Enriching talks & discussions at Members’ Convention

Posted on 6 May 2026

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In the 12th National Nalanda Members’ Convention from 1 to 3 May, Nalanda members aligned with the Society’s direction as well as learn and upskill themselves in critical areas. Upholding the theme “Serving Others, Cultivating Ourselves”, learning sessions explored how we go beyond being a good friend and good practitioner, to being a good teammate to progress together towards our educational and outreach mission.

A team is more sustainable when we enhance our care to commitment, harmony to alignment and support to shared accountability. This accompanies a shift in our inner practice to let go of ego, manage expectations and work with differences.

Our Direction & Journey by President Sis. Buddhinī Tan.

Being a Good Teammate by Director of Nalanda Centre Sis. Nandinī Tan.

The Brahma-viharas by previous Director of Nalanda Dhamma School Sis. Sunandā Ong.

Members also explored how we can embody the Brahma-Vihara in community life to lay a strong foundation for a harmonious community, and reflect on the manifestations of Dhamma. The elective sessions dived into programme design, facilitation skills, people engagement and inter-personal skills.

A townhall was also held for members to raise suggestions, comments and feedback in a safe manner. Cumulatively, these sessions helped members to reenergise their spirit of service to the community and better correlate to how our service in turn helps in our cultivation and growth in the Dhamma.

Manifestation of Dhamma by Director of Nalanda Dhamma School Sis. See Hui Shien.

Evening reflections with Sis. Paruadi Ramasamy.

Programme Planning Workshop with Sis. Sunandā Ong.

People Engagement Workshop with Sis. Evelyn Chow and Sis. Foo Ai Li.

Living at Ease with the Community with Bro. Aggaphala Yap.

Members openly share their observations, suggestions and reflections for the betterment of the Society.

Group discussions and reflections.

Every morning and evening is grounded in meditation and chanting.

Reflecting on the Dhamma in the morning with Sis. Livin Leow.

Mindful walking in the serene grounds of Wisdom Park.

Morning chanting at the Memorial Pavilion of Nalanda’s late spiritual advisor Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda.

Reflecting on the Dhamma in the morning with Bro. Ānanda Fong.

Making light offerings at the Memorial Pavilion of Nalanda’s late spiritual advisor Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda.

Case study on situations faced while serving and learning at Nalanda and discussing how to face them with wisdom and compassion.

Cleaning the grounds of Wisdom Park.

Heartfelt and inspiring sharing by Bro. Ooi Choong Li who survived and persevered in recovery from a harrowing accident.

Bro. Lee Kong Foo sharing his recent experience going for pabajja (temporary ordination) in a forest monastery in Northeast Thailand.

Bro. Alex Loo sharing his recent experience going for pabajja (temporary ordination) in a forest monastery in Northeast Thailand.

Newly elected J.B. Branch Chairperson Sis. Saw Geik Cheok sharing her Dhamma journey.

Bro. Ajita Lim bidding a teary farewell to Nalanda members as he embarks on his next spiritual journey.

Bro. Dexel Loo taking leave from Nalanda members as he embarks on his next spiritual journey.

We extend our appreciation to the Organising Committee for the thoughtful and extensive planning which enabled all members to bring back important learnings and new skills. We also thank all the speakers and trainers for their contributions and efforts. Let us continue to serve the Buddha-Sasana with vigour.

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