Holistic Education for Integral Human Development
Teenagers explore Buddhists heritage in Bujang Valley
Teenagers explore Buddhists heritage in Bujang Valley
Grateful for a fulfilling and meaningful study tour in Sungai Petani.
From 6 to 8 June, 39 facilitators and students from Nalanda Teenage Dhamma School embarked on an enriching study tour to Bujang Valley in Kedah – a historically significant site often regarded as the cradle of early Buddhism in Malaysia.
Led by Nalanda Youth Leader Bro. Yeo Disheng and his dedicated team, participants explored ancient archaeological remains and visited the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum, home to artefacts dating as far back as the 2nd century CE. These visits offered students a rare opportunity to deepen their understanding of how Buddhism once flourished in this region, long before modern times. The journey highlighted Bujang Valley’s role as a vital centre of religious and cultural exchange in ancient Southeast Asia.
Student officers and teenagers from Family Dhamma School stayed in one day earlier to have training and preparation for the study tour.
Chanting training conducted by their senior, Bro. Ajita who is currently one of the youth leaders.
As the group embarked on their journey, Sis. Hui Shien, the Director of Nalanda Dhamma School gave students briefing about the programme.
Beyond the historical and educational experiences, students also developed team spirit and harmonious living through group activities, daily reflections, and Dhamma-sharing sessions. Immersed in a supportive environment, they nurtured wholesome habits, built spiritual friendships, and gained a greater appreciation for the efforts to preserve Malaysia’s sacred heritage. The study tour was not only a journey through history but also a meaningful step in the students’ personal and spiritual growth.
We thank Nalanda Dhamma School for organising this memorable study tour to bring history alive for so many. To know more about Bujang Valley, please click https://www.nalanda.org.my/buddhist-antiquity-in-bujang…/.
Students and facilitators enjoyed the journey while strengthening friendship with each other.
Despite the long journey, everyone was in good spirit when we arrived at our first destination – Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum.
Bro. Disheng led the group to understand the geographical structure in Bujang Valley.
Learning about the structure of ancient temple.
Students taking a closer look at the structures.
We are grateful for the Dhamma School graduates who participated in the study tour to provide support and help.
Students amazed at the ancient handcrafts and artefacts.
Outdoor exploration with Dr. Song, the Chairman of Nalanda Sungai Petani Branch.
Visiting the excavated ancient temples around the museum vicinity.
An eye-opening experience for the group in this museum.
The group arrived at their spiritual home up north – Nalanda Education Outreach Centre, Sungai Petani.
We thank the Sungai Petani Branch members for their warm welcome and hospitality.
Dr. Song, the Chairman of Nalanda Sungai Petani Branch, welcomed the group with much joy.
In the evening, students had the opportunity to learn the Dhamma from Sis. Hui Shien.
Students also shared their learning and reflection of the day.
Sis. Wei Nee concluded the day with encouragements for students to keep their learning spirit high.
Every morning and evening, facilitators and students immersed themselves in spiritual practice of meditation and chanting.
Joyful group photos around Semeling Jetty.
The rain didn’t dampen the learning at the Sg. Batu Archaeological Site as everyone sheltered each other with much care.
Bro. Seng Giap, the Deputy Chairman of Nalanda Sungai Petani Branch, explaining about the excavation methods used to unearth the artefacts.
Taking closer inspection on iron ore and iron ingot produced at the iron smelting sites.
We thank Bro. Yi An for his dedication in capturing the beautiful memories throughout this study tour.
A group photo at the site of ancient Buddhist Stupa with history dated back to the 2nd century.
The group also had an opportunity to visit a Thai Buddhist temple, Wat Kalai at Jeniang.
Paying respect and offering requisites to the resident monks in the temple.
Students were given a special task to identify Buddhist symbols around the temple.
Happy moments with spiritual friends.
Beautiful photo with the stately Buddha image in Wat Kalai.
During the bus journey, Bro. Disheng continued to share about the interesting facts and history of Bujang Valley.
At Tanjung Dawai, Bro. Jian Hau explained the significance of this river mouth in the ancient times.
This was were traders from different countries sailed into Bujang Valley during the ancient times.
We are grateful that Sis. Nandini Tan, the Director of Nalanda Centre were with us throughout this study tour.
Facilitators and students listened attentively as Sis. Nandini reminded us of the importance of taking care of each other.
Students reflected upon their learning for the day.
Sharing from students about their learning experience.
Throughout the stay in NEO SP, students had communal meals with much gratitude.
Each student lent their helping hands to ensure conducive and comfortable environment for all.
Before the group took leave, Sis. Hui Shien thanked the members of Nalanda Sungai Petani branch for their care and support.
Time for bonding and sharing on the bus.
Facilitators and students shared their reflection and words of thanks.
Grateful for a safe arrival back to Nalanda Centre, Sri Serdang.
Dedication of merits to all beings as the study tour concluded.