Pertaining to the annual Nalandian Gimhana Retreat. Any report, news or notice concerning this programme should be tagged.
On Sunday 5 June, Bro. Tan Siang Chye delivered a Dhamma sharing on this year’s ‘Gimhāna Period’ theme – ‘Living in Harmony’. He shared that when we have harmony within, we are free from internal conflict and are confident in our life purpose. This in itself leads to us having a peaceful and happy nature which positively impacts those around us.
Read moreOn Sunday 29 May, Nalanda members and volunteers entered into the Gimhāna Period as they gathered for its first Sunday Morning Service. After the morning meditation, offerings and chanting, an appreciation session for Buddha Day volunteers was held, where everyone rejoiced in the selfless efforts of all who contributed to the joyous celebrations held the week before. Thereafter, Sis. Paruadi Ramasamy delivered a talk on the purpose of this 7-week Gimhāna ‘retreat’, that of reflecting on Dhamma and strengthening our spiritual practice which develops into wholesome life-long habits.
Read moreNalanda observes the ‘Gimhāna Period’ annually by committing to a period of relatively intensive Dhamma learning and practice. This year’s retreat carry the theme “Living in Harmony”. Join us in observing this spiritual period together as a community.
Read moreBeing mindful and staying in the present moment is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice. Yet, we frequently find our thoughts wandering off due to external stimuli of all kinds and proliferation of thoughts. This inability to focus results in a mind that is not calm, serene and concentrated. The distracted mind also drains our energy level and hinders our spiritual progress.
Read moreCraving (tañha) occupies the mind when wisdom is not applied to pleasant and unpleasant experiences. Without the wisdom of seeing their impermanent and transient nature, we react in unwise ways that lead to our affliction. We are unable to see straight because we are blinded by craving, and even allow emotions to control us. The Buddha explains the unwise reaction to tañha in Sallatha Sutta (SN 36.6).
Read moreAt times, we may be in a state of doubt, either in ourselves, or in the Dhamma principles. “I meditate everyday but still can’t calm the mind”, or “I have learnt so much over the years, yet I don’t have the deep level of faith”; thoughts like these are common. We may even think that we are too deep down the ‘rabbit hole’ in this life to realise our mind’s full potential. If left unchecked, the sceptical mind will ebb our determination to reach our spiritual goals.
Read moreAnger and aversion arise when someone does or says something we don’t like, or things are not done our way. It is the result of unwise attention to the un-ending desires in our mind. The Buddha taught that anger inflames the mind and only brings about loss, pain, loneliness and misery; an angry person does not see the true nature of things (Kodhana Sutta, AN 7.60).
Read moreIn the next few weeks, we will reflect on Dhamma talks held during the this year's Gimhāna Retreat on ‘Steps to Happiness’. These talks discuss the manifestations of the mind which obstruct our spiritual progress, and how we can take steps towards removing them. We hope that this series are useful reminders and contemplations for you.
Read moreThe practice of chanting forms a basic yet invaluable aspect of Buddhist education. The verses recited contain universal truths, values and virtues uttered by the Buddha Himself, and have been passed down through generations to not just recite, but to understand, reflect and realise. This practice is especially helpful in our modern hectic lifestyle as it helps us develop the Three C’s – Calm, Clarity, and Concentration.
Read moreHave you been putting aside meditation or reading a Dhamma book because it was easier to binge-watch TV? We may even have held on to feelings of anger, frustration and jealousy because it feels more ‘righteous’ than forgiving and letting go. Our old habits and tendencies form the path of least resistance, but we must remember that this route blurs our minds and weaken our resolve. Instead, we should cultivate “Aditthana” – determination to persevere for a noble goal despite the difficulties.
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