Today, Monday 19 September, Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Millions have been gathering since her passing on 8 September, to pay their last respects to this esteemed monarch who dedicated her life to her people as Queen of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms.
Read moreToday marks the 59th anniversary of the formation of ‘Malaysia’– a federation of 13 states spanning the Malay Peninsula, Sarawak, and Sabah. This nation of rich ethnicities and cultures endure because Malaysians uphold respect for other’s beliefs and differences.
Read moreThe majestic ‘Nālandā Māha Vihāra’ was established during the Gupta Period in the 5th Century CE, in the city of Nalanda, where once the Buddha delivered the Kevatta Sutta and spoke about the ‘Miracle of Education’. This key learning institution was not just for Buddhist monastics, but also for students of secular subjects including medicine, mathematics and philosophy. At its peak, the university hosted over 10,000 students from all around the world, the most famous of which is Ven. Xuan Zang.
Read moreAfter the British took over the administration of Kedah in 1911, colonial surveyors were surprised to discover many remains of stone and brick temple structures in the state which showed Indian influence, dating from as early as the 5th century CE. These antiquities were scattered in an area extending from the southern foothills of Gunung Jerai (Kedah Peak) to Merbok River in Kuala Muda District. This 225 km² expanse of land is known today as the Bujang Valley – and it is by far the richest archaeological site discovered in Malaysia.
Read more8 August 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN – the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Malaysia, along with Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore were its founding members back in 1967. Brunei joined ASEAN after its independence in 1984, followed by Vietnam (in 1995), Laos (1997), Myanmar (1997), and Cambodia (1999).
Read moreAjahn Buddhadāsa’s philosophy, way of life, and teachings continue to have a positive influence on the development of Thai Buddhist movement.This week, we commemorate the life and teachings of one of the most notable Buddhist teachers of the 20th century – Ajahn Buddhadāsa Indapañño (Phra Dharmakosacarya) of Thailand. Ajahn Buddhadāsa was born on 27 May 1906 in Chaiya, Southern Thailand, to a Chinese Hokkien father and Thai mother. He renounced the worldly life at age 20 and led an exemplary life of an ascetic bhikkhu until his passing.
Read moreThe Buddha was distinguished as ‘the Perfect One’ – He had perfect knowledge of the world and faultless conduct. “By definition, a ‘perfectionist’ is someone who likes to accomplish something perfectly, and finds it difficult to accept anything less than flawless. No, the Buddha was not a ‘perfectionist’. He did not have any illusions about perfection. He truly understood the world and was very clear about imperfections in life.
Read moreOn 15 July 2016, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) listed the renowned ancient Buddhist university – Nalanda Mahavihara in India – as a “World Heritage Site”.
Read more“‘Delight’ means experiencing joy, pleasure, and happiness. The Buddha described that of all delights, the delight in Dhamma is most excellent (Pāli – “Sabbaratim dhammarati jinati”; Dhammapada verse 354). Why is that so?
Read more17 June marks the birth anniversary of Venerable Ajahn Chah Subhaddo – one of the greatest Dhamma teachers of the modern era. We humbly pay tribute to Ajahn Chah’s immense contributions and wise teachings that have continued to guide thousands of people along the path of Dhamma.
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