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’.
Read moreOn Wednesday 15 June, at the weekly group practice, Sis. Buddhinī shared with new participants the basics of meditation. She explained the purpose of meditation, important factors to consider, the different meditation postures, and led participants through a sitting session.
Read moreOn Thursday 9 June, Nalanda Centre was honoured to host Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul for a special Dhamma Lecture on “The essence of Tibetan Buddhism and its general misconceptions”. It was His Eminence’s first visit to Malaysia, which was coordinated by the Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia (VBCM). Besides Nalanda Centre, Geshe-la also gave lectures at the Buddhist Gem Fellowship and Universiti Malaya (hosted by the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia) during his brief tour.
Read moreOn 1 June, we were blessed to have Venerable U Vijaya from Indonesia to lead the weekly meditation at Nalanda Centre, Sri Serdang. Ven. Vijaya explained that if we had faith in the Buddha, then we must be ready to walk the path He taught, and practise the Dhamma well. We must strengthen our Viriya (Right Effort) and keep our Sīla (virtue) strong.
Read moreSunday 5 June marked the beginning of the annual 7-week Gimhāna (Summer) Retreat, organised by Nalanda for the fifth consecutive year. This year’s retreat spans from 5 June to 20 July. Director of Nalanda Institute, Achariya Tan Siang Chye, heralded an uplifting start to the retreat by giving a talk on the Buddha as a ‘unique Teacher’, and also his ‘incomparable Teachings’.
Read moreBuddhism emphasises on self-reliance and self-development; it is through one’s own efforts that one overcomes suffering to achieve the highest happiness, Nibbana. Therefore, it is important for us to do what is essential to lighten our suffering and increase our happiness. Wise reflection (Yoniso Manasikara) is a practice that will help us to reach this goal and attain wisdom.
Read moreOn Wesak eve, Nalanda founder Bro. H.S. Tan gave a Dhamma talk to usher in the most important Day in the Buddhist calendar – Wesak ‘Buddha Day’. He explained that we celebrate Wesak to honour the Buddha and commemorate His Enlightenment.
Read moreOn Sunday 8 May, Achariya Vijaya Samarawickrama gave a talk on ‘Faith and Devotional Practice’. He explained that ‘faith’ in the context of Buddhism is not blind nor dogmatic, but is developed through gradual approach and proper understanding, which then gives rise to wisdom.
Read moreOn Saturday 7 May, a large contingent of 55 members, volunteer teachers and Dhamma School students from Seck Kia Eenh (SKE) Temple (or formally known as Malacca Buddhist Association) came to Nalanda Centre for a visit. The group was on a one-day tour of several Buddhist centres in the Klang Valley, led by the temple’s Deputy President, Associate Professor Tan Kim See.
Read moreWesak ‘Buddha Day’ commemorates the profound event of Buddha’s ‘Enlightenment’ – in other words, His complete realisation of truth and liberation from suffering. The path towards ‘Enlightenment’ begins with learning and practising Dhamma. Thus, we should prioritise spiritual cultivation over rituals in observing Wesak Day.
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