Nalanda Institute Malaysia

Background

Nalanda Institute Malaysia (NIM) was conceptualised in January 2006 in response to the needs of the Buddhist community to have an institution for proper, systematic and holistic learning of the Buddha-Dhamma in Malaysia. The then Spiritual Advisor to Nalanda Buddhist Society, Venerable Dr. Kirinde Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Thera gave his unequivocal support to the idea.

Nalanda Institute was formally established on 1 July 2007.  Dr. Tan Ho Soon was appointed the Institute’s Founding Director for a 3-year term.  On 1 July 2010, Mr Vijaya Samarawickrama succeeded Dr. Tan as Director.

The “Buddhism in Malaysia” Gallery at Langkasuka Lounge, Nalanda Centre.

Programmes

Nalanda Institute provides various courses in Buddhist and Pāli Studies leading to Certificate and Diploma levels, as well as short training courses to enhance leadership and management skills for Buddhist volunteers. All the courses are freely available to the public in line with the Institute’s charitable objectives.

Other focal areas of the Institute include Conferences, Symposiums, Educational Tours, Pilgrimage and Buddhist Publications.

Off-campus Courses

Besides Nalanda Centre in Selangor, the Institute’s courses have also been held in Kedah, Kelantan, Kuala Lumpur, Sabah and Terengganu, in collaboration with local Buddhist organizations.  As of December 2012, more than 7,800 participants have benefited from the Institute’s courses, study tours and conferences.  In mid-2013, the first overseas courses under Nalanda Institute will be held in Singapore.

Nalanda Institute’s Institutional Roles

1. Defender of the Doctrine – To propagate the correct doctrines of the original teachings and to establish them as mainstream Buddhism.
2. Promoter of Buddhist (Pāḷi) Studies – To arouse and sustain the interest of the community in Buddhist Studies.
3. Promoter of Research & Publications – To promote further research and publications on Buddhist Studies in the Pāḷi tradition.
4. Centre of Creativity & Innovation – To promote creative thinking and innovative applications of Buddhist principles in various fields and modern lifestyles.
5. Voice for Buddhism – To become a “Voice for Buddhism” in Malaysia by issuing public statements and presenting Buddhist views on various issues affecting society at large.
6. Institute of Standards – To establish standards pertaining to Buddhist (Dhamma) Schools, Management in Education, Library Management and Publications.

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