Every year, Theravada bhikkhus worldwide observe the ‘Rains-retreat’ for 3 months, usually from July until October. Monks who miss the start of ‘Vassana’ in July may begin their ‘second Vassana’ in August and end in November.
Read moreThe Buddha Day Heritage Procession at Nalanda is a unique cultural and spiritual experience that attracts more than 1,000 participants yearly. It is the only Heritage Procession in Malaysia where the Buddharupam is conveyed on a wooden sedan to the harmonious beat of drums and gongs, accompanied by beautifully hand-crafted paraphernalia carried by traditionally-dressed devotees holding candle-lights.
Read moreNalanda Patron’s Day will be observed over 3 days from 16 – 18 March, with a wholesome line-up of meaningful educational programmes. 18 March 2013 marks the 95th birth anniversary of our late Spiritual Advisor, Venerable Kirinde Sri Dhammananda. The late venerable was an erudite monk fondly known as the “Sangha Nāyaka of Malaysia”.
Read moreOn Sunday, 11 November 2012, more than 100 devotees gathered at Nalanda Centre to participate in the auspicious annual Robes Offering Ceremony. The Srivijaya Hall was packed to the brim; yet the air of peacefulness, devotion and concord was unmistakably present. Seated together, devotees were united in their aspirations in supporting the Buddhist Sangha.
Read morePindacāra, the practice of collecting alms-food, is observed by Theravada Buddhist monks who have gone forth from ‘home-life’ to ‘homelessness’. A Buddhist monk is known in Pāli Language as a ‘bhikkhu’ - meaning ‘one who lives on alms’.
Read moreBeginning the day after the full-moon of Asalha month (around July every year), Theravada Buddhist monks are required to observe Vassana or ‘Rains Retreat’ for a duration of 3 months. The Vassana period from July-August to October-November corresponds with the monsoon season in South and Southeast Asia (which were historically Buddhist strongholds), thus making traveling very difficult and even dangerous. Monks and nuns were often invited by Buddhist communities to reside in village Aramas (monasteries and nunneries) for the duration of the ‘rains’.
Read moreIn January 1898, an archeological survey team led by Peppe were excavating near the present-day Indian-Nepali border at Piphrawa. Peppe’s team discovered a ruined stupa, believed to be the site of ancient Kapilavatthu. During the excavation, a sandstone box, which contained jewels, ornaments and small urns, was discovered among the ruins.
Read moreEnshrinement ceremony of the Buddha's Sacred Relics at Wat Chetawan Petaling Jaya. Event
Read moreThe Pāli Language was derived from a Prakrit (folks’ dialect) of Magādha in ancient India. Its grammar is similar to those of Sanskrit and Latin. Pāli was chosen as the language to rehearse and record the Buddhist teachings at the First Rehearsal (Sangāyana) in 543 BCE. Pāli is unique among languages in that it is not used for any other purpose except to record Buddhist doctrines. Thus the meanings of its words were not ‘corrupted’ by common usage or ‘evolution’ over time.
Read more"The Buddha had exercised a profound influence on human civilization, and his teachings and example had provided the ethical and moral underpinnings of many societies. His teachings were based on the law of release from suffering, leading to spiritual enlightenment."
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