The majestic ‘Nālandā Māha Vihāra’ was established during the Gupta Period in the 5th Century CE, in the city of Nalanda, where once the Buddha delivered the Kevatta Sutta and spoke about the ‘Miracle of Education’. This key learning institution was not just for Buddhist monastics, but also for students of secular subjects including medicine, mathematics and philosophy. At its peak, the university hosted over 10,000 students from all around the world, the most famous of which is Ven. Xuan Zang.
Read moreIn the third Gimhāna Sunday Service on 12 June, Sis. Sandy Lim delivered a Dhamma sharing on living in harmony with our family. Harmony is the smooth and pleasant functioning together of two or more parties, resulting in not just concord, but also unity. When harmony within the family unit exists, it forms the nucleus of a peaceful community. The Buddha taught that ‘the progress of a society’ (aparihāniyā dhamma) can be measured by the ability ‘to meet together in harmony, adjourn in harmony and conduct business in harmony’ (Mahāparinibbāna Sutta, DN16).
Read moreOur fathers and fatherly figures are our earliest role models who instill qualities such as strength, patience and endurance in us. They set the foundation that grounds us so that we can face challenges courageously. They raise us unquestioningly and are relentless in their concern for our well-being and welfare.
Read moreOne of the most revered Buddhist teachers in modern times, the late Venerable Ajahn Chah is a great inspiration to thousands of Thai and foreign monastics to practise according to the ‘forest monk’ tradition. Many of his disciples have become great teachers in their own right, carrying on his legacy to teach the Dhamma and brighten the lives of countless people across the world.
Read moreOn Sunday 5 June, Bro. Tan Siang Chye delivered a Dhamma sharing on this year’s ‘Gimhāna Period’ theme – ‘Living in Harmony’. He shared that when we have harmony within, we are free from internal conflict and are confident in our life purpose. This in itself leads to us having a peaceful and happy nature which positively impacts those around us.
Read moreFrom 2 to 6 June, 37 participants gathered at Wisdom Park for a 5-day Meditation Retreat for beginner meditators, led by Venerable Gavesi. As physical retreats have become a rare occasion in the past 2 years due to pandemic lockdowns and social distancing, the yogis were grateful for the opportunity to learn, in person, from Ven. Gavesi who was trained in Samatha and Vipassana techniques under several teachers, including the late Sayadaw U Pandita, the late Sayadaw Nyanapurnik, and Ven. Sujiva.
Read moreOn Sunday 29 May, Nalanda members and volunteers entered into the Gimhāna Period as they gathered for its first Sunday Morning Service. After the morning meditation, offerings and chanting, an appreciation session for Buddha Day volunteers was held, where everyone rejoiced in the selfless efforts of all who contributed to the joyous celebrations held the week before. Thereafter, Sis. Paruadi Ramasamy delivered a talk on the purpose of this 7-week Gimhāna ‘retreat’, that of reflecting on Dhamma and strengthening our spiritual practice which develops into wholesome life-long habits.
Read moreNalanda Buddhist Society offers our felicitations to Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong (His Majesty the King of Malaysia) Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah on the occasion of His Majesty’s official birthday this 6 June 2022. Let us wish His Majesty the blessings of good health, happiness and peace, always. Dirgahayu Tuanku!
Read moreToday is World Environment Day, a time for us to heed the call to elevate our efforts in sustainable living. When we over-utilise precious resources, we harm not just the environment but all living things that depend on it to survive. To uphold the spirit of harmlessness, we must go out of our way to change our habits and give up unnecessary inconveniences.
Read moreHave a glimpse of the wonderful Wesak observance we had at Nalanda Centre, Sri Serdang from 8 – 15 May 2022. This NalandaTV production hopes to share with everyone some of the uplifting moments we had during the auspicious occasion.
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