8th Anniversary Message from the Management Committee

Nalanda Buddhist Society was established on 1st May 2003.  This year, we are marking the 8th Anniversary of the Society.

Much progress and many notable achievements have been accomplished in these years by our members, devotees and benefactors working unitedly with diligence and common understanding.

We shall continue to strive for improvements in the programmes and activities we organize, and endeavour to serve the community even better.  There is much to be done in the areas of Buddhist education and propagation, and thus, we need great commitment from members and support from the public.

This Wesak (B.E.2555) also marks the 2,600th Anniversary of the Buddha’s Enlightenment and His preaching of the Dhamma.  As such, let’s renew our spirit to study, practise, understand and appreciate this precious Buddha-Dhamma for our salvation, and at the same time, revive our missionary spirit to help all sentient beings in striving for liberation.

Nalanda thank you appreciatively for these eight wonderful years.  Together, we shall strive on more diligently to serve the world!

Anumodana! Bhavatu sabba mangalam.

With metta,

The Management Committee

Heart at Peace, World in Bliss !

Wesak Observance with Increased Spiritual Maturity and Peacefulness

Dear Friends in the Dhamma,

Good Morning!

Wesak Observance at Nalanda has come to a wonderful end last Sunday. We would like to express our gratefulness for your presence and support at Nalanda Centre over the weekend, as well as the supportive responses to our various communication channels throughout the Wesak observance period.

This Wesak, we witnessed the Buddhist community uniting as one, just like the blending of milk and water, a simile uttered by the Buddha when referring to a community of Sangha living harmoniously together. From the planning process to full completion, Nalandians, volunteers and Buddhist Community Alliance members shone working independently, and glowed just as brightly when working in a big team. Arising situations were calmly responded to with great understanding and cooperation. Such qualities are not only admirable but can bring one far in threading the Dhamma path.

We also saw high spirit of benevolence and generosity within the community with devotees and supporters offering food items, flowers, cash and kinds to enliven the Wesak observance and to support the educational mission of the Society.

We are very happy to note that the newly built Nalanda Centre, which hosted its first Wesak observance this year, was put to purposeful use and utilized to the brim to receive more than 1,500 visitors and participants over the four-day period.

We thank you for a successful Wesak observance with increased spiritual maturity and peacefulness. We hope you are well-rested after a weekend of selfless giving and caring. The body may be tired, but a happy mind will keep the energy and spirit high. Having renewed our aspirations this Wesak, let us continue on our upward strive towards a more enlightened existence.

Anumodana!


With appreciation,
Sis. Buddhini Tan
Hon. Secretary,
Nalanda Buddhist Society

Happy Wesak!

Dear Friends in the Dhamma,

Happy Wesak!

It is now less than a day away from the most sacred day of the Buddhist calendar. Wesak Day is the official New Year Day for Buddhists the world over. As in the conventional New Year Day, where we start afresh with renewed wishes and resolutions, so should we take stocks and reevaluate our lives on this Holy Wesak Day. This is the period for us to reestablish our faith in the Triple Gem and reaffirm our resolutions with regards to Dhamma learning, practice and realization.

We encourage you to take some time off to reflect on the followings.
- How much positive changes has Dhamma effected on my life?
- How much of the Dhamma knowledge gained have I shared with people around me?
- How much more have I cared and contributed to the community?

At the trail end of this message, you will find the last piece of our 8 series “Countdown to Wesak B.E. 2554 Message”. We hope the brief messages are useful in preparing you for a meaningful Wesak observance. We also hope that you will enjoy and benefit from the various activities* lined up for you during this Wesak period.

We take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very joyful Wesak. Bhavatu Sabba Mangalam. May all blessings be yours.


With metta,
Sis. Buddhini Tan
Hon. Secretary,
Nalanda Buddhist Society

Wesak Programme : www.nalanda.org.my/wesak
Wesak Heritage Candle-light Procession : http://thestaronline.tv/v/5655
Website : www.nalanda.org.my

*Highlights of Wesak Activities at Nalanda
Wesak Observance Opening - 27 May 2010, Thursday, 8pm
Almsround - 28 May 2010, Friday, 7am
Blood Donation Drive - 28 May 2010, Friday, 10am-4pm
Buddha Jayanti Exhibition - 28-30 May 2010, Friday-Saturday, 10am-6pm & Sunday, 10am-2pm
Mass Food Offering - 28 May 2010, Friday, 5pm
Wesak Candlelight Procession - 28 May 2010, Friday, 7pm
Colouring & Drawing Competition - 29 May 2010, Saturday, 9am

Wesak 2010 Message from the Management Committee

Dear Members and Devotees,

Wesak is a sacred day for Buddhists, an occasion to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Lord Buddha more than twenty-five centuries ago. Most Buddhists choose to observe this occasion mindfully, peacefully, with full gratitude and reverence for our great Teacher.

