Nalanda Institute Malaysia (NIM) was conceptualised in January 2006 in response to the needs of the Buddhist community to have an institution for proper, systematic and holistic learning of the Buddha-Dhamma in Malaysia. The then Spiritual Advisor to Nalanda Buddhist Society, Venerable Dr. Kirinde Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Thera gave his unequivocal support to the idea.

Since its establishment in 2007, the Institute has steadfastly focussed on its objectives to promote and facilitate the study, research and propagation of the Buddha’s teachings.  Its offerings which include Buddhist courses, Dhamma forums and study tours, have been platforms for ardent students to investigate and reflect on the sublime Dhamma. Achariya Tan Siang Chye is the current director since 1 July 2014.

Programmes

Nalanda Institute provides various courses in Buddhist and Pāli Studies leading to Certificate and Diploma levels, as well as short training courses to enhance leadership and management skills for Buddhist volunteers. All the courses are freely available to the public in line with the Institute’s charitable objectives.

Other focal areas of the Institute include Conferences, Symposiums, Educational Tours, Pilgrimage and Buddhist Publications.

Off-campus Courses

Besides Nalanda Centre in Selangor, the Institute’s courses have also been held in Kedah, Kelantan, Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu, in collaboration with local Buddhist organizations.  In April 2013, the first overseas courses under Nalanda Institute was held in Singapore.  As of July 2015, more than 10,300 participants have benefited from the Institute’s courses, study tours and conferences.

Nalanda Institute’s Institutional Roles

1. Defender of the Doctrine – To propagate the correct doctrines of the original teachings and to establish them as mainstream Buddhism.
2. Promoter of Buddhist (Pāli) Studies – To arouse and sustain the interest of the community in Buddhist Studies.
3. Promoter of Research & Publications – To promote further research and publications on Buddhist Studies in the Pāli tradition.
4. Centre of Creativity & Innovation – To promote creative thinking and innovative applications of Buddhist principles in various fields and modern lifestyles.
5. Voice for Buddhism – To become a “Voice for Buddhism” in Malaysia by issuing public statements and presenting Buddhist views on various issues affecting society at large.
6. Institute of Standards – To establish standards pertaining to Buddhist (Dhamma) Schools, Management in Education, Library Management and Publications.