According 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.
Read moreOn Sunday 22 February, Nalanda members and devotees returned to Nalanda Centre, refreshed and eager to continue learning the Dhamma after the Lunar New Year holidays. The morning began with a short meditation session, giving everyone quiet time to focus on the present moment and calm their minds after the festive celebrations.
Read moreWe invite you to join us on Wednesday 4 February 2026 to learn and reflect on the endearing virtue of loving-kindness with Venerable Dr. S. Pemaratana, Abbot of Pittsburgh Buddhist Centre. The evening service will commence at 8pm with chanting, followed by a Dhamma talk by Ven. Pemaratana on ‘Benefits of Metta’. We look forward to welcoming you at Nalanda Centre.
Read moreOn Friday 2 January 2026, members and devotees gathered to welcome Ajahn Jutindharo on his maiden visit to Nalanda Centre, and to learn from Ajahn in the evening Dhamma talk. Apt advise for the new year, Ajahn reminded us that our worth is beyond just academic or worldly achievements; it is how we make lives better by extending more kindness and friendliness into the world.
Read moreIn the new 2026 year, join us to learn with Ven. Ajahn Jutindharo on 2 January 2026 at Nalanda Centre. Ajahn Jutindharo is Abbot of Hartridge Monastery in Devon, England. In his university days, he became interested in meditation and Buddhism, leading to him joining the Buddhist monastic order in 1987. His monastic life has been spent primarily in Britain, with short periods in Asia. The service will start at 8pm. All are welcome.
Read moreLast Wednesday 12 November, devotees gathered at Nalanda Centre to learn from Ven. Dipako, who first shared his personal story and challenges in becoming a monk. He remarked that we all have the opportunities to deepen our practice as we are in a safe environment and can fulfill our basic needs. But at the same time, there are many distractions in our lives which can derail our spiritual aspirations.
Read moreJoin us for the Weekly Group Meditation this Wednesday, 12 November. The programme will begin at 8.30pm with chanting and meditation, followed by a Dhamma talk by Ven. Dīpako. Ven. Dīpako was born in the city of Rennes to parents of Sino-Khmer heritage. During a visit to Southeast Asia, he discovered Wat Pah Nanachat, the International Forest Monastery in Thailand. He developed a keen interest in meditation and the monastic way of life, leading him to become a bhikkhu at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in England in 2014. Ven. Dīpako currently resides in Panyagiri Barcelona.
Read moreLast weekend, from Friday 30 October to Monday 3 November, Nalanda members were delighted to see Bro. Ooi Choong Li once again back at Nalanda Centre! A good spiritual friend to many since he started to learn and serve at Nalanda from 2008, Bro. Choong Li has been recuperating back at his hometown, Penang due to a serious accident back in 2019.
Read moreToday is the new-moon day of the ‘Kattika’ month. This is a great opportunity to spend time deepening our Dhamma practice through observing the Eight Precepts, meditation practice and listening to Dhamma talks. Let us reflect on the teachings of the Buddha on this Uposatha with faith, confidence and joy.
Read moreOn Sunday 28 September, the community came together for Samaggi Day, observed on the last Sunday of every month. Members and devotees were joined by Nalanda youths and Dhamma School students for morning meditation, offerings, and chanting, fostering a spirit of unity and harmony.
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