Here at Nalanda, we also advocate the spirit of giving and caring to honour the Buddha’s message of love and peace. We encourage all devotees, volunteers and the general public to give selflessly through activities such as the Blood Donation, Mass Food Offering, Alms Giving, and Transference of Merits.

This kind of activities augment well for the fostering of unity and understanding, as members, devotees and volunteers come together to work joyously and harmoniously for the welfare of others. And hence, Wesak also becomes an occasion to reach out and unite the Buddhist community in the spirit of compassion.

For the past several years, Nalanda has adopted Wesak themes with the element of ‘Unity’. This year, the theme turns dynamic and pressing with the call for “Unity! Now!”. This is aptly so, as the Society has taken a proactive step to become a part of the Buddhist Community Alliance (BCA) on 1 May 2010, an alliance formed by five Buddhist societies intent on Buddhist education and Dhamma propagation.

As part of its community service initiatives, BCA will undertake a string of communal projects. The first being the Grand Wesak Candlelight Procession in Sri Serdang on 28 May 2010 where more than 1,000 Buddhists shall come united as one community.

In unity we stand, in harmony we strive, thus the lyrics in ‘Anthem of Unity’ written by the Wayfarers many years ago. These words shall ring true this Wesak with us giving and caring beyond superficial organization, communal and even religious boundaries. Let us extend our sincerest hospitality and friendship to our fellow brothers and sisters, regardless of race, background and status throughout this Wesak period.

Let us reach beyond ourselves and cultivate unity and a community spirit so highly praised by the Lord Buddha.

Happy is the birth of Buddhas. Happy is the teaching of the sublime Dhamma. Happy is the unity of the Sangha. Happy is the discipline of the united ones! ~ Dhammapada verse 194 ~


With metta,
Lee Kong Foo
President,
Nalanda Buddhist Society.

Mid-Autumn Celebration 2009 - All Things Great Came Together

Dear friends,

Happy Mid-Autumn greetings!

Pesta Tanglung Nalanda 2009 was successfully held at the field beside Nalanda House on Sunday, 4 October 2009. The weather was rather gloomy earlier on that day with strong winds and dark clouds covering the afternoon sky. All things great came together when guests started to stream in and the sky turned clear with soft breeze blowing in the background throughout the evening.

The event saw more than 300 people taking part, coming mostly from the neighbourhood, thus fulfilling the Society’s wish of spreading Dhamma to the immediate Chinese-speaking community.

The guests were firstly guided to the New Nalanda Centre to witness the Gold Leaf Adherence ceremony. The ambience in the shrine hall was extremely quiet and peaceful. Guests and volunteers moved about adhering gold leaves mindfully. The act was further sanctified by monks reciting verses of blessings to the generous devotees.

At the field, guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner and a host of programmes specially catered for them. The elders were taken down the memory lane with beautiful renditions of Chinese oldies and cultural performances. Devotees were mesmerized by a lively sharing of Dhamma entitled “Perfect Life”. The younger ones too, had their fair share of fun attempting to solve various riddles. The younger children also played to their hearts content at the games counter.

The night came to a perfect end when young and old carrying brightly lit lanterns marched around the field on a joyful Mid-Autumn procession. Two monks from the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple led the congregation on sharing of merits and blessings before the Society bade farewell to all guests.

Nalanda would like to take this opportunity to thank big-hearted sponsors and committed volunteers for making the evening a joyful and meaningful occasion for all present. Thank you for contributing to the Dhamma propagation cause for our Chinese-speaking community!

We look forward to your continued support and hope to see you again in our future community reach-out projects.


With appreciation,
Bro. Aggavamsa Wong
Secretary,
Nalanda Buddhist Society


Important Note:

The adherence of Gold Leaf at the Buddha altar will run for one month commencing 4th October 2009. Sponsorship of gold leaf at RM10 a piece is available at Nalanda Buddhist Society daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Sponsored gold leaves will be offered at the altar and adhered to the wall of the new Nalanda Centre.

