On Sunday 30 August, devotees gathered at Nalanda Centre, Sri Serdang, for the Sunday Morning Service and a Dhamma talk by Ven. Dr. Santacitto on why we embrace Buddhism and place our faith in the Buddha’s teachings.

Venerable shared that the Buddha’s teachings reveal life as it truly is.  From his encounter of the four sights – old age, sickness, death and an ascetic – Prince Siddhartha renounced his privileged life and embarked on a noble search. Through profound insight, he realised the Four Noble Truths: suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path leading to its cessation.

Commencing the Sunday Morning Service (SMS) with meditation.

Commencing the Sunday Morning Service (SMS) with puja.

Ven. Santacitto explained that craving (taṇhā), rooted in ignorance, drives kamma and perpetuates rebirth and suffering.  Even temporary happiness, though supported by wholesome actions, cannot free us from this cycle, as all conditioned things are impermanent.

The Noble Eightfold Path provides the way out of suffering. In particular, Right View, Right Mindfulness and Right Effort must work together to transform our understanding into wholesome thoughts, words and actions.

Paying respects to Ven. Santacitto.

Listening attentively to Ven. Santacitto.

Asking questions to enhance our learning.

The Buddha’s purpose was not merely to help us attain worldly happiness, but to guide us towards the complete cessation of suffering and liberation.  May we cultivate right understanding and diligently practise the Dhamma in our daily life.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Ven. Dr. Santacitto for the clarifying Dhamma teaching and compassionate replies to the devotees’ queries.  May Venerable be blessed with good health and success in his noble endeavours.  Sādhu!

For more photos, please click here