Holistic Education for Integral Human Development
Dhamma community unites at WACANA 2025
Dhamma community unites at WACANA 2025
Ven. B Sri Saranankara, Sangha Advisor of the Theravāda Buddhist Council of Malaysia, strikes the gong to mark the official opening of WACANA 2025, together with Ajahn Jayasāro, Ven. Dr. Dhammapāla, Achariya S. Vijaya, and Achariya Tan Siang Chye.
On Saturday 20 December, over 650 members of the Dhamma community from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand gathered for WACANA 2025, to learn and explore ‘Community Well-being : Contemporary Approaches’. We were privileged to host the four-fold Sangha of monks, nuns, male and female laity to look deeper into the Buddha’s teaching of “Avoid the Unwholesome, Cultivate the Wholesome and Purify One’s Mind” for our own cultivation and equally for the growth of the community.
Officiated by Ven. B. Sri Saranankara, Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, Ven. Dr. Dhammapala together with Achariya Tan Siang Chye and Achariya S. Vijaya, participants indulged in a day of learning, discussion, camaraderie and joy. In the morning Dhamma Teaching and guided meditation by Ajahn Jayasaro, we explored how spiritual practice is only complete when we cultivate generosity, morality, service to others and development of the mind.
The organising team begins the day with morning chanting and a message, grounding the programme in mindfulness and shared intention.
Bro. Tan Siang Chye, Chairman of WACANA, reminded everyone to welcome our community with sincerity and loving-kindness.
Sis. Sandy Lim, one of the core organising team leaders, urged volunteers to begin their service with high spirits.
Forums ensued in the afternoon, engaging all demographics of the community namely Nurturing Dhamma as a Family, Cultivating a Spiritually-Rooted Youth Community, Graceful Ageing on the Path of Dhamma and Volunteers – Serving Ohers, Awakening Ourselves. Speakers shared their organisations’ approach and strategies to enable the spiritual growth and development of the community.
With the presence and support of respected teachers, good spiritual friends and dedicated volunteers, it was a truly blessed day for all. We extend a special thanks to the organisers Nalanda Institute Malaysia and Theravada Buddhist Council Malaysia for their extensive efforts to realise this programme for the benefit of the community. May our take-aways and reflections spark further discussions within our various communities to lay the way forward for effective and transformational Dhamma propagation. May the Buddha-Sāsana long endure.
Nalanda leaders extend a warm welcome to Ven. Saranankara.
The arrival of the WACANA keynote speaker, Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro.
The arrival of senior Saṅgha members, Ven. Sayadaw U Rewata and Ven. Dr. Dhammapāla.
Sis. Nandini receives Ven. Ayya Sumangala Therī.
Guests and participants register at the registration counter.
Venerable members are entering the hall in group.
Hosts of WACANA 2025: Bro. SY Tong and Sis. Sadhikā Tan.
The event begins with the National Anthem.
Ven. Saranankara leads the congregation in taking the Three Refuges and Five Precepts.
“WACANA has always been a wonderful platform that brings together monastics, community leaders, educators, volunteers and practitioners. In today’s fast-changing world where we see increasing stress, disconnection, and uncertainty, such gatherings are more important than ever.”
Ven. Dr. Dhammapala emphasizes that Malaysian Buddhism should remain united while embracing its unique traditions and culture.
“Our chosen theme, “Awakening to Community Well-Being: Contemporary Approaches,” points to the heart of the Buddha’s teaching. In Dhammapada verse 183, the Blessed One summarises the path to true well-being in three essential instructions: Avoid what is unwholesome. Cultivate what is wholesome. Purify one’s mind.”
Nalanda youths recite the opening gāthā.
Ajahn Jayasāro begins the Dhamma teaching with a guided meditation.
Ajahn Jayasāro delivers a comprehensive teaching on cultivating the mind to serve the well-being of the community.
Sanghika Dāna offered to the Venerable monks and nuns.
Forum 1: “Nurturing Dhamma as a Family” presented by Ven. Ayya Sumangala Theri and Sis. See Hui Shien.
Forum 2: “Cultivating a Spiritually-Rooted Youth Community” by Bro. Teo Heng Xuan and Bro. Yeo Disheng.
Forum 4: “Serving Others, Awakening Ourselves” by Ven. Chang Wei and Sis. Nandini Tan.
Forum 3: “Graceful Ageing on the Path of Dhamma” by Ven. Mahinda, Bro. Tan Siang Chye, Bro. Benny Liow, and Bro. Wang.
Nalanda youths presented beautiful hymns to welcome participants returning to the main venue after the forums.
Sis. Sunanda Ong, the chairperson of Forum 1 – Nurturing Dhamma as a Family – presented the summary from the forum presentations and discussions.
Sis. Amenda Chen, the chairperson of Forum 2 – Cultivating a Spiritually-Rooted Youth Community – presented the summary from the forum presentations and discussions.
Bro. Ananda Fong, the chairperson of Forum 3 – Graceful Ageing on the Path of Dhamma – presented the summary from the forum presentations and discussions.
Sis. Foo Ai Li, the chairperson of Forum 4 – Serving Others, Awakening ourselves – presented the summary from the forum presentations and discussions.
Ajahn Jayasāro compassionately answered questions raised by the conference participants.
Offering of Guru-dakkhinā to express gratitude to Ven. Saranankara and Ajahn Jayasāro for their teaching and guidance.
Offering of requisites to the members of Sangha.
Achariya Tan Siang Chye presented ‘the Way Forward’ for the community to chart our direction.
Ven. Saranankara led the congregation to dedicate merits to all beings.
A beautiful rendition of the Saranattham Gāthā to close the conference.
Nalanda youths performed an ensemble of string instruments to send off all participants and guests.
Sending off Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro and Ajahn Tul with much gratitude.
Volunteers still in high spirit and much joy after the event.
Even after a long day of service, volunteers are grateful and joyful for having the opportunity to support this important event that gathers the Buddhist community.