NALANDA INSTITUTE 19TH ANNIVERSARY
Message by Director Emeritus, Ach. Tan Siang Chye

It is with deep gratitude that I write this message on the joyous occasion of Nalanda Institute’s 19th anniversary.  This milestone in our mission stands as a testament to years of steadfast dedication to the study, practice, and sharing of the Buddha’s noble teachings.  As we commemorate this occasion, we remember the collective effort and unwavering commitment of our community.  Each contribution has strengthened the foundation upon which Nalanda Institute works and continues to flourish.  I have no doubt that this year’s anniversary inspires a shared resolve in the team to carry forward this noble mission with wisdom and compassion.

A defining highlight of the past year has been the successful convening of the WACANA 2025 Conference, marking its long-awaited return after eight years.  This meaningful gathering welcomed members of the Buddhist community from across the country (and beyond) to reflect on the important theme of community well-being, guided by the Buddha’s timeless teachings espoused in Dhammapada verse 183.

In partnership with the Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia, the conference embodied a shared commitment to fostering harmony, resilience, and balanced practice in today’s context.  Emerging from the challenges of the pandemic, WACANA 2025 reaffirmed the importance of cultivating wholesome qualities, purifying the mind, and strengthening communal bonds. It is a testament to what can be achieved when dedication, wisdom, and goodwill come together in the noble service of the Buddha Sasana.

With Ven. Ajahn Jayasaro giving the morning’s keynote address, WACANA 2025 discussed the teachings of Dhammapada verse 183 in specific groups – families, youth, seniors and volunteers, as each of these groups face their own particular challenges.  The enthusiastic and forthright exchange reflects the care and concern of the community for each of these groups. We see that the discussion resulted in tangible efforts to improve the levels of well-being of our community.

One notable effort was the implementation of the ‘Mindful Ageing’ programme by the Fellowship of the Wise group at Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (SJBA). With the completion of the final session in early May, seniors at this Centre expressed their appreciation for the efforts in enhancing their mental well-being as they age through participation in various activities.  We are currently witnessing similar follow-up activities for the youth, families and volunteers.  Here, I must sincerely thank all the dedicated Dhamma Brothers and Sisters who have tirelessly and selflessly contributed to the success of WACANA 2025. I am grateful.  May your efforts strengthen your journey on the sublime Noble Path.

I again express my heartfelt gratitude to my wonderful team at Nalanda Institute.  Everyone carried out the responsibilities with meritorious dedication and enthusiasm, ensuring that our objectives were capably achieved.  I rejoice in my good fortune in having such an excellent team.

I must also thank all those who helped us in implementing our activities – donors, sponsors, facilitators, cooks and helpers, and the management of Nalanda Buddhist Society.  The Society provided us with all the resources needed together with warm, sincere encouragement.  We are extremely grateful for all the support given, and with this confidence in us, hope to do better in the future.

As I have done in previous years, I once again call on everyone to reflect on our oft-quoted motivations: “I wish not see the suffering of living beings and I wish not see the decline of the Buddha Sasana”.  Let us mindfully continue to make a meaningful difference in our community and to the people in the world.

May the Buddha Sasana thrive for the good of all beings.

In the service of the Dhamma,
Tan Siang Chye