Chinese New Year is steeped in culture, celebration and meaningful traditions. In Kelantan, one cherished custom unites the Buddhist community - visiting temples for Sanghika-dāna on the first day of Chinese New Year. This act of giving is a profound expression of respect and gratitude to the monastics, carrying deep spiritual and cultural significance.
Read moreThe virtue of ‘Giving’ is the the first step on the path to liberation, helping to purify the mind. The immediate effect of calm and relinquishment yields much joy just as we had witnessed at the pindacāra (monks on alms-round) last Saturday 18 January at Seri Kembangan markets. Eagerly and respectfully, stall vendors and market-goers prepared and extended their offerings to venerable monks who walked the alms route serenely.
Read moreSunday 12 January marked the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the 1st Theravada Bhikkhuni Sima, Nunnery and Dhamma Training Centre of Ariya Vihara at Kwasa Damansara, Selangor. Nalanda leaders and members joined dozens of Buddhist community leaders and supporters in this milestone event, on the land which was gazetted for this use on 18 March 2021 by the State Government.
Read moreLast December, 24 members of Nalanda Johor Bahru Branch embarked on a study tour of Bangkok and Ayutthaya. One of the most enriching experience was a visit on 12 December to Buddhadasa Indapañño Archives (BIA) in Bangkok, a pioneering establishment that preserves and propagates the late Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu’s works and teachings.
Read moreOn Saturday 4 January, Nalanda members and devotees were honoured to have Venerable B. Saranankara Thero, our Spiritual Advisor lead the Society’s first pindacāra (monks on alms-round) in the new year at the O.U.G. and Happy Garden markets. Many vendors and market-goers accustomed to this endearing tradition, gathered happily to offer food and requisites together with their well-wishes.
Read moreOn 1 January 2025, Nalanda Dhamma School marked its 20th Anniversary with a meaningful gathering at the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sentul. Nalanda members, facilitators, and students paid respects to our Spiritual Advisor Venerable B. Saranankara Thero and venerable Sangha members there.
Read moreOn Sunday 29 December – the last Sunday Service of the year – we were indeed blessed to host and learn from Ven. Luang Por Viradhammo, the Abbot of Tisarana Monastery in Ottawa, Canada and one of the most senior Western disciples of Ven. Luang Por Chah. It was also a Samaggi Sunday Service, a tradition at Nalanda where the whole community gathers on the last Sunday of the month in unity and harmony.
Read moreFrom 28 to 29 December, a group of over 50 regular Sunday Service devotees and volunteers ended the year with a reflective and spirited Adult Dhamma Camp held at Nalanda Centre. Exploring the theme ‘Happily Do We Live’, the two days non-stay-in camp gave the adult participants opportunities to experience deeper happiness in life by inculcating Dhamma as a way of life – by cultivating dāna, sīla and bhāvanā, the happiness derived is more lasting and satisfactory, and not dependent on worldly pleasures.
Read moreOn Saturday 21 December, the community at Seri Kembangan came together for the final Pindacāra of the year. It provided a golden opportunity for everyone to perform wholesome deeds and cultivate generosity to end the year in a fruitful and meaningful way. The joy and spirit of giving were evident in the members of the public who enthusiastically came forward to make offerings abundantly.
Read moreFrom 11 – 16 December, 24 members of Nalanda Johor Bahru Branch embarked on a study tour of Thailand. Led by Sis. Nandinī Tan and Bro. David Yap, the entourage strengthened their faith and understanding of Buddhist history by immersing themselves in the rich Buddhist monuments and sites of Bangkok and Ayutthaya.
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