History

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

15 December 2014

Rājagaha – Ancient Capital of Magadha

In the 7th Century BCE, Rājagaha (modern-day Rajgir) was the old capital city of Magadha Kingdom.  During the reign of King Bimbisara, it was one of the largest cities in the world.  King Bimbisara was a good administrator and a generous, spiritual person.  Thus, many religious and meditation teachers of the day were attracted to Rājagaha due to his munificent support.

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9 December 2014

Kapilavatthu – Home-town of Siddhattha Gotama

In the 7th Century BCE, Kapilavatthu was the capital of Sakka (also spelled ‘Sakya’) Kingdom, a small but prosperous principality south of the Himalayas rich in agriculture.   The most famous king to have reigned there was King Suddhodana and his consort Queen Māyādevī, who were the parents of Prince Siddhattha Gotama (who later became Sakyamuni Buddha).

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2 December 2014

Lumbini – the birthplace of Siddhattha Gotama

Lumbini Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in Nepal, just 26km from the border with India.  It is an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists along with Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kusinara, because Prince Siddhattha Gotama (who later became Sakyamuni Buddha) was born there in 623 BCE.

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29 November 2014

BPS402 – Interesting Group Presentations

On Saturday 15 November, students of BPS402 – Higher Certificate in Buddhist Studies Course were at Nalanda Centre to present their group assignments.  Seven groups were formed among the participants and the topic was ‘Expansion of Buddhism in South-east Asia’.

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24 November 2014

BPS402 – Lecture 10 on ‘Buddhist Arts & Culture’

Report by Tung Wai Hau

On Saturday 8 November, two of Nalanda Institute’s distinguished lecturers, Achariya Vijaya Samarawickrama and Achariya Tan Siang Chye delivered the lecture on ‘Buddhist Arts & Culture’.  Students eagerly attended this last lecture of the 5-month BPS402 – Higher Certificate in Buddhist Studies course.

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23 November 2014

Amazing ‘Xuan Zang – Journey to the West’ Musical

On Saturday 1 November, Nalanda hosted ‘Xuan Zang – Journey to the West’ musical at Istana Budaya.  More than 1,200 guests had a wonderful time attending the musical and were inspired by the true identity of Master Xuan Zang.

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17 November 2014

Nālandā – the World’s first University

The ruins of the majestic ‘Nālandā Māha Vihāra’ stands proudly in the State of Bihar, India.  Even in its present derelict condition, the large foundations and thick walls of its structures still inspire awe in the thousands of people who visit it annually.

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7 November 2014

“If you haven’t watched it, please do!”

“If you haven’t watched it, please do!”  That was the comment by Bro. Tan after he attended last night’s performance of ‘Xuan Zang – Journey to the West’ at Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur.  This fabulous original musical by Han Production depicts the travels and travails of Venerable Master Xuan Zang who journeyed for 17 years from China to India and back, in his determined quest to obtain authentic Buddhist teachings and scriptures for his native land.

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5 November 2014

Special Talk on Buddhist History in Kedah

On 10 October, Nalanda Founder Bro. Tan was invited to Central Kedah Buddhist Association in Sungai Petani to give a keynote presentation on the “Buddhist Presence in Kedah”.  The special talk was in conjunction with the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia’s “Dharma Walk” programme held at the same venue.  Members from more than 20 Kedahan Buddhist societies attended the event. Read more

27 October 2014

The ‘real’ Master Xuan Zang 玄奘大師

Saturday, 1 November | 7.45pm | Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur

This Saturday, Nalanda Buddhist Society proudly presents an original musical by Han Production – ‘Xuan Zang – Journey to the West’ – to be performed at Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur. This fabulous musical depicts the perilous travels of Venerable Master Xuan Zang from China to India and back, in his determined quest to obtain Buddhist teachings and scriptures for his native land.

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