Thank you Venerables for gracing Nalanda on the last day of the year.

On Sunday 31 December, we were priviledged to host Ven. Professor Emeritus Dr. K.L. Dhammajoti at Nalanda Centre.  Accompanying Ven. Dhammajoti was Ven. Senior Professor M. Dhammajothi Thero, Director of Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya, who shared the admirable charitable work led by Ven. Dhammajoti and Sangha members for the communities in Sri Lanka, to the rejoice of the congregation.

In his Dhamma talk, Ven. Dhammajoti advised that we must make best use of this life and progress on our spiritual journey in an integrated manner.  We should not just learn Dhamma intellectually but embed the teachings into our daily lives so that we can experience transformation leading to contentment, peace and happiness.

Nalanda members welcome Venerables to Nalanda Centre.

Nalanda members welcome Venerables to Nalanda Centre.

Ven. Senior Professor M. Dhammajothi Thero, the Director of Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya gave a few words of advice to the congregation before the Dhamma talk.

Dhamma talk by Ven. Prof. K.L. Dhammajoti on the 5 strengths one should develop.

Dhamma talk by Ven. Prof. K.L. Dhammajoti on the 5 strengths one should develop.

Aptly, Ven. Dhammajoti also advised us on the importance of making aspirations and vows;  this involves planning what we want to achieve in a certain period of time.  “Planning means to live with mindfulness.  A plan entails the prior determination of a goal. It further entails a progressive path.” We must also have determination and sincerity to rise up again when we make mistakes.

We extend our appreciation to Ven. Dhammajoti for his guidance especially as we welcome a new year.  May venerable sirs be blessed with good health and further success in their many noble endeavours.  May all of us have energetic determination to fulfil our aspirations as we walk on the spiritual journey, in order to have a meaningful year ahead.

The community had the opportunity to offer lunch dāna to Venerable Sangha members.

Nalanda leaders offering requisites to Venerables.

Offering of guru-dakkhina (honour to teachers) to Venerables Sangha members for their tireless contributions in preserving the Buddha-Dhamma throughout the year.

“Okāsa dvarattayena katam sabbam aparadham khamathā me bhante.”; Asking for forgiveness from Venerable Sangha members for any offences we may have committed through action, speech or thought whether intentionally or unintentionally.