Devotees gathered at Nalanda Centre for the Gimhāna Uposatha Service to learn from Ven. Ajahn Kovido.

On Monday 29 June, devotees gathered at Nalanda Centre for the Gimhāna Uposatha Service to learn and practise together.  Nalanda Centre was honoured to welcome Ven. Ajahn Kovido on his maiden visit to share a Dhamma talk titled ‘Finding Stillness in a Busy World’.

Ajahn explained that busyness can mean being productively occupied or distractingly preoccupied with unwholesome or meaningless activities.  More deeply, it reflects our habitual tendency to remain mentally occupied – through work, distractions, or the subtle need to reinforce our ego and identity.  Such preoccupation prevents the mind from experiencing true stillness.

Nalanda members welcome Ven. Ajahn Kovido.

Ven. Ajahn Kovido offering items at the main shrine.

Nalanda members conversing with Ven. Ajahn Kovido.

Ajahn taught that stillness is found in awareness.  By “staying with the one who knows,” we become the witness to the mind instead of being carried away by its activity.  He explained that suffering arises from craving, aversion, and attachment to our views, stemming from the “mental-identikits”- the identities and perceptions conditioned by our experiences.  To loosen this attachment, Ajahn encouraged us to apply the simple reflection, “Not sure,” recognising that things are uncertain and empty of any fixed essence.  Letting go of certainty allows the mind to rest in stillness and accept conditions as they are.

Following the Dhamma talk, Ajahn compassionately answered devotees’ questions and guided a practical contemplation on reducing suffering using these Dhamma toolkits.  We rejoice in his generous sharing of the Dhamma and sincerely wish him good health, long life, and peace.

Ven. Ajahn Kovido reading one of the books of the Tipitaka collection.

Sis. Nandini guiding Ven. Ajahn Kovido at the ‘Terima Kasih, Dhammananda’ exhibition.

Ven. Ajahn Kovido participating at the interactive corner.

Bro. Dexel explaining the meaning behind the painting to Ven. Ajahn Kovido.

Sis. Paru sharing the updates of Wisdom Park to Ven. Ajahn Kovido.

Devotees gathered for the Gimhāna Uposatha Service.

Ven. Ajahn Kovido paying respect at the main shrine.

Ven. Ajahn Kovido sharing a Dhamma talk titled ‘Finding Stillness in a Busy World’.

Devotees listening attentively to the Dhamma talk.

Ajahn compassionately answered devotees’ questions.