During the Youth Sunday Service on 19 July, Nalanda youths gathered for an inspiring Dhamma session with Achariya Vijaya, affectionately known as Uncle Vijaya. Continuing the study of the Jayamaṅgala Gāthā, he guided participants through the eighth verse, which recounts how the Buddha compassionately dispelled the wrong views of the Brahmā Baka. Rather than relying on supernatural power or force, the Buddha's victory was won through wisdom, compassion, and the realisation of truth.
Read moreBeginning on the day after the Āsālha Full-moon (Dhamma Day), Theravāda Buddhist monks enter the annual Vassa or Rains Retreat, a three-month period of intensified spiritual cultivation. During this time, monks remain in one monastery, devoting themselves to meditation, Dhamma study, teaching, and the observance of the monastic discipline (Vinaya). Lay devotees also take this opportunity to deepen their own practice through generosity (dāna), moral conduct (sīla), meditation (bhāvanā), and regular support of the Sangha.
Read moreOn Tuesday 14 July, devotees gathered at Nalanda Centre for the Uposatha evening service and Dhamma talk by Sis. Sunanda Ong to guide us in examining the quality of our choices in daily life. Drawing from the Agati Sutta, devotees learned the importance of avoiding the four wrong bases in decision-making which are, ‘chanda’ (greed or personal desire), ‘dosa’ (hatred or ill will), ‘moha’ (delusion), and ‘bhaya’ (fear).
Read moreNalanda Centre was honoured to host a one-day Metta Meditation Retreat organised by Serdang Buddhist Association on Saturday 11 July, welcoming 90 participants for a wholesome day of meditation and Dhamma learning under the guidance of Ven. U Paññasami. Throughout the retreat, participants learnt the true meaning of mettā (loving-kindness), cultivating a heart of goodwill towards family, friends, including those with whom they may experience difficulties, and all beings.
Read moreOn Thursday 9 July, the Nalanda community was honoured to welcome Ven. Ajahn Kalyano to NEO Centre K.L. for a joyful evening of Dhamma. Ajahn reminded us that we are fortunate to have a supportive place and community for Dhamma learning and practice — this rare opportunity that should not be taken for granted. It remains up to each of us to make good use of these conditions with a sense of urgency.
Read moreOn Monday 15 June, devotees gathered at Nalanda Centre for the evening Uposatha Service at the start of the annual Gimhāna Period, a special time dedicated to intensified practice and spiritual cultivation. Sis. Nandinī Tan led a reflection on the gradual spiritual evolution from an anāriya (unenlightened being) to an ariya (noble disciple), for devotees to gain clarity on the path of inner transformation. Devotees also deep-dived into the Five Daily Practices observed during the Gimhāna period.
Read moreNalanda has commenced its 12-session Satipatthāna Meditation Programme, held every Wednesday evening from June to September, guiding participants on the Buddha’s direct path to developing mindfulness, awareness and wisdom. In the first two sessions, participants explored the foundations of Satipaṭṭhāna, the cultivation of mindfulness and clear comprehension in daily life. They learned that meditation is not merely about calming the mind, but about developing the ability to observe experiences as they truly are, with understanding and wisdom.
Read moreNext Wednesday 24 June, let us make time and effort to gather and learn from Luang Pu Maha Sawaeng, a highly respected and humble monk who delivers easy to understand yet deeply touching Dhamma talks. The service commences at 8pm at Nalanda Centre in Sri Serdang. Luang Pu studied at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, from 1970 to 1973, where he also helped support temple construction and restoration projects.
Read moreToday, 15 June, on the New-moon Uposatha day of the month of Jeṭṭha, Nalanda members and volunteers begin the Gimhāna period, a season for coming together to deepen our understanding and practice of the Dhamma. In the seven weeks after the Buddha’s Enlightenment, the Buddha contemplated the Dhamma with perfectly purified and clear faculties of wisdom and insight. Inspired by this, we too take this period as an opportunity to strengthen our practice.
Read moreThe annual Gimhāna Period begins today at Nalanda and continues for seven weeks until 28 July. This observance commemorates the period following the Buddha’s Enlightenment on the Wesak full-moon day, when He spent seven weeks in the vicinity of the Bodhi Tree contemplating the profound Dhamma He had realised.
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