Participants of Nalanda Institute’s BPS402 Higher Certificate Course recently had the privilege of attending a lecture on the “Historical Development of Buddhism in Southeast Asia” by Nalanda Founder Bro. Tan on Saturday, 30 August. Bro. Tan, an acknowledged expert on Buddhist history in Southeast Asia, gave the expected ‘virtuoso performance’ on his pet subject. Participants were mesmerized by broad historical vistas and insightful views on Buddhist expansion across Southeast Asian polities over a span of 1,500 years!
Read moreRecently, Nalanda had the good fortune of hosting Ven. Ayya Santinī from Maribaya, Indonesia, who was accompanied on her visit here by several Indonesian devotees. While residing at Nalanda Centre, she gave several teachings and conducted personal interviews with devotees. We were also honoured to receive Venerables Dhammadinnā and Sumangalā who came to meet Ayya Santinī in Sri Serdang.
Read moreNalanda’s Chinese-Language Communications Team marked their six months on the job this week. Back in March, the team launched a Mandarin Facebook page to reach out to more people. The posts published there comprise original designs, new articles by teachers, and interviews with volunteers. So far the page has received very encouraging support due to the quality of its contents.
Read moreToday is the full-moon day for the month of ‘Potthapāda’ (or ‘Binara’ [ බිනර ] in Sinhalese). According to Sri Lankan Theravada tradition, this day commemorates the occasion where the Buddha allowed the ordination of ‘bhikkhunīs’ (women renunciates), and thus is a very important anniversary.
Read moreToday marks six months since the mysterious disappearance of MH370 over the Indian Ocean on 8 March. We have not forgotten the shock and anguish inflicted by this tragic, unsettling incident to so many people, and indeed to the entire nation.
Read moreThe Mid-Autumn Festival is a major annual celebration in East Asia. For the Chinese people, it is traditionally a day for family reunion and the celebration of harmony and togetherness. Over the centuries, the festival evolved to include the display of colourful lanterns that mimic the autumn foliage, and the consumption of ‘mooncakes’ (尝月饼).
Read moreThe Nalanda ‘Family Fun Fair’ 2014 which was successfully held on 24 August was indeed a joyful and satisfying experience for all of us! Nalandians would like to thank our earnest sponsors, benefactors, volunteers and patrons who came from near and far to support our biggest fund-raising event ever. We owe it to all of you for such a fabulous ‘Fun Fair’!
This wonderfully upbeat video clip produced by Nalandian youth Ajita Lim is dedicated to everyone who has been so merry and supportive of us. We hope you’ll enjoy it and share this video with your friends, too. May you be well and happy always! ‘THANK YOU’!
On Saturday 30 August, many Nalanda Sungai Petani Branch members gathered at Mr. Khaw Kheng Hooi’s orchard in Gurun to offer Sanghika Dāna. The gathering was also a timely one in view of the SP Branch’s upcoming event – a fund-raising concert scheduled on 18 October 2014.
Read moreIt has been more than a week since Nalanda’s ‘Family Fun Fair’ was held on 24 August; yet the joy and satisfaction lingers on for the organisers and volunteers. We owe it to the tireless and selfless contribution by everyone involved in the event, and all sponsors, benefactors, and patrons who came from near and far to support this worthy cause.
Read moreOn Saturday 16 August, our monthly ‘Pindacāra’ was held at the Seri Kembangan Jalan Besar market. Volunteers were there early to engage with market-goers, informing them about the monks coming for alms. The weather took a sudden turn and rain started pouring. Nonetheless it did not dampen the spirit of many devotees who patiently waited under umbrellas for the arrival of venerable monks.
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