We 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.
Read moreA selection of wonderful photographs will be displayed at a special exhibition themed “Passage through India”, at Nalanda Centre in conjunction with Wesak Observance from 1 to 3 May. These pictures of Buddhist heritage and culture were taken by a group of photographers who spent one month journeying there on pilgrimage. The exhibition is free and open to the public. All are welcome!
Read moreAs Wesak ‘Buddha Day’ approaches, Nalandian ‘gardeners’ joyfully laboured to spruce up the neighbourhood to welcome thousands of devotees come 1st to 3rd May. Every weekend, adults and youngsters would descend upon the garden with their tools to clean and green the surroundings and plant new flowering shrubs.
Read moreOn Sunday 5 April, Bro. Tan gave a meaningful sharing on the significance of “Cheng Beng”. “Cheng Beng” is not about performing rituals or burning “material things” to ‘benefit’ the deceased. It is about understanding the root values that maintain harmony, peace and happiness in communal living. The traditional values of kindness, generosity, compassion, morality and respect are rooted in our culture. These values promote mutual understanding and bring about conditions for happiness.
Read moreDavid Robson has published an insightful article at BBC’s webpage on why some smart people are also sad people! In his essay ‘The downside of being clever’, he pointed out the limitations and even ‘dangers’ of intelligence. Instead of training our children to be more ‘intelligent’, or trying to recruit ‘intelligent employees’, he recommends turning our minds to develop an age-old quality: “wisdom”. Read this ‘smart’ article here: http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150413-the-downsides-of-being-clever
Read more