In just a few days, we bid farewell to 2020 and welcome the new year with fresh hopes that 2021 brings more favourable conditions, in stark contrast to the myriad of challenges this year has hurled at humanity. These difficult times however, provide us with a precious opportunity to reflect, learn and contemplate through the lens of Dhamma.
Read moreIn Dhammapada verse 184, the Buddha cited that the best moral practice is patience and forbearance. Known as ‘khanti’ in Pāli, patient forbearance is motivated by wholesome desire for not only peace within, but also for the welfare of others. One who cultivates patience lives with little hatred or remorse for others and lives harmoniously with the people around them.
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‘Metta’ is a mental state of unconditional love and friendliness towards all beings. This noble virtue could be a lofty goal for many because we may even struggle to have loving-kindness for those close to us such as our family members, friends and colleagues. Out of habit, our thoughts and reactions are tainted with unpleasant or discriminating views of others.
Read moreAs the world grapples with the global pandemic, it is heart-warming to see many rallying together to help others in need. In various capacities, some provide food and necessities to those whose livelihoods have been devastated, while some sew protective garments for frontline workers. When we give without any expectations or reservations, we develop a mental state of relinquishment called ‘cāga’ in Pāli.
Read moreEvery day, we experience a myriad of emotions and endless thoughts. Fleeting moments of happiness may be replaced with annoyance, anger or anxiety as we react to events unfolding around us. By being aware of negative feelings and their impact on our outlook in life, we can change our attitude by cultivating gratitude which brings with it contentment, peace and joy.
Read moreReflection is a process for us to connect the Dhamma with what we hear, see and experience. Connecting what we have learnt to life’s experiences gives us deeper insights which transforms our perspectives towards these experiences and life itself.
Read moreDo you recall the last time you said or did something which was hurtful to others or yourself? We may even have dwelled over those incidents and wished that we had done the right thing instead. Regrets cloud our minds because we have been honed in unproductive ways and are often driven by cravings, selfish needs or laziness. These unwholesome habits can be uprooted through Right Effort.
Read moreOn 23 January, Nalanda Centre hosted friends visiting us for the first time from Vihara Dhamma Mulia, Batam. Warmly welcomed by Sis. Nandini Tan and Nalanda officers, they were brought on a tour around Nalanda Centre, K. Sri Dhammananda Centre and Wisdom Park Exhibition.
Read moreOn Sunday 9 December 2018, Nalanda Centre warmly welcomed 10 members of Seck Kia Eenh (SKE) Temple, a long-standing Buddhist association in Melaka with a heritage that dates back to 1920. The group, led by the Temple’s President, Associate Professor Tan Kim See, was on a day-trip to visit several Buddhist centres around Klang Valley.
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