Workshop participants expressed their gratitude to Ayasma for his guidance.

On Saturday 10 May, the first programme of Nalanda’s Buddha Day Observance B.E. 2569 commenced early in the morning at Nalanda Centre with 60 participants joining the Gradual Training Sutta Study and Meditation Workshop guided by Āyasmā Aggacitta.  The participants and facilitators who had begun preparations with pre-workshop discussions online, joyfully met up to learn in-person from Āyasmā.

Guided by Āyasmā, participants read through each sutta in greater detail and discussed the given questions as well as presented their answers.  Their learning deepened when Āyasmā shared the answers as extracted from the suttas, and also led us to reflect on how we can enhance our meditation and spiritual practice.

Ayasma Aggacitta went through each sutta in the workbook before the groups attempted the answer the discussion questions.

After penning down their answers, each group also presented them to the larger group.

Discussing harmoniously and respecting each other’s inputs.

Participants guided in the practice of open mindfulness meditation.

Ayasma listening to the groups’ presentations.

Each group had facilitators to help guide the discussions.

The group also learned and experienced for themselves open mindfulness meditation which was interspersed between discussions.  In their feedback, many participants shared that they discovered the benefit of studying Dhamma directly from the suttas, and appreciated learning how they can calm the mind in the midst of a busy day.

We extend our deepest appreciation to Āyasmā Aggacitta for guiding us in this Workshop and to all the participants and volunteers for their commitment and support.  May the participants continue to develop their interest in learning the Nikayas, and embed the Buddha’s teachings into our daily lives.  Sadhu anumodana.

Comparing notes from their group discussions before the workshop.

Bravely presenting answers to the group.

Bravely presenting answers to the group.

Ayasma also guided the group to maintain mindfulness during the meal time.

Blessings during the meal.

Bowing respectfully as Ayasma left the hall after the workshop.

For more photos, please click here