Arrival of Ven. B. Dheerananda Mahāthera & Ven. Dr. K. Gnanawimala Mahāthera at Nalanda Centre.

On the morning of Sunday 11 May, Nalanda members and devotees came together for the Buddha Day Eve Service to prepare in spirit and mind to welcome and celebrate Buddha Day.  Sis. Paruadi Ramasamy gave a Dhamma talk on the significance of Wesak, for devotees to gain a better understanding on why and how we can observe Wesak meaningfully.

The word ’Buddha’ means “one who is awake”.   It is the experience of awakening to the truth of life.  In the 45 years of the Buddha’s ministry, He offered the Dhamma for us to walk the path to enlightenment ourselves.  With this precious teaching still available today to us, we should endeavour to progress spiritually, starting with Wesak and continuing on within in our daily lives.

The service commences with mettā meditation.

Venerables lighting the candle at the Buddha altar to mark the start of the pūja.

The congregation made offerings to the Three Jewels.

Wayang kulit (traditional shadow puppet show) performance by students of Nalanda Junior Dhamma School.

Blessings by Venerable Sangha members.

Venerables administering the Three Refuges and Five Precepts to the congregation.

Sis. Paru offered ways for us to deepen our spiritual practice, guided by continual learning and growth as follows – associate with a suitable Buddhist Centre or temple to ground ourselves, practice mindfulness and calm the mind, aspire for peace, harmony and wisdom in all we do, perform selfless service, make a contribution/donation according to our abilities and contemplate the numerous blessings in our life.

Friends, Buddha Day observance continues at Nalanda tonight.  We invite you to join us at 8pm for a Dhamma teaching by Ven. Luang Por Dumrong, a disciple of Ajahn Chah, at Nalanda Centre.  Let us take this opportunity to learn and reflect on Dhamma with skilful teachers.  All are welcome.

Recollecting the virtues of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Buddha Day Message delivered by Honorary Secretary Sis. Livin Leow.

A singing performance from students of Nalanda Dhamma School.

Dhamma talk by Sis. Paruadi Ramasamy.

Lunch dāna to Venerable Sangha members

Celebrating Mother’s Day on this special occasion.

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