Sponsors are encouraged to share the merits of this noble deed with their family members and departed relatives. Proceeds from the sponsorship will be channeled to the Nalanda building and development fund. Kindly spread this good news to your friends and family members. For more information, please contact Sis. Wai Chin at +603.8948.8055 or +6012.547.7185.

Click Here to View More Photos

Nalanda Community Service Initiative 2009 - Phase 2 Completed!

Nandanavana, the Garden of Joyful Delight becomes reality!

Even though it was the long Hari Raya weekend, more than 50 members, devotees, and students of Nalanda Vidyalaya spent their holiday meaningfully by participating in the Nalanda Community Service Initiative 2009 to clean and green our immediate surroundings. Many people had brought along plants and gardening tools from home with the purpose of transforming the barren road shoulder in front of Nalanda Centre into a beautiful oasis of greenery.

After a full-day of hard-work under the sun and in the rain, our effort was paid-off by the truly altered landscape. Joy arose in our hearts while gazing at the newly created garden. We hereby share with you some photographs taken during and after the tree planting. We hope you too feel the delight, and rejoice over the services of the volunteers.

We fervently thank all individuals who have contributed directly or indirectly to the success of this project to clean and green our environment. Your generosity and effort to source for bricks, soil, plants, and to personally hand-build the garden have given life to Nandanavana.

Following this, we further need contributions of :

1. organic fertilizers to nourish the plants and maintain a healthy garden;
2. donations of pebbles and rocks for landscaping;
3. more plants such as bougainvilleas, frangipani, flowering shrubs and ground cover.

The fertilizers, rocks and plants can be sent directly to Nalanda House. Feel free to contact us if you are interested to contribute towards this cause to enhance our environment for sentient beings and to green our home – Earth.

Thank you and Anumodana!

With metta,

Visakha Goh

Coordinator, Nalanda Community Service Initiative 2009

Anumodana

22 September 2009, Tuesday
10.00 pm

The Management Committee of Nalanda Buddhist Society would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to members of the Maha Sangha, Nalanda members, friends and devotees who have kindly rendered assistance during the wake and funeral services for Sis Jennie Cheong from 17 to 19 September 2009.

It was indeed a difficult time for Sis Jennie’s family members to come to terms with her tragic death. Nevertheless, the throng of kin and friends present at the services and the words of comfort offered to them have helped lighten their sadness.

Many of us find joy and comfort to have known and worked with Sis Jennie, who is fondly remembered as a friendly, easy-going and extremely generous person. Her endearing qualities will be sorely missed by all of us. Let us continue our commitment to promote Buddhist education for future generations to come, as did Sis Jennie, to continue her legacy.

Yam kinci samudaya Dhammam sabbam tam nirodha Dhammam - whatever of the nature of arising has the nature of ceasing.


Anumodana,
Sis. Buddhini
Assistant Secretary,
Nalanda Buddhist Society

WAKE & FUNERAL ARRANGEMENT - THE LATE JENNIE CHEONG SWEE CHUN

Nirvana Memorial Centre [ Parlour 22, 2nd Floor ]


WAKE PROGRAMME

18 September 2009, Friday

6:00 pm - Starting of the Wake
8:00 pm - Chanting by Theravada Monks
9:00 pm - Mahayana Chanting by Ven. Sin Kang


FUNERAL PROGRAMME

19 September 2009, Saturday

8:30 am - Family members assemble

8:45 am - Prayer Service by Monks & Laity

9:15 am - Eulogy
Mr. Charlie Chia
Hon. Mr. Vijaya Samarawickrama (Representing the Buddhist Community)
Representative of Sis. Jennie Cheong’s family
Presentations

9:45 am - Transference of merits

9:50 am - Paying of last respects by
1. Immediate family members
2. Sis. Jennie’s relatives
3. Friends, associates & members of the public

10:00am - Cortege leaves for Nirvana Crematorium,
Jalan Pusaka 21/1, Off Persiaran Jubli Perak,
43000 Shah Alam, Selangor.

WAKE FOR THE LATE SIS JENNIE CHEONG

17 September 2009, 12.00pm

Laying at Nirvana Memorial Centre. Funeral on Saturday

Dear members and devotees,

Sis Jennie Cheong’s remains arrived from Delhi this morning on a Malaysia Airlines flight, accompanied by Venerable Linh Tan from India. She was received by her husband and relatives, together with Bro.Charlie Chia, Bro.Tan Ho Soon and Mr. Ee Kim Swee.

