May all beings be well and happy.

 

“Happy is he who makes others happy.

  Happy is he who has lofty and noble aspirations.

  Happy is he who enriches the lives of others.

  Happy is he who allows others to live in peace.

  Happy is he who makes this world a better place to live in.

  Happy is he whose work and chores are labours of love.”

 

– Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda (1918 – 2006)