History of Buddhism; history of Nalanda; history or heritage-related topics.
During a funeral ceremony in ancient China, paper-made models of houses, sedan chairs, treasure chests, clothes, daily utensils, and even effigies of servants, were burnt as the cortege was leaving home for burial in the cemetery.
Read moreAs we agonize over the fate of Malaysia Airlines MH370 which disappeared a few days ago with 239 people on board, let us also not forget the victims of a devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Eastern Japan 3 years ago today, on 11 March 2011.
Read moreNalanda Johor Bahru Branch members had a very enlightening and enjoyable 4-day study tour to Kedah and Perlis, from 22 – 25 November. The entourage left NEO Centre in JB on 22 November and stopped over for lunch at our ‘spiritual home’ – Nalanda Centre Sri Serdang. The group of 30 participants also visited the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Kuala Lumpur for a familiarization tour, thereafter left for Sungai Petani in Kedah. Read more
Nalanda Founder Bro. H S Tan has sent an official letter to the relevant authorities regarding the desecration of an ancient temple in Sungai Batu Archaeological Area, Bujang Valley, Kedah. We can only provide excerpts of the letter here for public information.
Read moreDr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born in 1891 into the ‘untouchables’, a segment of India’s population that was hitherto deprived, degraded, and often mistreated by the other castes. Yet despite his early deprivation, Dr. Ambedkar later rose in stature and prominence through hard work and fortitude to become the first Law Minister of independent India. He is also popularly regarded as the ‘principal architect of the Indian Constitution’ – a social contract that granted liberties, justice, and respectability to India’s dejected millions.
Read more90 youths and devotees had an enlightening tour to Bujang Valley on 15 September 2013, under the guidance of Bro. H S Tan. Our one-day trip covered several archaeologically important sites such as Sungai Batu, Merbok, and Semeling, located in Kuala Muda district of Kedah.
Read moreNalanda Patron’s Day will be observed over 3 days from 16 – 18 March, with a wholesome line-up of meaningful educational programmes. 18 March 2013 marks the 95th birth anniversary of our late Spiritual Advisor, Venerable Kirinde Sri Dhammananda. The late venerable was an erudite monk fondly known as the “Sangha Nāyaka of Malaysia”.
Read moreBeginning the day after the full-moon of Asalha month (around July every year), Theravada Buddhist monks are required to observe Vassana or ‘Rains Retreat’ for a duration of 3 months. The Vassana period from July-August to October-November corresponds with the monsoon season in South and Southeast Asia (which were historically Buddhist strongholds), thus making traveling very difficult and even dangerous. Monks and nuns were often invited by Buddhist communities to reside in village Aramas (monasteries and nunneries) for the duration of the ‘rains’.
Read moreRehearsing the Dhamma-vinaya
The Pāli term ‘Sangāyana’ can be translated as rehearsal or communal chanting. The purpose of a Sangāyana is to accurately preserve the original teachings of the Buddha. The reciters’ duty is to rehearse, examine, and review the Canon so that no parts of which are added, omitted or altered, and any such deviations were to be rectified. Throughout history, there had been six such formal occasions where the entire Pāli Canon was rehearsed and authenticated.
Read moreIn January 1898, an archeological survey team led by Peppe were excavating near the present-day Indian-Nepali border at Piphrawa. Peppe’s team discovered a ruined stupa, believed to be the site of ancient Kapilavatthu. During the excavation, a sandstone box, which contained jewels, ornaments and small urns, was discovered among the ruins.
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