Let us proudly fly the Buddhist flag at our homes this Wesak month and be united in spirit with the millions of Dhamma friends around the world. First hoisted in 1885, the colourful flag symbolises the peaceful spirit of Buddhism that embraces its diverse traditions.
Read moreIn the past, devotees would hang colourful Buddhist flags around temples as Wesak ‘Buddha Day’ was approaching. This year, under the shadows of a pandemic and the national lock-down, celebrations will undoubtedly be very subdued. Buddhist centres are not putting up the flags because religious gatherings are still not allowed this month in Malaysia.
Read moreOn Saturday 29 February, Nalanda leaders and members raised the Buddhist Flag at Wisdom Park for the first time ever. A universal symbol of Buddhist faith, the colours on the flag exemplify Buddhist ideals, and the timeless truth of Dhamma.
Read moreThis year, Selangor will again host a state-level Wesak celebration at the Section 14 Theatre, Shah Alam, on Saturday, 20 May. The celebration is organised by the State government and supported by Selangor Buddhist Development Council. It will showcase traditional and contemporary Buddhist cultural performances from Malaysia and neighbouring countries.
Read moreToday is the beginning (New-moon day) of ‘Vesakha’ – the month commemorating Buddha’s Enlightenment 2,606 years ago. We invite everyone to join us at Nalanda Centre for chanting, meditation and Dhamma talk this evening starting at 8.00pm.
Read moreThe International Buddhist Flag was adopted as the universal symbol of Buddhist faith more than half a century ago. In Malaysia, this vibrant, multi-coloured symbol of peace is ubiquitous in temples and Buddhist centres during Wesak celebrations, but is barely visible for the rest of the year. As such, Nalanda Buddhist Society and the Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia are currently running a campaign aimed at educating the community on the meaning and symbolism of the flag, and to encourage Buddhists to fly the flag at home during Wesak month.
Read moreEver wondered why the Buddhist Flag is so colourful?
Well, it was not originally intended to be attention-grabbing; but it is undoubtedly conspicuous and eye-catching! You see, the Flag was designed way back in 1885 in Sri Lanka. Back then, the emerging modern Buddhist movement needed a peaceful yet potent symbol to rally followers around.
Read moreThe Buddhist Flag was first hoisted in Sri Lanka on Wesak Day, 28 April 1885, when the country was still under British colonial rule. At that time, the majority Sinhalese Buddhist population felt discriminated against by the colonial authorities when carrying out their religious activities, as well as pressurized by relentless foreign evangelism. The Buddhists needed an icon to peacefully rally around, and hence, the idea of the ‘Buddhist Flag’ was conceived.
Read moreMalaysian Buddhists will be observing ‘Wesak Day’ on Sunday, 3 May 2015. We joyfully invite all devotees to display the Buddhist Flag at their homes to foster unity, fidelity, and a stronger sense of community spirit. The Theravada Council of Malaysia has recommended Buddhists to fly the flag for the entire month of Wesak (‘Vesakha’). Let us heed the call and look forward to observing Wesak with faith and fervor.
Read moreThe Buddhist Flag was first hoisted in Sri Lanka on Wesak Day (28 April) in 1885, when the country was still under colonial rule. The majority Sinhalese Buddhist population then felt discriminated against by the colonial authorities when carrying out their religious activities, as well as pressurized by relentless evangelism. The Buddhists needed an icon to peacefully rally around, and hence, the Buddhist Flag was initiated.
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