Buddhist Traditions

30 August 2016

Special procession of Buddha Relic

A special procession of Buddha Relic, the Tipitaka and Māha Sangha will be held at 8.45 am tomorrow (Wednesday, 31 August) to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the passing of Venerable Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda – Nalanda’s late Spiritual Adviser and the Sanghanāyaka Thera of Malaysia.

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29 August 2016

Buddha Relic welcomed at Nalanda Centre

Yesterday, Nalanda Centre had the great honour to be bequeathed with a Buddha Relic (Pāli, “Śarīra”) – a single bone fragment of the Blessed One.  The Relic was previously under the custodianship of the late Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda Nāyaka Thero and Achariya Vijaya Samarawickrama for many decades.

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18 July 2016

Asalha full-moon is ‘Dhamma Day’

Today is the full-moon day of Asalha month, which marks the occasion when the Buddha first taught the Dhamma after His Enlightenment.  He spoke about the ‘Four Noble Truths’ – of ‘Dukkha’ (suffering); its causes; its cessation; and the Path to its cessation – to His first five disciples at Isipatana.  That sermon which the Buddha gave became known as the famed ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’ – the ‘Discourse on turning the Wheel of Dhamma’.

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14 July 2016

Asalha ‘Dhamma Day’ Programme

The full-moon day of Asalha month in July marks the occasion when the Buddha first preached the Dhamma to His initial few disciples.  In one of the most enlightening teachings ever, the Buddha taught them the truths of life – ‘Dukkha’ (suffering); its causes; its cessation; and the Path to its cessation – henceforth termed the ‘Four Noble Truths’.  At Nalanda, Asalha full-moon is celebrated as ‘Dhamma Day’, which is another important spiritual occasion after the Wesak full-moon ‘Buddha Day’ in May.

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11 July 2016

2nd Samaneri Novitiate Programme

On Thursday 7 July, Nalanda founder Bro. Tan and Sis. Nandinī paid respects at the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sentul where the 2nd Theravāda Samaneri Novitiate Programme was being held.  More than 30 ladies ordained temporarily in order to experience the joys of monastic life.

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2 June 2016

A unique Heritage Procession

The highlight of Nalanda’s Buddha Day programme on 21 May was the Buddharupa-Abhisekara, a unique heritage procession.  The procession started at 7.30pm with the offering of lights and chanting led by two Sangha members who had come all the way from Sri Lanka.

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1 June 2016

Commemorating ‘Buddha Day’

On Wesak full-moon ‘Buddha Day’, which fell on 21 May this year, Nalanda founder Bro. H. S. Tan gave an insightful and profound Dhamma talk to commemorate the most important day of the year for Buddhists.  This auspicious day also marks the start of the Buddhist Era (B. E.) 2560, marking the 2,560th anniversary since the Buddha’s Parinibbāna (passing away).

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6 May 2016

Beginning of Vesakha month

Tomorrow is the New-moon day for the month of ‘Vesakha’.  Thus, we are just two weeks away from the most important day in the Buddhist calendar – Vesakha Full-moon ‘Buddha Day’, also commonly known in Malaysia as ‘Wesak Day’.

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31 March 2016

Observing ‘Cheng Beng’ meritoriously

Although ‘Cheng Beng’ (or ‘Qing Ming’, 清明节) was not originally a Buddhist tradition, it has nevertheless  been observed by Chinese Buddhists for centuries.  The Buddha taught that our duties towards parents and relatives do not end with their death.  After their demise, we should continue to honour them by performing wholesome, meritorious and noble deeds, and thereafter dedicate merits to them.

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23 February 2016

‘The Star’ reports on Nalanda event

On Sunday 21 February, Nalanda Dhamma School held its annual ‘tea ceremony’ to mark the end of this year’s Lunar New Year celebrations.  This customary practice affords children the opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for their parents’ love, care and sacrifice.  The event was reported by The Star Online; click here for the full story.

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