From 15 – 17 December, 20 leaders and core members of Nalanda Youth Centre retreated to Wisdom Park to review how the Youth Centre has progressed in 2023 and to prepare themselves for the year ahead. We rejoice in the growth of the Youth Centre and wish them to continuously stay humble and grounded, and maintain a high learning spirit. Sadhu anumodana!

In the 9th Nalanda National Members’ Convention last week, the Dhamma community came together upholding the spirit of ‘Kalyana mittata” – spiritual and admirable friendships. It was heartening to witness everyone joyfully offering their sincere support to kalyana mittas with care and encouragement through the host of learning sessions and team activities. May we all continue to cultivate spiritual friendships by being good friends to one another and for the well-being of many. Sadhu anumodana.

Just a few days ago from 9 to 11 December, over 90 Nalanda members from Serdang and all three branches gathered at Wisdom Park for the 9th Nalanda National Members’ Convention. In these 3 days of learning and training, members better aligned to the Society’s direction of progressing towards a Buddhist missionary. We thank the Organising Committee, members and volunteers for their efforts and support in rejuvenating our spiritual vigour and committing to this noble endeavour. Buddha-sāsanam ciram tithattu.

On Monday 11 December, Nalanda members had the priviledge of welcoming Ven. Ayya Santinī, Abbess of Wisma Kusalayani in Bandung, to Wisdom Park for the first time. This timely visit during the Society’s 9th National Members’ Convention, presented a wonderful platform for members from across Malaysia to ask questions pertaining to their practice and missionary calling, in a Dhamma chat with Ayya Santinī, a missionary herself.

Nalanda ‘Education Day’ is observed on 11 December annually, and this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Nalanda “Education Philosophy”. This model which governs our personal and organisational development and programmes calls for a holistic approach in education, balancing and combining knowledge, skills, values and culture, hence leading to integral development of people. Let us each become a beacon to light the Dhamma path for the prolongation of the Buddha-Sāsana. Happy Nalanda Education Day!