On Thursday 7 April, Bro. Gan gave a sharing at the New-moon Uposatha Service on the significance of keeping the Eight Precepts on Uposatha days. He referred to the Visakhuposatha Sutta, a discourse given by the Buddha to Lady Visakha, a generous female lay-disciple.
Read moreOn Thursday 7 April, Bro. Tan shared with us the story of one of Sri Lanka’s great Buddhist kings – King Dutthagamani – who is mentioned in the Mahavamsa, the Great Chronicles of Sri Lanka. Besides defeating the enemies of Sri Lanka, King Dutthagamani is remembered for being instrumental in the development and preservation of Buddhism on the island as well as for the building of great Buddhist stupas, expanding many temples, and supporting the Sangha during his reign.
Read moreDear friends, kindly be informed that the registration for this year’s Pilgrimage to India and Nepal is officially CLOSED today. Members who are selected for the 2016 Pilgrimage will be informed by 17 April. Would-be pilgrims have to attend a 2-month special Dhamma course in September-October to prepare for this spiritual journey. You will also be advised on practical matters such as visa application and other preparations from time to time.
Read moreIt has been quite hot these two months in Kedah. But the hot and dry weather has brought tecoma trees (tabebuia rosea) planted along roads in Alor Setar into lovely bloom of pink and white flowers!
Read more
On Wednesday 6 April, at Nalanda’s weekly group meditation, Sis. Buddhini shared about the importance of mental preparation before meditation. She explained that it was important for us to be aware of the causes and conditions that disturb us before we can settle our minds and be concentrated.
Read moreGood news for Nalanda members and long-term volunteers! This December, Nalanda is organizing a pilgrimage to India and Nepal, to be led by our founder-teacher, Bro Tan. This journey of Dhamma discovery will begin at Bodhgaya – the sacred spot where the Buddha attained Enlightenment 2,640 years ago – and continue on to Rajagaha, Nalanda, Vesali, Kusinara, Lumbini, Kapilavatthu, and Varanasi.
Read moreOn Sunday 3 April, Sis. Sunanda gave a sharing on the ‘Dhammapada’ for our daily reflection. She quoted the popular twin verses: “In the unessential they imagine the essential, in the essential they see the unessential ̶ they who entertain (such) wrong thoughts never realise the essence.”
Read moreOn Saturday 2 April, two venerable monks went on Pindacāra (alms-round) at Overseas Union Garden (O.U.G.) and Happy Garden morning markets. It was the first time in many months that the Pindacāra programme was held at O.U.G. and the response there was very heartening.
Read moreOn Sunday 27 March, Nalanda Youth Centre organised its first recycling project to help raise funds for Kitarsh Handicapped and Disabled Children’s Home. The home was in need of funds because it was partly destroyed by fire last year.
Read moreAlthough ‘Cheng Beng’ (or ‘Qing Ming’, 清明节) was not originally a Buddhist tradition, it has nevertheless been observed by Chinese Buddhists for centuries. The Buddha taught that our duties towards parents and relatives do not end with their death. After their demise, we should continue to honour them by performing wholesome, meritorious and noble deeds, and thereafter dedicate merits to them.
Read more