Sis. Nandini encouraged the youths to put effort in stemming our hindrances in order to progress spiritually.

On Sunday 15 October, Nalanda youths delved deeper into understanding the Five Hindrances and how to overcome them gradually, with Sis. Nandinī Tan at the Youth Sunday Service.  In the Āhārasutta (Samyutta Nikaya 46.51), the Buddha taught that giving careless attention to things such as sensual desires, ill-will, sloth and torpor, restlessness and doubt, become nutriments for the arising of the hindrances.

To denourish the hindrances, we need to instead give careful attention to their opposites, such as the sign of foulness, loving-kindness, exertion and peacefulness of mind.  We do this by training the mind and cultivating mindfulness to better direct our thoughts, speech and actions towards skillful and wholesome states.

The service commences with meditation and offerings to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

The service commences with meditation and offerings to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Sis. Yeoh Wei En facilitates the activity prior to the talk.

Youths doing a self-assessment as they prepare for the learning session.

Youth share their assessments in pairs.

Being open and honest with spiritual friends.

These efforts will enable the arising of serenity and joy in our daily lives and also help us to make headway in our mental cultivation.  Reflecting on the Buddha’s Teachings, let us make the effort to nurture these values to live our lives more meaningfully and progress on our spiritual journey.  Sadhu.

A light moment as Sis. Nandini explained more about ways to train the mind.

Youths had a chance to ask questions in order to deepen their understanding.

The group shared merits, in the conclusion of the service.