Nalanda Buddhist Society members extend our felicitations and warmest wishes to Venerable Sri Pandita Dr. Henepola Gunaratana Māha Nāyaka Thero on his 94th birthday, today! Fondly known as ‘Bhante G’, Ven. Gunaratana left Sri Lanka as a young monk to propagate Dhamma in India, Malaysia and the United States of America.
Read moreBeing kind costs us nothing, but can give us the gains of lightness and happiness Today is World Kindness Day, a time to celebrate this defining quality of our humanity. In the era of the Covid-19 pandemic, random acts of kindness may have become more scarce or maybe more difficult as physical distancing and masked faces define the ‘new norm’. We must be wary that we do not unintentionally alienate care for each other in lieu of ‘safety’, and diminish our compassion.
Read moreThe full-moon of the eighth lunar month shines brightly above us tonight, as Chinese communities around the world celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节). It is traditionally a time for families to gather for reunion dinners in the spirit of harmony and togetherness. Where travel is restricted in this period due to the pandemic, we can still endeavour to have a meaningful reconnect on-line with our loved ones by showing our genuine care and concern for their well-being.
Read moreToday is the 58th anniversary of the formation of ‘Malaysia’– a federation of 13 states spanning the Malay Peninsula, Sarawak, and Sabah. As a multi-ethnic and multi-religious, Malaysians have grown to be more resilient and progressive as we face the challenges of economic turmoil, political uncertainties and now, the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read moreToday is the Republic of Singapore’s 56th National Day. The theme for this National Day, “Together, our Singapore Spirit” celebrates the unity and solidarity of all Singaporeans in persevering and rising through today's challenges, just as their founding fathers had in turning the city-state from a third-world back water into a first-world economic powerhouse.
Read moreToday, we celebrate fathers around the world who uphold their duty to provide, protect and support us. They lift us up and show us the way to be good, upright and honest citizens of the world. Let us recollect the love our fathers have afforded us and honour them with our affection and gratitude. We wish all fathers “Happy Father’s Day”.
Read moreNalanda Buddhist Society wishes our Muslim friends a peaceful celebration on the arrival of Syawal today. While festivities are likely to be muted again this year with the reinstatement of lockdown in Malaysia, the spirit of gratitude and forgiveness need not be diminished. With the help of technology, we can still connect with our loved ones whilst safeguarding their health by minimising the risk of exposure to them.
Read moreMother’s Day honours all mothers, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. From the day we were born, her love for us is unconditional as she tirelessly protects us and teaches us right from wrong. Our conscience and moral compass develops under her guidance so that we can bring value and have a positive impact to the community. In return, she only wishes that we are well, happy and live a meaningful life.
Read moreThe people of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Sri Lanka will welcome the New Year this week. We wish our Thai, Burmese and Sinhalese teachers and friends a blessed and peaceful new year celebration. May your celebrations be ever more meaningful and spiritual with your loved ones. Happy New Year!
Read moreToday is the beginning of the Ramadhan month, when Muslims around the world would fulfil their religious obligation by embarking on a month of fasting from dawn to dusk. This is a spiritual period for reflection, cultivating wholesome habits, and developing kindness and compassion. We wish our Muslim brothers and sisters “Selamat Berpuasa”, and a blessed Ramadhan Al-Mubarak. Salam mettā.
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