The following are teachings of Bro. Tan on 27 May 2012, the Second Gimhana Sunday, written by a devotee.
Read moreNalanda was honoured to play host to the final meeting of the Theravada Council's Constitutional Drafting Committee on Saturday, 24 March 2012. Attending the meeting were Ven. Sri Saranankara Nayaka Thero, Ven. Aggacitta Maha Thero, and Ven. Dhammavuddho Maha Thero, together with Chairmen of the Pro-tem and Constitutional Drafting Committees, their secretaries and committee members.
Read moreIt was a packed hall once again as Nalandians came together last night for the first group meditation of the Gimhana Retreat, guided by the founder of Nalanda, Bro. H S Tan. As the gong was struck, the sound reverberated soothingly before fading into nothingness. Thus is the impermanent nature of all conditioned phenomena. Yet, we find ourselves constantly craving, clinging and grasping – material things, people, words, thoughts, or emotions – all of which are so fleeting, so completely empty and selfless. But we latch on anyway, and we hang on tight. We allow ourselves to continually churn and wallow in this unnecessary exercise of mulling over what is past, or what is yet to come.
Read moreThe following is a summary of Bro. Tan's teaching on 20 May 2012, the first day of Nalanda Gimhana Retreat. "Better than a hundred years lived unwisely and indolently, is one day spent in earnest, energetic effort." Dhammapada Verse 112
Read moreWith devoted practice, I honour the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha
Read moreBro. Huat Chye giving encouraging feedback and inspiring food for thought As the participants settled in for this course, they re-examined the main points from Module 1: Effective Management of Human Capital in Buddhist Organisations to reinforce the valuable take-home messages. Participants were then given a “Personal Motivation Questionnaire” (PMQ) to understand what motivates them. The three key areas were – need for Achievement, Affiliation and Power. This helped participants to gain more insight into themselves, understanding what drives them to serve and to lead.
Read moreWith Wesak fast approaching, we came together on the first day of April to spruce up and beautify our Nandanavana (the Garden of Joyful Delight). There were smiling faces and the positive energy was high as the team worked together in tune with nature.
Read morePractising meditation and reflecting on gratitude, in honour of our teachers. In Malaysia, 16 May is celebrated as Teachers’ Day. At Nalanda, we expressed our appreciation and gratitude to all teachers through two types of Puja (offerings), that is Patipatti Puja where we performed wholesome deeds – dana, meditation and chanting to honour our teachers, and Amisa Puja which is giving our teachers presents. Nalandians also shared about how their lives were transformed by inspiring teachers.
Read moreThe topic of today's Service Sunday Dhamma talk was, "A Buddhist Reflects on Learning". Dr. Phang spoke on how one ought to approach learning - with an open mind like that of a beginner's - free from preconceptual ideas and willing to explore. When we learn something new, we should also be happy to share it with others and spread the benefits. Rejoice when other people learn from our learnings!
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