On Sunday 8 May, Achariya Vijaya Samarawickrama gave a talk on ‘Faith and Devotional Practice’. He explained that ‘faith’ in the context of Buddhism is not blind nor dogmatic, but is developed through gradual approach and proper understanding, which then gives rise to wisdom.
Read moreOn Saturday 7 May, a large contingent of 55 members, volunteer teachers and Dhamma School students from Seck Kia Eenh (SKE) Temple (or formally known as Malacca Buddhist Association) came to Nalanda Centre for a visit. The group was on a one-day tour of several Buddhist centres in the Klang Valley, led by the temple’s Deputy President, Associate Professor Tan Kim See.
Read moreWesak ‘Buddha Day’ commemorates the profound event of Buddha’s ‘Enlightenment’ – in other words, His complete realisation of truth and liberation from suffering. The path towards ‘Enlightenment’ begins with learning and practising Dhamma. Thus, we should prioritise spiritual cultivation over rituals in observing Wesak Day.
Read moreOn Monday 25 April, Nalanda Centre held a special memorial service to mark the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake that caused widespread damage and the death of more than 8,000 people in Nepal alone.
Read moreOn Sunday 24 April, Sis. Santi Cheang gave a talk on ‘Observing the 5 Precepts’ to participants of BPS 033 ‘Buddhist Practice & Devotion’ course. She explained that Precepts form the basis of morality for Buddhists. It strengthens our commitment to spiritual practice, and ensures a life of integrity and peace. Precepts are observed voluntarily by devotees; they are not commandments from the Buddha.
Read moreOn Sunday 17 April, Sister Buddhini Tan gave a talk on ‘Going for Refuge’ to participants of BPS 033 ‘Buddhist Practice & Devotion’ course. Sis. Buddhini explained that the practice of ‘Going for Refuge’ existed even before the Buddha’s time. It was customary for a follower to proclaim his or her faith in the teacher or a higher power.
Read moreOn Sunday 17 April, the Superintendent of Dharma Drum Malaysia, Venerable Bhikshuni Chang Zao (常藻法师), was invited to Nalanda to give a Mandarin Dhamma talk on ‘Correct Practices & Devotion’ for Buddhists (“正信的佛教是什么?”). She highlighted the essential teachings of Buddhism, and how it spread throughout the world.
Read moreOn Sunday 17 April, Nalanda founder Bro. Tan led a special service in memory of Sayādaw U Panditābhivamsa, who passed away a day earlier. The service began at 9.00am with meditation, followed by offerings and Pāli chanting. The 300-strong congregation then listened to an insightful talk by Bro. Tan, who started by asking rhetorically, “Do kings have suffering?”
Read moreOn Wednesday 13 April, we were fortunate to have Venerable Ajahn Chandako leading the weekly meditation session and giving a Dhamma talk at Nalanda Centre. Ajahn Chandako hails from the Thai forest tradition of Ajahn Chah, and is the abbot of Vimutti Forest Monastery in New Zealand.
Read moreOn Sunday 10 April, Achariya Vijaya Samarawickrama gave a talk on ‘Rites & Rituals’, which is part of the BPS 033 Buddhist Devotional Practice course. He explained how rites and rituals evolved with human development and had an important role in binding communities culturally.
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