Joyfully receiving Ajahn Sunando at Nalanda Centre.

From 21 to 24 February, Nalanda members and volunteers were privileged to host Venerable Ajahn Sunando at Nalanda Centre. This is Ajahn’s first visit to Nalanda and we were happy to get better acquainted with Ajahn and receive his guidance throughout his stay.

In the evening Dhamma teaching by Ajahn Sunando on Saturday 22 February, he shared about how we can reflect on impermanence, suffering and non-self. Dukkha manifests in many forms, including physical suffering, dissatisfaction and inability to find lasting happiness. Impermanence is inherent in life, and clinging to temporary pleasures, only deepens dukkha. Ajahn pointed out that when everything is ever-changing, what is there to be labelled ‘mine’ and ‘I’ ?

Ajahn also shared that when we cultivate dana, our intention is very important.

Ajahn making offerings at the Main Shrine upon his arrival.

“Contemplate thinking in that thoughts are impermanent. No one has permanent thoughts. They rise, sustain, fade away and cease.”

The only way to lessen suffering is through dedicated practice — listening to and discussing Dhamma, cultivating virtues and purifying the mind. Our mind, by nature, is restless and constantly seeking external stimulation. However, through focused attention and stillness, it can become more stable, calm and mindful.

Ajahn also prompted us to reflect on a daily basis – If this was the last day of our life, what would we do? This creates a sense of urgency in us to enhance our Dhamma practice. We extend our appreciation to Ajahn Sunando for his guidance and wish him success in all his noble endeavours. The full Dhamma talk is available at this link https://youtu.be/DqE-t_8qRRI

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Devotees listening intently in the evening Dhamma talk at Nalanda Centre.

Members and volunteers welcoming Ajahn Sunando at Nalanda Centre.

Bro. Lim Ajit briefing Ajahn on the planned schedule for the weekend.

Bro. Yeo Disheng brings Ajahn Sunando on a tour of Nalanda Centre.

Ajahn and venerable monks chanting blessings for devotees.

Visiting bhikkhu and samanera from Indonesia paying their respects to Ajahn Sunando.

NEO Centre KL – Ajahn Sunando gave a talk during the Family Dhamma School session to the parents.

Parents prepared and offerred lunch dana to Ajahn.

Ajahn having a chat with the Dhamma School facilitators and devotees.

Ajahn also visited Wisdom Park, and met with Ven. Gavesi who was leading a meditation retreat there.