We are grateful to the Dhamma Day Forum Panelists for sharing their insights with us for the benefit of the wider community.

On Sunday 17 July, Nalandians welcomed leaders and members of the Buddhist community to Nalanda Centre for a Dhamma Forum, held in conjunction with Dhamma Day B.E. 2566 .  To introduce the forum topic ‘Growing a Dhamma community’, the keynote address by Achariya Vijaya Samarawickrama set the context of how the pandemic had affected the community, and what can we do to come back stronger than before, both personally and collectively. 

Panel speaker Ven. Dr. Dhammapala spoke on the importance of ‘Saddhā’, confidence in the Dhamma, and how this enables us to overcome challenges as well as maintain a positive mental outlook.  Our individual fortitudes act to strengthen any community which we are part of. Associate Professor Tan Kim See shared lessons learned at Seck Kia Enh, an organisation of over 100 years, in building and sustaining a community dedicated to Buddha-Sasana. 

In the keynote address, we are reminded that we need to turn our attention to effect transformation from ignorance to wisdom, and to bring doctrine and practice together.

“It is also our duty as laity to help propagate the Dhamma for the benefit of others.”

Ven. Dr Dhammapala reminded us to face the truth of impermanence in order not to be overly affected by challenges in life.

Sis. Buddhini shared that when we associate with good friends, we can benefit from their encouragement and guidance so that we do not stray from the Dhamma path.

Sis. Buddhini Tan shared that good practitioners and good friends are the basis of a Dhamma community.  As good practitioners, we learn the Buddha’s Teachings in order to practise and be grounded in Dhamma.  At the same time, we strive to be good friends to each other who cultivate together the spirit of learning and service. 

We thank Nalanda Institute, our esteemed panelists, forum moderator, volunteers and devotees for making this Dhamma Day Forum a beneficial platform to learn and consider how we can each play our part to strengthen a Dhamma community, so that many more people can continue to benefit and we can together walk the noble path.  Sadhu anumodana. 

The congregation were grateful for the opportunity to offer lunch dana to Ven. Dr. Dhammapala.

With the merits we have acquired, we transfer them unreservedly to our departed relatives & friends.

Sis. Buddhini Tan thanked Buddhist community leaders for coming to join the forum.