On Sunday 11 January 2026, devotees gathered at Nalanda Centre for a spiritually enriching Sunday Morning Service.  In the Dhamma talk titled “Which Happiness Will You Choose?”, Sis. Nandinī Tan shared on the two types of happiness taught by the Buddha: Sāmisa Sukha, happiness dependent on external conditions; and Nirāmisa Sukha, happiness that arises from inner cultivation.  The Buddha never denied happiness; rather, his teachings invite us to understand it more deeply, refine its quality, and grow towards a happiness that is truly liberating.

As our understanding of the Dhamma matures, Sis. Nandinī encouraged practitioners to gradually shift from pleasures that bind to joy that frees. With the deepening of wisdom, the mind naturally inclines towards calm, peace, and contentment.

Commencing the service with meditation, offerings to the Three Jewels and communal chanting.

Wishing each other “Happy New Year!”

Sis. Nandinī Tan shared on the two types of happiness taught by the Buddha: Sāmisa Sukha, happiness dependent on external conditions; and Nirāmisa Sukha, happiness that arises from inner cultivation.  The Buddha never denied happiness; rather, his teachings invite us to understand it more deeply, refine its quality, and grow towards a happiness that is truly liberating.

Devotees also warmly welcomed Bro. Yong, Bro. Stan Lee, Bro. Chan Chee Woh, and Bro. Vincent Lim, who had recently returned from their temporary ordination in Thailand.  They shared that living with “less” allowed them to cultivate greater mindfulness, inner peace, and contentment.  Despite the challenges encountered during their training, they expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to meditate, reflect, and deepen their Dhamma practice.

We thank Sis. Nandinī for her insightful sharing, and the brothers for their inspiring reflections. We rejoice in their opportunity to undertake this short-term ordination and in the wholesome merits cultivated through their practice.  May all dear friends have a joyful and meaningful beginning to the new year.

As our understanding of the Dhamma matures, Sis. Nandinī encouraged practitioners to gradually shift from pleasures that bind to joy that frees.
With the deepening of wisdom, the mind naturally inclines towards calm, peace, and contentment.

The brothers who went for temporary ordination in Northeast Thailand sharing their experiences and reflections.

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