‘Dhammacakka Day’ commemorates the turning of the ‘Wheel of Dhamma’ 2600 years ago, when the Buddha expounded the ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’ to his first five disciples at Isipatana near Benares. In one of the most enlightening teachings ever, the Buddha taught them the truths of life – ‘Dukkha’ (suffering); its causes; its cessation; and the Path to its cessation – henceforth termed the ‘Four Noble Truths’.
Read moreOn Wednesday 9 July, the Āsāḷha Full-moon evening, devotees gathered at Nalanda Centre to commemorate Dhamma Day, the sacred occasion which marks three pivotal events in Buddhist history - the conception of Buddha Gotama, His renunciation of worldly life, and most significantly, the day He first expounded the Dhamma as the Enlightened One.
Read moreBeginning the day after the full-moon of Asalha month (around July every year), Theravada Buddhist monks are required to observe Vassana or ‘Rains Retreat’ for a duration of 3 months. The Vassana period from July-August to October-November corresponds with the monsoon season in South and Southeast Asia (which were historically Buddhist strongholds), thus making traveling very difficult and even dangerous. Monks and nuns were often invited by Buddhist communities to reside in village Aramas (monasteries and nunneries) for the duration of the ‘rains’.
Read moreAs the Āsāḷha month dawns today, we invite you to join us at Nalanda Centre for the Uposatha Evening Service. The service will start at 8pm with meditation and chanting, followed by a Dhamma sharing by Bro. Tan Siang Chye. All are welcome!
Read moreOn Wednesday 13 July, over 150 devotees gathered at Nalanda Centre to commemorate ‘Dhamma Day’, the sacred day honouring the preaching of the Buddha’s first discourse after his Enlightenment – the ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’. After reciting the seminal discourse together, Bro. Tan Siang Chye delivered a Dhamma talk about the journey of the Buddha in achieving Enlightenment. He shared how rare it was for a Samma-Sambuddha – a Fully Enlightened Buddha – to advent and teach the True Dhamma (Sadhamma).
Read moreToday, on the full-moon day of Āsāḷha month, we commemorate the momentous occasion when the Buddha preached the First Sermon (the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) to the Five Ascetics in Isipatana, two full-moons after His Enlightenment. The ‘Wheel of Dhamma’ was set in motion for the benefit, happiness and liberation of countless beings.
Read moreIn conjunction with ‘Dhamma Day’- the occasion when the Buddha first preached the Dhamma to His first five disciples in Sarnath, 2,600 years ago, we joyfully invite you to join us for the morning service and a Dhamma Forum on Sunday 17 July starting at 9 am.
Read moreFor seven weeks after the Buddha’s Enlightenment, He contemplated on the Dhamma with His perfectly clear faculty of comprehension. Then, He travelled for seven days from Bodhgaya to Sarnath, where He preached the First Sermon (the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) to the Five Ascetics in Isipitana two full-moons after His Enlightenment.
Read more‘Dhamma Day’ commemorates the preaching of the Buddha’s first discourse after His Enlightenment. We joyfully invite you to join the online ‘Dhamma Day’ Service this Sunday 5 July at 9.30am on 'Facebook Live' to observe this auspicious occasion.
Read moreOn Wednesday 17 July, devotees gathered at Nalanda Centre to observe ‘Dhamma Day’. This auspicious occasion fell on the full-moon of the month Asalha; it commemorates the preaching of Buddha’s first discourse after His Enlightenment, when He taught His first five disciples the fundamental teachings of ‘Four Noble Truths’. The celebrated discourse – ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’ – reverberated throughout Nalanda Centre as Bro. Tan led devotees in reciting it.
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