Today is the full-moon day for the month of ‘Potthapāda’ (or ‘Binara’ [ බිනර ] in Sinhalese). According to Sri Lankan Theravada tradition, this day commemorates the occasion where the Buddha allowed the ordination of ‘bhikkhunīs’ (women renunciates), and thus is a very important anniversary.
Read moreThe tradition of ‘Rains Retreat’ was started by the Buddha Himself in the year 588 BCE, where the Lord and 60 bhikkhus resided in Sarnath near Varanasi. The Buddha, seeing that the period of intense spiritual practice and communal discipline had greatly benefited the monks, formally instituted the 3-month ‘Rains Retreat’ whereby monks and nuns were to refrain from traveling and engaging in much activity to focus their attention inwardly towards spiritual development and purification.
Read moreAccording to Theravada Buddhist tradition, monks are required to observe ‘Vassana’ or ‘Rains Retreat’ for a duration of 3 months beginning the day after the full-moon of Asalha month, which is today. The tradition of ‘Rains Retreat’ was started by the Buddha Himself in the year 588 BCE, where the Lord and 60 bhikkhus resided in Sarnath near Varanasi. The monks learned and practised Dhamma intensively under the direct guidance of the Buddha; at the end of that period, all of them had attained the highest spiritual goal of Arahantship.
Read more‘Pindacāra’ is the practice of Theravada monks going on alms-round to collect their daily meal. ‘Pindacāra’ is a compound Pāli word. ‘Pinda’ means lumps of food (contained in a monk’s alms-bowl). ‘Cāra’ means to walk about for the purpose of collecting alms-food. Hence, ‘Pindacāra’ means to collect food by going on alms-round.
Read moreOne of the highlights of Nalanda’s annual Wesak celebration is the peaceful ‘Heritage Procession’ in the evening of ‘Buddha Day’. This year’s procession was themed “One step, one wholesome thought – 2,558 steps to spiritual progress!” to mark the Buddhist Era 2558.
Read moreToday is a New-moon Uposatha (Observance) Day. We will be having an Evening Service from 8pm to 10pm at Nalanda Centre Sri Serdang tonight, with pūja, chanting, meditation, and Dhamma-sharing.
Read more‘Dedication of Merits’ is a Buddhist practice whereby one performs a noble, meritorious deed in kind memory of one’s departed relatives. One performs such wholesome deeds in honour of loved ones who had passed away by thinking: “Idam me ñātinam hotu, sukhitā hontu ñātayo.” – “Let this merit accrue to my departed relatives; may they be happy!”
Read more‘Nalanda Patron’s Day’ is an annual programme to commemorate and appreciate all donors, benefactors and volunteers who have contributed tremendously to the growth of Nalanda, and by extension, to the development of Buddhist education.
Read moreWe welcome you to join us at Nalanda Centre in tonight’s Uposatha Pūja starting at 8pm. Today happens to be the religiously significant ‘Māgha Pūja ’ Day. ‘Māgha ’ is the name of a month in the Buddhist calendar; hence ‘Māgha Pūja ’ is observed on the full-moon day of that month.
Read moreIt's the 'Kathina' season whereby the laity are offering alms and requisites to the Sangha members who completed another ‘annual rains retreat’ (Vassana). The Nalanda Johor Bahru Team is happily taking part in several such celebrations in Johor. On 20 October, the team was at Santi Forest Monastery in Ulu Tiram for its Kathina Day. On 27 October, the team headed to Dhamma-Light Meditation Centre in Api Api, Pontian, for the celebrations there. Next the team will be going to Santisukharama in Kota Tinggi for its Kathina Day this Sunday. Sadhu anumodana!
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