On Saturday, 22 June, the 2-session “Taking Refuge & Observing the Five Precepts” Workshop held at Nalanda Centre was successfully concluded. Participants took the opportunity to ask questions actively and clarify their doubts. The session ended with an interactive case study and high-spirited group discussion, with everyone having a clearer perspective on the Precepts as a spiritual guideline to develop one's morality and character. Sadhu anumodana!
Read moreText by Vincent Lee. Photographs by Gan Jia Cheng.
Read moreBright and energetic Youth Leaders and their mentors from the Buddhist Fellowship of Singapore visited Nalanda Centre from 14 to 18 June 2013 for their annual leadership retreat. They chose to have their retreat here so that there can be cultural exchanges with Nalandian youths. It was indeed a great choice as there were plenty of learning and sharing every day, as the youth leaders interacted amongst themselves and with Nalanda’s key-drivers.
Read moreThe second Service Sunday of the Gimhana period was held on 16 June. It was heartening to hear personal sharings from Sis. Margaret Ng, Sis. Buddhini Tan and Bro. Lee Teck Beng, who shared how the Buddha-Dhamma has impacted their lives, and how thankful they are for the opportunity to learn Dhamma and to serve the community.
Read moreOn Wednesday, 12 June, devotees once again filled the Shrine Hall at Nalanda Centre for the first group meditation of Gimhana Retreat. Bro. Tan guided everyone in loving-kindness meditation, followed by a quiet sitting as we observed our breath mindfully. Despite the day’s hustle and bustle, most meditators experienced a sense of peace after the 45 minute session.
Read moreEveryone was all-ears as Bro. Tan shared the interesting and insightful story about the snake. As it was shedding its skin, this 12-feet long King Cobra snake was very distressed and undergoing a big change. Half-blind, mad with discomfort, and in the heat of the high noon sun, it crossed the hot tar road not once or twice, but three times. This was the sight that Bro. Tan came across one day on the road.
Read moreThe Nalanda Secretariat today published the first issue of a newsletter specially catering for the needs of Nalanda's 70 office-bearers and officers. 'Nalandian', the newsletter, carries such contents as Founder Bro.Tan's message, directives from the leadership, news about policies, practices and culture. This newsletter aims to provide officers with general guidelines, management policies, and to share crucial information. Nalandian officers are encouraged to make full use of this additional facility to plan better programmes and events for the community.
Read moreTo mark the auspicious start of the Gimhana Period (8 June – 22 July), Nalandian devotees led by Bro. Vincent Lee organized a Pindacāra this morning at the Jalan Besar market in Seri Kembangan. Three venerable monks accepted our invitation to go on alms-round, providing a welcoming sight and bringing much joy to the early market-goers. As Nalanda has been organizing Pindacāra quite frequently at the place, the crowd there is generally accustomed to giving, and gladly came forward with their alms-offerings.
Read moreBro. Tan made a special visit to NEO Centre Johor Bahru on 2 June to teach devotees there the proper way to conduct Pūja. In his 3-hour sharing, Bro. Tan showed the way to pay respect, to recite the opening and closing gathas, to chant the homage, refuge-taking, five-precepts, and salutations in Pāli. Devotees expressed amazement and great appreciation for the knowledge and understanding gained from the productive session. Sadhu!
Read moreFor seven weeks after the Buddha’s Enlightenment on Wesak full-moon in May, He contemplated on the Dhamma with His perfectly clear faculty of comprehension. Then, He travelled for seven days from Bodhgaya to Sarnath, where He preached the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta on the Asalha full-moon (Dhamma Day) in July.
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