Theravāda is one of the two major branches of Buddhism in the world today (the other being Mahāyana). The Pāli term ‘Theravāda’ means “doctrine of the elders”, as this school of thought can trace its origins from the time of Emperor Asoka Moriya twenty-three centuries ago, making it the oldest existing Buddhist sect.
Read moreReport by Stephanie Chua.
On Sunday July 23, Sis. Santi was invited to give a Dhamma sharing on the qualities of a “worthy student” of Dhamma. We often hear that, “when a student is ready, the teacher will appear”. It means that when we are mentally ready for the Dhamma, anything around us can be the teacher, be it a person or an incident.
Read moreReport by Megan Lim.
On Sunday 16 July, Achariya Tan Siang Chye presented a talk about the true value of taking refuge in the Three Jewels. Taking refuge is a time-honoured tradition that began since the establishment of the Sangha. With the arising of the Buddha comes the rediscovery of Dhamma; and with the enlightenment of the Buddha’s first five disciples, the Sangha (Buddhist monastic community) was born.
Read moreReport by Megan Lim.
On Sunday 25 June, Bro. Tan delivered a Dhamma talk on ‘seclusion’, the third essential factor of Dhamma practice, following talks on ‘purity’ and ‘simplicity’. ‘Viveka’ refers to seclusion, remoteness, privacy, and separation from crowds. When socialising, more often than not, we tend to discuss topics that give rise to aversion and desire. On the other hand, occasional seclusion and simple living give rise to serenity.
Read moreReport by Megan Lim.
On Sunday 18 June, Nalanda founder Bro. Tan spoke about an essential element of Dhamma practice – maintaining simplicity in livelihood and having fewness in desires.
Read moreReport by Stephanie Chua.
“What is all this practice for? What are we trying to achieve in our Dhamma practice?” On Sunday 11 June, Bro. Tan led Nalandians on an investigation of the essentials of Dhamma practice – to maintain purity, simplicity, and seclusion.
Read moreReport by Stephanie Chua.
On 4 June, Datuk Charlie Chia was invited to give a Dhamma talk for the Gimhana Sunday Service. Datuk Charlie spoke about ‘viriya’ or energetic effort, which is an important spiritual quality. Datuk Charlie said that the inspiration we receive from our Dhamma teachers builds up and sustains our energy to practice for a period of time. However, this energy deteriorates after a while.
Read moreReport by Lim Jie Sheng.
Achariya Tan Siang Chye kick-started the 2017 Gimhāna Retreat by giving a Dhamma talk on the topic of ‘nekhamma’ or renunciation for the first Sunday session on 28 May.
Read moreThis weekend, we are celebrating ‘Dhamma Day’ (Saturday) and ‘Dhammacakka Day’ (Sunday) at Nalanda in conjunction with Asalha Full-moon. We gratefully commemorate the preaching of the Buddha’s first discourse after His Enlightenment – the ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’ – where He taught His initial disciples the fundamental teachings of the ‘Four Noble Truths’.
Read moreReport by Chuan Ze Wen
On Sunday 21 May, Nalanda had a meaningful gathering to thank volunteers and devotees for the successfully-run ‘Buddha Day’ celebrations recently. Bro. Tan took the opportunity to share with everyone the ways of skillfully working together in harmony, and how to practise Dhamma by being mindfully aware of ourselves and our environment.
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