On Sunday 5 July, Bro. Ananda Fong gave an informative talk quoting Anguttara Nikāya (AN. 3.65) – “Kālāma Sutta” and Majjhima Nikāya (MN.56) – “Upali Sutta”. From the “Kālāma Sutta” we learnt not to simply believe and to abandon qualities that lead to harm and suffering. We are encouraged to meditate and practice the four Brahmavihāra.
Read moreOn Friday 19 June, Nalanda was honoured to host Venerable Ajahn Dhammasīha, a German bhikkhu residing in Australia, for an evening Dhamma talk. Devotees were much inspired by Ajahn’s simple yet profound explanation on mental purification. In a gradual approach to practising Dhamma, the first thing to cultivate is Dāna (generosity), followed by observing the Five Precepts properly, so as to overcome all unskillful behaviours. In this way, we are cultivating for our own happiness and for the happiness of others as well.
Read moreOn Saturday 6 June, the monthly educational ‘Pindacāra’ (monks going on alms-round) Programme was once again held at Sri Petaling and Happy Garden markets. Nalandians, devotees and volunteers gathered at Nalanda Education & Outreach (NEO) Centre Kuala Lumpur at 7.30am to start the day with Pūja and chanting before proceeding to the nearby Sri Petaling market at 8.30am and subsequently, to Happy Garden market at 9.30am.
Read moreWesak ‘Buddha Day’ was celebrated with joy and spiritual fervour at Nalanda Education & Outreach (NEO) Centre Happy Garden on 3 May 2015. Chairman Bro. Eugene Yong and other Committee Members were on hand to welcome devotees to the 4th Wesak Observance at Nalanda Kuala Lumpur Branch since its establishment.
Read moreIt was a lovely Sunday morning on 3 May, when Wesak ‘Buddha Day’ was observed in Malaysia. The good weather with a constant, gentle breeze greeted hundreds of devotees as they arrived at Nalanda Centre to participate in the ‘Buddha Day’ Pūja and Dhamma Talk.
Read moreAt the last Service Sunday before Wesak celebrations in Malaysia, Nalanda organised a day-long programme based on ‘Samaggi’ – the cultivation of unity and harmony. There were messages from the President Sis. Evelyn; advice from Nalanda Founder Bro. Tan; a Dhamma talk by Bro. Ananda Fong; and briefing for Wesak Day volunteers by Honorary Secretary, Bro. Pee.
Read moreOn Tuesday 21 April, devotees had an inspiring evening listening to Venerable D. Upananda Nāyaka Thero’s Dhamma Talk at Nalanda Centre. Ven. Upananda shared with us the five types of ‘Māra’ that we should be aware of, namely – (1) ‘Devaputta’ – is not only a very powerful deity but is also bent on making life difficult for holy persons; (2) ‘Kilesa’ – the demons of defilement: greed, aversion and delusion; (3) ‘Abhisamkhara’ – karmic activities which are more subtle; (4) ‘Khandha’ – arising from the Five Aggregates; and (5) ‘Maccu’ – death.
Read moreOn Sunday 12 April, Sis. Santī Cheang gave a Dhamma talk on our ‘Buddha Day’ (Wesak) theme this year – ‘Being a Good Practitioner and Good Friend’. Sis. Santī spoke about the qualities of a good friend – being caring, supportive, helpful, and considerate, among others. She said that in order to be a good friend to others, we need to cultivate good qualities within ourselves, and strengthen our practice consistently until they become an integral part of our culture and character.
Read moreOn Sunday 5 April, Bro. Tan gave a meaningful sharing on the significance of “Cheng Beng”. “Cheng Beng” is not about performing rituals or burning “material things” to ‘benefit’ the deceased. It is about understanding the root values that maintain harmony, peace and happiness in communal living. The traditional values of kindness, generosity, compassion, morality and respect are rooted in our culture. These values promote mutual understanding and bring about conditions for happiness.
Read moreOn Saturday 4 April, the monthly educational ‘Pindacāra’ Programme at Sri Petaling and Happy Garden markets was held with three venerable Sangha members going on alms-round. Nalanda Founder, Bro. Tan, volunteers and devotees participated joyfully in offering food to the Sangha members.
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