On Sunday 2 April, Nalandian youths experienced an ‘enlightening’ Dhamma teaching by Bro. Tan at the weekly Youth Sunday Service. With a profound talk themed “Growing Ourselves”, Bro. Tan reminded everyone that a lot of times, what is most valuable in life is unquantifiable, such as health, happiness, and peace. The achievement and sustenance of such happiness depends on spiritual growth.
Bro. Tan explained and elaborated on the “seven treasures” of Dhamma, that we should grow in: Faith (Pāli, ‘saddhā’), Virtue/ Morality (‘sīla’), Moral Shame (‘hiri’), Moral Dread (‘ottappa’), Learning (‘suta’), Generosity (‘cāga’), and Wisdom (‘paññā’).
With the cultivation and growth of these seven qualities, we mature in our understanding of ‘life’, along with increased contentment and happiness. Ultimately, we are able to be ‘spiritually-independent’ in the Dhamma, becoming a wise one who always chooses the wholesome path over the other.
We would like to record our highest appreciation to Bro. Tan for teaching us about these wonderful ‘treasures’. Let us grow these seven spiritual qualities within our minds, and remind ourselves that their worth, although unquantifiable, are immeasurable in value.