On Sunday 13 July, all learning divisions of Nalanda- including Dhamma School juniors, teenagers, youths, parents, and adults, gathered with joy and reverence to commemorate Dhammacakka Day, marking the occasion when the Buddha first expounded the Dhamma to His five disciples in Isipatana over 2,600 years ago.
Read more‘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 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 moreOn Saturday 5 July, the alms-round at the morning markets in O.U.G. and Happy Garden was a welcomed sight by market goers and stall operators. In the midst of their busy marketing day, they took time to prepare and offer requisites with joyful hearts.
Read moreWe invite you to observe ‘Dhammacakka Day’ this Sunday 13 July, to commemorate the occasion when the Buddha delivered the first discourse on the Four Noble Truths to His five disciples in Sarnath, over 2600 years ago.
Read moreFrom 17 to 23 June, we were honoured to host Ven. Ayya Hāsapañña and Ven. Ayya Jotikā on their maiden visit to Nalanda Centre and Wisdom Park. Both Venerables were in Malaysia to conduct a Dhamma Camp for Friends of Wisdom Park Singapore Chapter. Ven. Ayya Hāsapañña is the current abbot of Dhammasara Nuns Monastery, while Ven. Ayya Jotikā is her student in the same monastery.
Read moreOn Saturday 7 June, Nalanda KL Branch members and volunteers hosted the monthly Pindacāra at the OUG and Happy Garden morning markets. Led by Venerable Pariyano, the alms-round offered laypeople a precious opportunity to cultivate generosity (dāna) and to give to those worthy of support.
Read moreOn Thursday 15 May, Nalanda members and devotees gathered for the Mandarin Dhamma talk by Ven. Paññasami at Nalanda Education & Outreach Centre in Happy Garden. The session which started with guided meditation, and a peaceful sitting to calm the mind before reflecting on the Dhamma.
Read moreOn Wednesday 14 May, Nalanda members and devotees were honoured to welcome Thai Forest monks Ven. Luang Por Dtumrong, Ven. Luang Por Dumrong, Ven. Ajahn Dton, Ven. Phra Mahāpuñño and Ven. Phra Mettacitto to Nalanda Centre. We were honoured to be able to learn with Ven. Luang Por Dumrong, who had last visited us in 2013, in the evening Dhamma teaching.
Read moreOn the evening of Buddha Day, Monday 12 May, the community came together at Sri Serdang for the highlight of Wesak observance – the Heritage Procession. Continuing Emperor Asoka’s legacy, once a year, the Buddha-rupam was conveyed on a wooden sedan to the harmonious beating of drums and gongs, escorted by colourful parasols and followed closely by devotees holding candle-lights.
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