The body of Sis. Jennie was spotted by Indian Police on Tuesday, 15 September, exactly three weeks after the accident. Her remains were found around 12 kilometers downstream from the site of the tragedy, on the far bank of the fast-flowing Indus River.

After arrival, her body was sent from the airport directly to Nirvana Memorial Centre in Sungai Besi. The wake and funeral arrangements are as follows:

Starting from 6.00pm today – Thursday, 17 September.
Parlour No.13, 1st Floor,
Nirvana Memorial Centre
No.1, Jalan 1/116A, Off Jalan Sungai Besi, 57100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel : 03-7981 8899

The funeral is scheduled on 19th September 2009, Saturday.
Cortege is expected to leave Nirvana Memorial Centre at 10am to the Shah Alam Crematorium. Paying of last respects starts at 8.30am this Saturday.

We will be updating you on the latest changes to the arrangements. We pray that the family of the late Sis. Jennie remain calm and peaceful.

Sotthi.

Bro.Aggavamsa Wong
Secretary,
Nalanda Buddhist Society

DEEPEST CONDOLENCE

16 September 2009, 11pm

Tragic Accident in Ladakh, India – Latest Updates
Body of Missing Victim Found –
Sis Jennie Cheong to be laid to rest this Saturday

Dear friends,

It is with much regret that we bring you the latest updates regarding the tragic incident in Ladakh involving our missing friend – Sis Jennie Cheong. After three weeks of extensive search by the Indian police, army personnel and the local people of Ladakh, the body of Sis Jennie Cheong was finally found on Tuesday, 15 September. Her remains were found several kilometers downstream from the site of the tragic accident, still submerged in the icy water of the fast-flowing Indus River.

Sis Jennie is the fourth casualty from that tragedy that struck the Malaysian group traveling to the remote far north of Kashmir to support and participate in charity projects, initiated by the Ladakhi Maha Bodhi Society. That region is a popular focal point for Malaysian devotees and volunteers, who no doubt have brought a lot of resources into the impoverished place. Sis Jennie herself was among those who have contributed significantly to the building of educational facilities there. Her passing has not only shocked us in Malaysia, but is also mourned deeply by the people of Ladakh.

Sis Jennie’s remains will be brought back from Delhi tonight on a Malaysia Airlines flight, scheduled to arrive at KLIA at 6.55am, Thursday, 17 September. She will be received by her family members and Bro. Charlie Chia. From Nalanda, Bro. Tan Ho Soon and Mr. Ee Kim Swee (President) will also be at the airport to render assistance.

Her body will be sent to Nirvana Memorial Centre in Sungai Besi. The wake and funeral arrangements are as follows:


Funeral Arrangements :

The wake will be held on Thursday and Friday (17 and 18 September), starting 6pm, at Nirvana Memorial Centre, No.1, Jalan 1/116A, Off Jalan Sungai Besi, 57100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel : 03-7981 8899

The funeral is scheduled on 19th September 2009, Saturday.
Cortege is expected to leave Nirvana Memorial Centre in the morning to the Shah Alam Crematorium. Paying of last respects starts at 8.30am this Saturday.

Sis Jennie had participated actively in many of Nalanda’s activities this year. She was also a registered student of Nalanda Institute for the six-month Certificate in Buddhist Studies course. In class, she was friendly and easy-going, thus very well-liked by everyone. She was also extremely generous in helping charitable causes, especially those involving Buddhist education. Her demise is definitely a great loss to the entire Buddhist community, and certainly, to her loving family.

On behalf of Nalanda Buddhist Society, Nalanda Institute and all our members and devotees, we wish to convey our deepest condolence to the husband, children and relatives of the late Sis Jennie Cheong Swee Chun. May they find strength in the Dharma in this hour of need.

We also invite the Buddhist community to spare a thought of kindness and compassion for them, and extend our prayers to Sis Jennie and her bereaved family. May they find peace.

Sotthi.


Bro. Aggavamsa Wong
Secretary,
Nalanda Buddhist Society

100 days left to the Officiating Ceremony of Nalanda Centre!

2 September 2009, Wednesday
11.00pm

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Namo Buddhaya!

It is exactly 100 days and counting to 11 December 2009, on which day the Officiating Ceremony of the new Nalanda Centre will be held. The Society is abuzz with many activities leading up to the momentous event.

