History

History of Buddhism; history of Nalanda; history or heritage-related topics.

4 May 2020

What Buddhist Year is this?

Vesakhā full-moon is the auspicious ‘Buddha Day’ which commemorates three important events in the Life of our Great Teacher – His birth in the year 623 BCE; His Enlightenment in 588 BCE; and His Parinibbāna in 543 BCE.  ‘Buddha Day’ on 7 May 2020 also marks the beginning of a new Buddhist Year, or more commonly expressed as Buddhist Era (B.E.) 2564. But how exactly do you derive the Year 2564?

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26 April 2020

How artworks convey Buddha’s great wisdom

In this period of great upheaval for humanity, the deep serenity and tranquility of the Buddha’s image provides solace, hope and peace to troubled minds.  We share with you an article published by CNN on 23 April 2020, titled “These ancient images of the Buddha are more timely than you think”.

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30 December 2019

Inspiring journey through India and Nepal

From 14 to 28 December 2019, 68 pilgrims embarked on ‘Buddhayatra’, a spiritual journey to India and Nepal led by Nalanda founder Bro. Tan.  A ‘Buddhayatra’ is not a sight-seeing tour but a journey of faith with insightful learning, reflection, and spiritual growth, as we retrace the path taken by our Enlightened Teacher 26 centuries ago.

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8 November 2019

Institute students dive into history

On Saturday 2 November, students of BPS 403 Higher Certificate in Buddhist Studies presented their much anticipated team assignments to course lecturers and peers.  The 11 teams had five weeks to research the development of Buddhism in their chosen Southeast Asian country and prepare their presentations as part of the course assessment.

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19 September 2019

Joyful learning in historic Kedah

On 14 – 16 September, over 120 students from BPS403 Higher Certificate in Buddhist Studies and Dhamma School for Adults embarked on a study tour to Bujang Valley, Kedah.  The entourage was led by Nalanda founder Bro. Tan to develop a better understanding of Kedah’s rich history through its archaeological and historical sites.

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18 March 2018

Birth centenary of an iconic Dhammaduta

Today is the 100th birth anniversary of the late Venerable Dr. Kirinde Sri Dhammananda Nāyaka Mahā Thero (1918 – 2006),  Sanghanāyaka Thera of Malaysia and Singapore, and Spiritual Adviser to Nalanda Buddhist Society.  Nalandians humbly pay tribute to his immeasurable contributions to the development of Malaysian Buddhism, and his invaluable teachings for our understanding and appreciation of Buddha-Dhamma.

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12 October 2017

National Conference on Buddhist Civilization

Leading Buddhist federations in Malaysia came together to celebrate the 60th anniversary of our nation’s independence in a meaningful way – by organising the “National Conference on Buddhist Civilization” from 15 to 17 September 2017, in Sungai Petani.  The unique gathering of 130 Buddhist leaders from all traditions aimed at spotlighting the long history of Buddhist presence in this country, especially in northern Peninsular Malaysia.

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3 October 2017

Malaysians deserve accurate history

Dr. Ranjit Singh Malhi;  Source: ‘The Star’, in his Letter to the Editor.

HISTORY is a factual account of significant events in the past that have shaped present-day society and the nation. It enables us to understand how today’s society and nations evolved.

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30 September 2017

Lecture on Theravāda Buddhism

Theravāda is one of the two major branches of Buddhism in the world today (the other being Mahāyana).  The Pāli term ‘Theravāda’ means “doctrine of the elders”, as this school of thought can trace its origins from the time of Emperor Asoka Moriya twenty-three centuries ago, making it the oldest existing Buddhist sect.

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27 August 2017

SBDC officers visit Nalanda

On Thursday 6 July, the President of Selangor Buddhist Development Council (SBDC) Bro. Loka Ng, accompanied by Bro. Cedric Tan, paid a visit to Sri Serdang to discuss preparations for the upcoming National Conference on Buddhist Civilisation with Bro Tan.

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