India & Nepal

28 November 2023

Youth Exchange Programme inspires action

From 16 to 25 November, Nalanda hosted 10 specially selected youth leaders from Ladakh and 18 Malaysian youths in the 2nd Jambudvipa-Suvarnabhumi Buddhist Youth Exchange Programme (YEP), a project undertaken by Nalanda in partnership with several Buddhist organisations in India with the aim of revitalising the proper learning and practice of Buddhism in its land of origin.

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25 June 2022

BBC Video : Unearthing ‘Nālandā Māha Vihāra’

The majestic ‘Nālandā Māha Vihāra’ was established during the Gupta Period in the 5th Century CE, in the city of Nalanda, where once the Buddha delivered the Kevatta Sutta and spoke about the ‘Miracle of Education’.  This key learning institution was not just for Buddhist monastics, but also for students of secular subjects including medicine, mathematics and philosophy.  At its peak, the university hosted over 10,000 students from all around the world, the most famous of which is Ven. Xuan Zang.

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3 July 2020

Passing of Sayadaw Nyanapurnik

It is with deep respect and a heavy heart that we observe the passing away of Most Venerable Sayadaw Nyanapurnik Mahathera, the Sanghanāyaka of Nepal, on 3 July 2020.  Sayadaw succumbed to old-age illnesses which he had been battling for several years, and passed away peacefully early this morning.  He was 81.

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21 May 2020

Prayers for victims of Cyclone Amphan

On Wednesday 20 May, the coastal districts of West Bengal and Bangladesh suffered the wrath of ‘Cyclone Amphan’ which left a trail of destruction with thousands of people homeless.  The death toll, which currently stands at 84, has been rising as search and rescue missions continue to be carried out amidst the devastation.  Powerful winds and torrential rains which hit the Bay of Bengal had caused extensive damage to electricity supply, infrastructure and homes.

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30 December 2019

Inspiring journey through India and Nepal

From 14 to 28 December 2019, 68 pilgrims embarked on ‘Buddhayatra’, a spiritual journey to India and Nepal led by Nalanda founder Bro. Tan.  A ‘Buddhayatra’ is not a sight-seeing tour but a journey of faith with insightful learning, reflection, and spiritual growth, as we retrace the path taken by our Enlightened Teacher 26 centuries ago.

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14 December 2019

Pilgrims start ‘Buddhayatra’ today

On the morning of 14 December, 68 pilgrims began their two-week ‘Buddhayatra’ (pilgrimage) to India and Nepal.  The spiritual journey led by Nalanda founder Bro. Tan will take the group through places associated with the life of our great Teacher, the Buddha, such as Uruvela, Rajagaha, Nalanda, Vesali, Kusinara, Lumbini, Savatthi, and Isipatana near Benares.

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27 October 2019

Happy Diwali

‘Diwali’ (or ‘Deepavali’ in Malaysia) is a Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of goodness over evil; and the victory of knowledge over ignorance.  Just as light dispels darkness, even so, wisdom dispels folly and foolishness.  Nalanda Buddhist Society wishes all our Hindu friends throughout the world a joyous ‘Diwali’.  May you enjoy delightful reunions with family, and cheerful meetings with friends.

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2 October 2019

International Day of Non-violence

Today marks the 150th birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948).  It is celebrated as ‘Gandhi Jayanti’ in India; and since 2007, it was designated by the United Nations as the “International Day of Non-Violence”.   Gandhiji was revered by millions of Indians as ‘Mahātmā’, who worked indefatigably for the peaceful independence of India from colonial rule, while professing the ancient philosophy of non-violence, truthfulness, modesty and simplicity.

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6 September 2019

Inspiring journey to Ladakh

From 23 August to 2 September, a group of 35 Nalandians led by Nalanda founder Bro. Tan travelled to Ladakh for the trip of a lifetime.  Ladakh is a region administered by India, located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent at 15,000 ft above sea level, on the Karakoram mountain range.  The group was privileged to be hosted by Ven. Sanghasena Mahathera, and was warmly welcomed upon arrival at Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC).

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14 April 2018

New Year Greetings from Nalanda

This weekend marks the New Year celebrations for our friends in many parts of Asia – across much of India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, and many Malaysians of Indian origin, too.  Nalanda wishes all venerable monks, our teachers and friends joyous New Year celebrations!  May this coming year bring peace and well-being to people around the world.  Sotthi.

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