On the one hand, rebuilding and renovation works are being carried out almost round-the–clock, busy even on Sundays. So far, work has been proceeding smoothly, thanks to the meticulous planning and coordination between the Building Technical Team, the Project Manager and the contractors. On the other hand, the Secretariat is mobilizing all our volunteers to prepare for the Officiating Ceremony itself, which is expected to draw a crowd of more than 1,000 devotees from all over Malaysia. In fact, all of you are welcome to this joyous event.

Upon its completion, the new Nalanda Centre will undoubtedly bring tremendous benefit to the entire Malaysian Buddhist community. We can look forward to better facilities, including seminar rooms, library, and even lodgings for students and visitors who attend courses here. Not only that, we are upgrading and revamping certain management systems so as to better serve the public who are eager to learn the Dhamma in a systematic and comprehensive way.

Nalanda has lined up several fund-raising activities starting now. On 27 September, we are having a walkathon in Bukit Jalil Recreation Park – “Walk for Buddhist Education” – with the aim of raising money for the Building Fund. On 10 October, a charity musical will be held in collaboration with the world-acclaimed Dama Orchestra, at the KL Performing Arts Centre. On 25 October, we are organizing the annual PESTA NALANDA Food & Fun Fair. Details for all these activities are available at our Website at http://www.nalanda.org.my/

The Nalanda Building Fund is currently short of RM950,000. We look forward to receiving your continued support and donation. Any amount of contribution will go a long way towards Dhamma education and propagation in this country and beyond. Together, we have a golden opportunity to create a better Dhamma learning environment for the present and future generations!

Please view the latest photographs of Nalanda Centre rebuilding works at Nalanda’s Blogsite at http://nalandabs.blogspot.com/

Thank you for your support! Sukhihotu!


With metta,
Buddhini Tan
Assistant Secretary,
Nalanda Buddhist Society

Tribute to our Sisters - You have all lived inspiring & dignified lives

ANUMODANA

1 September 2009, Tuesday
11.00 pm

Tribute to our Sisters –
You have all lived inspiring & dignified lives

During the past few days, we have seen the Buddhist community in Klang Valley united, as any community must, during our toughest of moments.

The deaths of our three dear sisters, the late Sis GG Tan, Sis Julie Ang and Mdm Lee Ah Yem (aka Mrs Teh), had shaken many in our community to the core. Memories of them drew hundreds to pay our last respects and console their families at their wake and the funeral services.

On the second day of Sis GG Tan’s wake at Nirvana Memorial Center, devotees from Fo Guang Shan and Amitabha Society, bhikkhus from the Buddhist Maha Vihara and Sentul Temple, as well as Tibetan monks came to chant for the deceased. In the evening, the congregation heard inspiring Dhamma talks by Mr Tan Huat Chye and Mr Vijaya Samarawickrama in memory of Sis GG. The Dhamma, with its calming and peaceful qualities, cooled the sorrows and soothen the hearts of many distraught family members and friends.

The Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia Ven. B Sri Saranankara led monks from Sentul Temple to conduct the funeral services for Mrs Teh on 28th August 2009, and again for Sis GG and Sis Julie on 29th August 2009. Joining them at Sis GG’s and Sis Julie’s funeral were Ven. Sing Kan and Ven. Kassapa Maha Thero. Mr Charlie Chia spoke to the congregation on the courage and generosity of the sisters, while Yg. Bhg. Datuk Dr. Victor Wee, representing the entire Malaysian Buddhist community, delivered a touching eulogy to our fallen kin.

The family of the late Sis GG also presented contributions to several organizations in her memory. All attendees celebrated Sis GG’s life and contemplated on death by singing the Buddhist Hymn “Life Never Dies” at the end of the funeral service.

On 30th and 31st August 2009, Nalanda organized two memorial dana for our three dear sisters. More than 100 Nalanda members and friends of the deceased made merits by listening to Dhamma talks and offering alms to the Sangha. Also present on 31st August 2009 were Mr Chooi, the husband of the late Sis GG, and her two sisters. Mr Chooi and the family led the congregation in offering robes and lunch dana during the seventh-day memorial service. We rejoice in the family’s effort in fulfilling their duties to the Buddha-Sasana and to perform meritorious deeds in honour of their kin.

On behalf of the Nalanda Bereavement Support Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to all Nalandians and friends who have selflessly volunteered to provide support to the family of deceased during this bereavement period. With only a few hours notice and planning, this tragic event indeed tested the commitment, unity and selfless spirit with our limited resources. You have served with honour, dedication and much metta-karuna. Thank you for a deed well performed.

