Today marks the Republic of Indonesia’s 78th Anniversary of Independence. The vast country founded in 1945 at the end of World War II has come a long way since. Indonesia today has succeeded in many aspects of nation-building, mainly due to its unifying philosophy of inclusiveness of all her people – the principle of ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’ (unity in diversity). This philosophy of inclusiveness, fairness and parity between races has forged a shared identity amongst Indonesians, defined by a national language, ethnic harmony, religious pluralism and tolerance.
Read moreOn Tuesday 21 February, Nalanda leaders welcomed representatives from 大马佛教大学 Dharma Buddhist University (DBU), Bentong and Sekolah Tinggi Agama Buddha Nalanda, Indonesia to Nalanda Centre for a leadership exchange. On this maiden visit to Nalanda Centre, the group was brought on a building tour to learn about Buddhist history, culture and values that were embedded in its architecture and design.
Read moreNalanda Centre is honoured to host Indonesian bhikkhu, Venerable Alokavamsa, from 17 to 19 November. On Sunday, 18 November, we welcome everyone to offer breakfast dāna (7.00am) at Nalanda Centre, and lunch dāna (11.00am) at NEO Centre Happy Garden. You may bring vegetarian food or ripe fruits as offerings. For more information, please contact Nalanda Office at 03-8938-1500. Thank you!
Read moreThis morning at 7.30am Malaysian time, we received the tragic news that Lion Air JT610 had crashed into the Java Sea minutes of taking off from Jakarta. The Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft with 189 people on board was on a scheduled flight to Pangkal Pinang on Bangka Island.
Read moreAn earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter Scale and a series of powerful aftershocks that followed devastated the city of Palu in Central Sulawesi on Friday 28 September, killing more than 400 people and causing widespread damages. The severe quake also caused a tsunami which resulted in further casualties in the area.
Read moreOn Sunday 5 August, a very strong earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter Scale wreaked havoc on the Indonesian island of Lombok, near Bali. The death toll from the earthquake has risen past 347. Another 1,447 people were injured and 165,003 displaced.
Read moreIn late August, Nalanda founder Bro. Tan led a study tour to Borobudur, Yogjakarta and Solo; the trip was jointly organised by Buddhist Fellowship Singapore and Nalanda Institute Malaysia. With Bro. Tan’s informative and skilful explanations, participants were as though transported back in time to over a thousand years ago to vividly visualize Javanese and Buddhist arts and culture.
Read moreToday, the Republic of Indonesia celebrates its 72nd Independence Day. The diverse peoples of Indonesia and Malaysia share a two-thousand year history of trade, cultural exchanges, and political unions. Both our countries were once part of the mighty Srivijaya Buddhist Empire from the 7th to 13th centuries CE.
Read moreReported by the Jakarta Post, 30 June 2017.
During his visit to the iconic Borobudur Stupa in Central Java last Wednesday, former President of the United States Barack Obama said the monument brought back fond memories of his childhood.
Read moreOver the weekend of 8 and 9 April, Nalanda Centre hosted a visit by our friends from Pa-Auk Tawya Vipassanā Dhura Hermitage (PATVDH) in Beji, Java. The group of ten was led by Bro. Phang Hok Lij on their first-ever visit to Serdang. Upon arrival, the visitors were warmly received by Nalandians, and brought on a tour of the Centre.
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