On Sunday 1 March, Nalanda members, devotees, youths, Dhamma School parents and students gathered at Nalanda Centre for the annual Tea Offering Ceremony and Gratitude Day in conjunction with the Lunar New Year. More than a festive tradition, the ceremony was a gentle yet powerful reminder of one of the most cherished values in the Buddha’s teachings — gratitude to our parents.
Read moreBuddhist organisations are dependent on dedicated volunteers to carry out their educational mission. Volunteers are what makes the temples and Centres function from greeting visitors, facilitating Dhamma Schools, serving behind the scenes, carrying much of the fund raising and operational load. Volunteerism is more than a fulfilment of duties; it is a living practice of Dhamma that transforms both the community and individual.
Read moreMalaysia passed a significant demographic milestone in 2020, transitioning to an ageing nation as its population of those aged 65 and older exceeded the 7% threshold established by the United Nations. Two demographic factors driving the country’s ageing population are declining fertility rates and Malaysians live longer, thanks to improvement in income, healthcare, nutrition and sanitation.
Read moreToday is the full-moon day of ‘Māgha’ month which marks the occasion that the Buddha taught the famous ‘summary’ of His Teachings in Dhammapada verse 183 – to do good, avoid evil and purify our minds. We welcome you to join us at Nalanda Centre at 8pm for meditation, offerings, chanting and a Dhamma talk by Bro. Tan Siang Chye.
Read moreDo you know that a pint of blood saves up to 3 lives? Donating blood is safe, painless, simple, and one of the most wholesome deeds one can do. We invite you to participate in the Blood Donation Drive at Nalanda Centre on Sunday, 7 June in conjunction with Buddha Day Observance B.E. 2570.
Read moreYouths especially those who have little or no connection to spirituality or Buddhist temples and Centres, perceive Buddhism as outdated, even superstitious. This can be attributed to being exposed to cultural and traditional practices that are undertaken without understanding their value and significance. Buddhism is often conflated with Chinese folk religion and Buddhist monks are regarded as people who conduct funeral rites. Buddhism is depicted as serious, abstract, and even world negating, especially the image of a monastic who renounce the world.
Read moreOn Saturday 28 February, Nalanda members and volunteers welcomed 33 members of Persatuan Buddhist Hilir Perak (PBHP) to Wisdom Park for a visit to the educational campus. This short and fruitful trip was led by PBHP’s President Bro. Chua and Deputy President Dr. Tang.
Read moreDhamma Schools for the young are an integral part of Buddhist education in temples and lay Buddhist organisations in Malaysia. They are seen as an effective way of imparting Buddhist teachings, practices, moral values and ethics through a structured and comprehensive curriculum. Through Dhamma schools, children not only learn practical ways to apply the teachings in their daily life and interactions with others but to preserve Buddhist traditions and culture.
Read moreOn Tuesday 24 February, Nalanda’s Executive Committee (EXCO) convened for its regular monthly meeting to review programmes, coordinate upcoming initiatives and keep Nalanda’s collective efforts aligned. Frequent meetings are not merely administrative – they are essential for the unity of an organisation.
Read moreAccording to Theravāda tradition, the full-moon day of ‘Māgha’ month marks the spontaneous congregation of 1,250 Arahants (enlightened disciples) who came to see the Buddha at Rajagaha. The Buddha used that occasion to teach the famous ‘summary’ of His Teachings*. ‘Māgha Pūja’ is thus an important anniversary for Buddhists, and is a public holiday in Theravadin countries such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. The faithful use this occasion to observe Eight Precepts, perform meritorious deeds, meditate, and congregate at temples for pūja and chanting.
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