Today, India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, commemorating the nation’s journey of freedom, resilience, and progress, shaped by the vision, dedication, and contributions of generations of Indians. Nalanda Buddhist Society Malaysia extends our warmest greetings and best wishes to all our Indian friends on this joyous occasion. India is a nation of remarkable diversity, rich cultural heritage, scientific and technological advancement, and deep spiritual traditions.
Read moreOn Saturday 25 July 2026, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, India, on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee. With this inscription, Sarnath is internationally recognised for its Outstanding Universal Value as one of the world's most significant Buddhist heritage sites.
Read moreToday on 15 July 2026, we commemorate ten years since Nālandā Māha Vihāra was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Flourishing from the 3rd to 13th century, Nālandā was a great centre of Buddhist learning, drawing monks and scholars from across Asia to study and practise the Dhamma.
Read moreNalanda Buddhist Society Malaysia extends our heartfelt felicitations to Ven. Ajahn Jayasaro on being conferred the title of Somdet Phra Ratchakhana. Ajahn is the first foreign-born monk in Thailand to receive this highest ecclesiastical honour. As reported by The Nation Thailand on 14 July 2026, this royal recognition is a fitting tribute to his decades of exemplary monastic discipline, profound wisdom, and outstanding contributions to the preservation and propagation of the Buddha's teachings.
Read moreBuddhist organisations are dependent on dedicated volunteers to carry out their educational mission. Volunteers are what makes the temples and Centres function from greeting visitors, facilitating Dhamma Schools, serving behind the scenes, carrying much of the fund raising and operational load. Volunteerism is more than a fulfilment of duties; it is a living practice of Dhamma that transforms both the community and individual.
Read moreMalaysia passed a significant demographic milestone in 2020, transitioning to an ageing nation as its population of those aged 65 and older exceeded the 7% threshold established by the United Nations. Two demographic factors driving the country’s ageing population are declining fertility rates and Malaysians live longer, thanks to improvement in income, healthcare, nutrition and sanitation.
Read moreYouths especially those who have little or no connection to spirituality or Buddhist temples and Centres, perceive Buddhism as outdated, even superstitious. This can be attributed to being exposed to cultural and traditional practices that are undertaken without understanding their value and significance. Buddhism is often conflated with Chinese folk religion and Buddhist monks are regarded as people who conduct funeral rites. Buddhism is depicted as serious, abstract, and even world negating, especially the image of a monastic who renounce the world.
Read moreDhamma Schools for the young are an integral part of Buddhist education in temples and lay Buddhist organisations in Malaysia. They are seen as an effective way of imparting Buddhist teachings, practices, moral values and ethics through a structured and comprehensive curriculum. Through Dhamma schools, children not only learn practical ways to apply the teachings in their daily life and interactions with others but to preserve Buddhist traditions and culture.
Read moreForum articles by WACANA 2025 speakers exploring Buddhist approaches to community well-being for families, youths, seniors, and volunteers. They offer practical reflections and reference materials for individuals and Buddhist organisations engaged in education, service, and community development in Malaysia and the region.
Read moreIn the early morning of 31 August 1957, Malaya celebrated its Independence with a solemn ceremony at the newly-completed Merdeka Stadium, witnessed in person by more than 20,000 people. Among the dignitaries and guests present at the historic event was Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda.
Read more