Being kind costs us nothing, but can give us the gains of lightness and happiness Today is World Kindness Day, a time to celebrate this defining quality of our humanity. In the era of the Covid-19 pandemic, random acts of kindness may have become more scarce or maybe more difficult as physical distancing and masked faces define the ‘new norm’. We must be wary that we do not unintentionally alienate care for each other in lieu of ‘safety’, and diminish our compassion.
Read moreToday, Hindu communities all around the world celebrate the festival of lights – ‘Diwali’ (or ‘Deepavali’ in Malaysia). Symbolic of the triumph of good over evil and the victory of knowledge over ignorance, lights are used as a means to disperse darkness in the colourful festivities.
Read moreNalanda members and devotees would like to felicitate and pay tribute to Most Venerable Sri Saranankara Adhikarana Nāyaka Thero on his 68th birthday, today. Ven. Saranankara has dedicated almost four decades of his life to selfless service to the Buddhist community in Malaysia, providing counsel and support to monks and laity alike.
Read moreIt has been announced that 90% of the Malaysia adult population have now been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The daily infection numbers have also started to drop in the past weeks and vaccinations are now being administered for teenagers ages 12 to 17. We have also reached a milestone for the lifting of travel restrictions cross-states today, allowing many Malaysians to visit their family or go on holidays.
Read moreOn World Mental Health Day this year, the looming shadow of Covid-19 continues to trigger factors leading to mental suffering and illness such as the demise of loved ones, threat of new virus variants, loss of jobs and income, prolonged financial distress and family issues arising from long isolation. Stress is also faced by medical frontliners who experience exhaustion and even severe burnout from long working hours.
Read moreToday is the 8th anniversary of the passing of eminent Tipitaka and Pāli Scholar, Venerable Kakkapalliye Anuruddha Nayaka Thero, and renowned meditation teacher, Acharya Satya Narayan Goenka. Nalandians pay humble tribute to them for their significant contributions towards the propagation of Buddha-Sāsana, and humanity. May both respected teachers experience the highest bliss of Peace.
Read moreBeing mindful and staying in the present moment is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice. Yet, we frequently find our thoughts wandering off due to external stimuli of all kinds and proliferation of thoughts. This inability to focus results in a mind that is not calm, serene and concentrated. The distracted mind also drains our energy level and hinders our spiritual progress.
Read moreThe full-moon of the eighth lunar month shines brightly above us tonight, as Chinese communities around the world celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节). It is traditionally a time for families to gather for reunion dinners in the spirit of harmony and togetherness. Where travel is restricted in this period due to the pandemic, we can still endeavour to have a meaningful reconnect on-line with our loved ones by showing our genuine care and concern for their well-being.
Read moreToday is the 58th anniversary of the formation of ‘Malaysia’– a federation of 13 states spanning the Malay Peninsula, Sarawak, and Sabah. As a multi-ethnic and multi-religious, Malaysians have grown to be more resilient and progressive as we face the challenges of economic turmoil, political uncertainties and now, the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read moreTwo decades have passed since the deadly blow of coordinated terror attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in New York on the morning of September 11, 2001. The world reeled with shock at the emergence of such brutality which caused 2,977 fatalities and left thousands injured.
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