Today, the Chinese community celebrates ‘Cheng Beng’ (or ‘Qing Ming’, 清明节), a custom when people pay tribute to their ancestors through food offerings and by ‘sweeping tombs’. A tradition which originated over two thousand years ago in China, the word ‘Cheng Beng’ means "pure brightness", coinciding with the beginning of spring when the sun shines brightly.
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 moreFathers are the silent heroes in our lives, who provide for the family and guide us to be good and upright. Steadfast and dependable, they are our pillars of strength who give us shelter and courage. Bearing deep gratitude in our hearts, let us thank all fathers whose dedication and care towards our well-being is relentless. Thank you, fathers!
Read moreA mother is compassionate when we are anxious, and patient when we are errant. They forgive us for our carelessness, and carefully lets us develop to our potential. In celebration of Mother’s Day, let our appreciation for them be unrelenting, just as a mother’s love is unending. We wish all mothers everywhere a meaningful and joyful Mother’s Day. May they be blessed with good health, comfort, happiness, and peace. May they be blessed with love.
Read moreOn 10 March, Nalanda Dhamma School organised a Parenting Workshop for parents and facilitators to explore effective strategies in understanding and connecting with our children. Dhamma speaker and counsellor, Bro. Ooi Boon Keat started with an exercise to list out our expectations towards our children and vice versa. Parents realised that our expectations greatly outweigh that of our childrens’ capabilities and reflected that we must be realistic to avoid causing unnecessary stress and conflicts.
Read moreFathers are often the unsung heroes of our lives. They work hard to provide for the family and to protect us from harm. If we are able to achieve much in life, it is undoubtedly their contribution that has enabled us to do so. On this special weekend, we wish them “Happy Father’s Day”! May they live long healthily and happily.
Read moreOn Sunday 12 February, parents and children gathered for a heart-warming, tea-offering ceremony at NEO Centre, Happy Garden. The programme was organised by Nalanda Dhamma School in conjunction with the Lunar New Year, to provide an opportunity for Dhamma School students to express gratitude and appreciation to their parents.
Read moreOn Sunday 12 February, Nalanda Dhamma School held its annual tea-offering ceremony in conjunction with the Lunar New Year. The purpose of the tea ceremony was for children to express their love and gratitude towards parents and teachers who have cared for, and supported them unconditionally.
Read moreOn Sunday 10 January, parents of newly-enrolled Dhamma School students and new-comers to Nalanda Centre were invited to attend the first session of ‘Svagatam’ Induction Programme conducted by Bro. Aggaphala Yap. The six-session course aims to introduce Buddhist values, culture and etiquette to its participants. It also aims to provide essential knowledge on how to live in accordance with Dhamma.
Read moreOn 30 August, Nalandians gathered at NEO Centre Johor Bahru in their uniforms to observe ‘Samaggi Day’ during Service Sunday. In remembrance of our late teacher Venerable Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda Nāyaka Thero, Branch Chairman Bro. David Yap recollected how the great qualities of the much-respected and beloved late venerable had inspired him.
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