Instead of ‘counting down’ to the New Year, Nalandians ‘calm down’ with meditation and reflection.

Close to midnight on 31 December 2016, members, devotees and students traditionally gathered at Nalanda Centre to participate in the New Year Eve pūja and chanting.  Instead of the worldly way of ‘counting down’ to the stroke of 12am, Nalandians choose to ‘calm down’ with meditation, reflection, and making spiritual aspirations.

A large congregation had gathered for the midnight chanting at Nalanda Centre on 31 December.

The traditional recitation of ‘Mangala Sutta’ and other parittas on New Year Eve.

The meditation and chanting began at 11pm and continued for more than an hour past midnight. Among the discourses recited were the Mangala Sutta (the Buddha’s discourse on highest blessings) and Karaniya-Metta Sutta (discourse on loving-kindness).

Nalanda President Sis. Evelyn thanking everyone for supporting the Society throughout 2016.

Nalanda President Sis. Evelyn Chow addressed the congregation by thanking everyone for spending a meaningful year with Nalanda, and wished everyone a similar fruitful year ahead. Joyful members and devotees later greeted each other with best wishes for 2017.  Sadhu!

Nalandians were encouraged to make noble and spiritual aspirations to welcome the New Year instead of generating more worldly desires.

Nalandians wishing each other “bonne année” and sukhihontu!