To all friends, thank you for coming to the wake and funeral to honour the late sisters. Your presence at the services was truly appreciated by the family members and Nalanda, too. At times like these, the company of friends is incredibly comforting.

Bereavement is indeed one of the most painful emotions that we have to deal with during our lifetime. The three fallen sisters have served the Buddha-Sasana with fervour and dignity during their short life-spans, evidenced by grateful memories of many people in Malaysia and from all parts of the world. Let us all take leaf from this experience and emulate the sisters’ endearing qualities, and continue their noble services for the welfare and happiness of all beings.

Kindly pray for the well-being of Sis Jennie Cheong, who is still missing a week after the tragedy. Also pray for her family to be strong in this challenging period. Pray too for Sis Reena Lim, who against all odds survived the horrific accident that claimed the lives of her closest friends. She lives, albeit with trauma and grief, but from now onward, with a different perspective, and renewed spirit.


Anicca vata Sankhara! All component things are impermanent.

Santi. May all find Peace.
Signing off
with metta & gratitude,

Sis Buddhini
Nalanda Desk

UPDATED FUNERAL PROGRAMME

SOTTHI

29 August 2009,
Saturday 2.30am

FUNERAL PROGRAMME
29 August 2009, Saturday

Mdm GG Tan (aka Sis G. G. Tan)
8:00 am - Family members assemble
8:30 am - Prayer Service by Monks & Laity
9:00 am - Eulogy
Mr. Charlie Chia
Yg. Bhg. Datuk Dr. Victor Wee
Representatives of Buddhist organizations
Representative of Sis. GG’s family
Presentations
9:40 am - Transference of merits
9:45 am - Paying last respects
10:00 am - Cortege leaves for DBKL Crematorium, Jalan Kuari, Cheras

A Community Comes Together

SOTTHI

28 August 2009, Friday
7.00am

A Community Comes Together

Dear friends,

“Life is uncertain!” That was the most common refrain by the hundreds of community members that kept streaming into Nirvana Memorial Center where the wakes are held for the late Sis GG Tan and Sis Julie Ang. The memorial halls and hallways were crowded last night, the first day of the wake, from early evening until way past midnight.

Many Buddhist monks, nuns, and the laity representing various Societies came to chant for the deceased, and to provide moral support to their families. Among them, the venerable monks from the Buddhist Maha Vihara, led by the Sri Lankan Chief Monk, K Sri Dhammaratana. The Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia Ven. B Sri Saranankara led monks from Sentul Temple to chant for the deceased. Also there were monks and devotees from Subang Jaya Buddhist Association. Ven.Sin Kang led a group of Bhikshunis and Sakyaditha members to transfer merits to both Sis GG and Sis Julie.

Other groups that came were the Bandar Utama Buddhist Society Chanting group, the Selangor Vipassana Meditation group, the Malaysian Buddhist Association (KL/Selangor Branch) members, and the Buddhist Gem Fellowship members led by its President Datuk Dr.Victor Wee. Also present were Buddhist community leaders and concerned individuals from all walks of life. The Nalanda volunteers were out in force with 80 helpers working in shifts throughout the day.

The wake of the late Mrs.Teh at the family residence in Taman Sejahtera Off Jalan Kuching was no less inspiring. Hundreds of relatives, friends and Buddhist devotees came to honour their lost kin. Prayers were offered by the monks and laity as the family of Mr.Teh were constantly greeted with messages of love and concern.

Though there were many people streaming in and out, the scenes at the wakes remain peaceful and with strong vibes of metta-karuna. The large turnout is testimony to the great services the deceased had rendered to the Buddha-Sasana. They have directly and indirectly touched the lives of many; and now, many folks have come to pay their respects, and in turn, touch the lives of the deceased’s families.

It seems like the Buddhist community in KL and Selangor has come together as “A Community” to honour their comrades. That shows that even in death, our late sisters are contributing to our unity and strength.

Let us not forget them easily, but remember them in the right manner, with metta and gratitude. But more importantly, let us constantly recollect what they have done for the community, and honour their noble deeds by continuing their work as tirelessly as they had been.

“The value of life lies not in the length of days, but the use we make of them. A man may live long, yet live very little.”

Our sisters may not have lived as long as we had wished, but they definitely have not lived in vain. They have lived a useful, dignified human existence, benefiting scoreless people in the process. And, we are quite certain, they will still live on in our hearts.

Anicca vata Sankhara! All component things are impermanent.

Santi. Peace.

With metta,
Sis Buddhini,
Nalanda Desk