Walking with calmness, serenity and peace.

On the evening of Saturday 17 May, members and devotees of Nalanda Kuala Lumpur Branch gathered in good spirits and camaraderie for a ‘Peace Walk’ around Happy Garden to commemorate Buddha Day.  The walk was led by Ven. Siriwimala and Ven. Ratanasiri from Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Sentul.   Prior to this, light refreshments were served to the local community, with devotees generously offering food.

The evening service began with offerings and chanting, followed by Dhamma teaching by Āchariya Vijaya Samarawickrama.  As we commemorate the Buddha’s Enlightenment, Āchariya reminded us that the essence of the celebration is to honour the Buddha.  The lighting of candles symbolises the dispelling of ignorance or darkness, which is the root cause of suffering.

Passing the candlelight to each other.

Welcoming Ven. Siriwimala & Ven. Ratanasiri to NEO Centre Kuala Lumpur.

Hosts of the day welcoming the congregation.

Āchariya emphasised that this is a meaningful time for us to renew our commitment to the pursuit of wisdom through personal cultivation and transformation.  He highlighted the importance of self-improvement through the development of morality ( sīla ) by observing the Five Precepts, and the cultivation of concentration ( samādhi ).  By undertaking this path of transformation, we develop right view and right understanding, through which wisdom naturally arises.

Āchariya also shared that we could experience perfect happiness here and now through the practice of the Four Sublime States of Mind ( Brahmavihāras ) – loving kindness ( mettā ), compassion ( karuṇā ), sympathetic joy ( muditā ) and equanimity ( upekkhā ).  Heaven, he reminded us, is not a place but a state of mind. It is here and now.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to venerable sirs for their presence and for leading hundreds of devotees in walking together in peace, serenity and harmony.  We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the organisers, donors, devotees and volunteers for their unwavering support towards this well-organised spiritual programme.

May we all be guided by the theme ‘ Leading a Life with Wisdom and Compassion ’. Sādhu!

Commencing the programme with offerings to the Three Jewels.

Chanting in unison and faith.

Dhamma talk by Achariya Vijaya Samarawickrama.

With the Shrine Hall full, more people spills out to the streets and participated through live projection.

Venerable Sangha members ringing the gong to mark the start of the Peace Walk.

Passing the candlelight to each other – symbolising the light of Dhamma being passed from one to another.

Walking with calmness, serenity and peace.

The Peace Walk route circled back to NEO Centre Kuala Lumpur where the congregation serenely listened to Venerable Sangha members’ Dhamma teaching.

Blessings by Venerable Sangha members.

Family Dhamma School parents reciting the Saranattha-mupemi to close the Peace Walk.

Venerable Sangha members tying blessing strings for the public.

Offering of requisites to Venerable Sangha members by leader of the Society.

The photography team behind the lens capturing these precious moments.