At 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.
Read moreOn Thursday 2 April, Nalanda welcomed Ven. Dr. T. Sangharatana Nāyaka Thero to talk on how to be ‘Good Practitioners’. Ven. Sangharatana said that the teaching of all Buddhas is to ‘avoid doing evil actions, to cultivate wholesome deeds and to develop mental abilities’. Buddhists are reminded to be mindful of our actions – whether physical, verbal or mental – at all times.
Read moreOn Sunday 29 March, Nalandians came together at Nalanda Centre in their white shirts and sarong in conjunction with “Samaggi Day”, which falls on the last Sunday of every month. Nalandians and devotees were delighted when Founder Bro. Tan came to give a short sharing on “Samaggi”, which means unity and harmony.
Read moreOn Sunday 8 March, Nalandians and devotees congregated to observe the 1st anniversary of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370’s mysterious disappearance over the Indian Ocean. Venerable Seelananda Maha Thero, Deputy Abbot of Bhāvanā Society, West Virginia, USA, graced the occasion with an insightful Dhamma talk.
Read moreOn Saturday 7 March, the monthly educational ‘Pindacāra’ Programme at Sri Petaling and Happy Garden markets was held with three venerable Sangha members going on alms-round. Many regular devotees gathered along the ‘Pindacāra’ route waiting for the arrival of the venerable monks to offer food. Some market-goers were so inspired by the sight of composed monks that they promptly joined in the offering!
Read more8 March 2015 marks the 1st anniversary of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370′s mysterious disappearance over the Indian Ocean, with 239 passengers and crew on board. We invite everyone to participate in a Special Memorial Service dedicated to the victims of this tragedy. Let us be united in our compassion and generate thoughts of mettā (loving-kindness) to the grieving families.
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