On Tuesday 21 April, devotees had an inspiring evening listening to Venerable D. Upananda Nāyaka Thero’s Dhamma Talk at Nalanda Centre. Ven. Upananda shared with us the five types of ‘Māra’ that we should be aware of, namely – (1) ‘Devaputta’ – is not only a very powerful deity but is also bent on making life difficult for holy persons; (2) ‘Kilesa’ – the demons of defilement: greed, aversion and delusion; (3) ‘Abhisamkhara’ – karmic activities which are more subtle; (4) ‘Khandha’ – arising from the Five Aggregates; and (5) ‘Maccu’ – death.
Read moreThe world is in a state of constant flux; yet the Buddha-Dhamma has stood the test of time and remained unchanged. It is described as ‘Akaliko’ (Timeless) and ‘Sanantano’ (Eternal) – it has remained unmoved in a universe of incessant fluctuations. Some enduring facets of this unchanging Dhamma are captured in amazing photographs which will be displayed at the upcoming “Passage through India” Special Exhibition at Nalanda Centre, scheduled from 1 to 3 May, in conjunction with Wesak ‘Buddha Day’ celebrations.
Read moreOn Saturday 18 April, the ‘Pindacāra’ (monks going on alms-round) at Seri Kembangan market was joyfully held as the public offered food to the venerable monks with devotion. After the alms-round, the three venerable monks from Sentul Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple performed blessings for devotees to conclude the morning programme.
Read moreThe magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck central Nepal between the two major cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara yesterday morning caused untold damages to the infrastructure of Nepal. Thousands of homes, offices, and public buildings collapsed in the tremor, crushing and trapping people inside them. So far, the death toll has surpassed 2,300 people, including dozens who died in neighbouring India and Tibet.
Read moreWe invite everyone to pray and radiate thoughts of ‘mettā-karunā’ to the victims of the massive earthquake that overwhelmed Kathmandu and Central Nepal yesterday. The earthquake and its aftershocks caused very extensive damage and a great loss of lives. The death-toll has surpassed 2,000 and is still climbing as news streams in from the interiors.
Read moreThis month, the Thai Nation celebrated the auspicious 60th birthday of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Her Royal Highness is much respected and loved by her people, having devoted her life to public service since young. She has supported hundreds of development projects in health care, education, agriculture and arts to improve the quality of life for Thai people.
Read moreNalanda Founder Bro. Tan was in Thailand last April to offer felicitations during HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s birthday. He was then invited by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) as a speaker for the “Dhamma Loy Fa” programme. Bro. Tan delivered a talk on “Buddhism and Inner Development” at the BMA-sponsored event at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, Bangkok. Sadhu anumodana.
Read moreOn Sunday 12 April, Sis. Santī Cheang gave a Dhamma talk on our ‘Buddha Day’ (Wesak) theme this year – ‘Being a Good Practitioner and Good Friend’. Sis. Santī spoke about the qualities of a good friend – being caring, supportive, helpful, and considerate, among others. She said that in order to be a good friend to others, we need to cultivate good qualities within ourselves, and strengthen our practice consistently until they become an integral part of our culture and character.
Read moreThe “Passage through India” Special Exhibition at Nalanda Centre features some insightful photographs into the lives of ordinary folks engaged in their livelihood and daily struggles. The exhibition is scheduled from 1 to 3 May, in conjunction with Wesak ‘Buddha Day’ celebrations. Admission is free, and all are welcome!
Read moreMalaysian Buddhists will be observing ‘Wesak Day’ on Sunday, 3 May 2015. We joyfully invite all devotees to display the Buddhist Flag at their homes to foster unity, fidelity, and a stronger sense of community spirit. The Theravada Council of Malaysia has recommended Buddhists to fly the flag for the entire month of Wesak (‘Vesakha’). Let us heed the call and look forward to observing Wesak with faith and fervor.
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