Nalanda Buddhist Society's 10th Anniversary Celebration

Today, 1 May 2013, marks the day of Nalanda Buddhist Society's 10th Anniversary since its inception back in 2003.

The Nottingham Buddhist Society (coincidentally having the acronym NBS as well) is closely linked to Nalanda's as the President (of NBS) is a youth leader there. Bob and I, self-proclaimed representatives from the Nottingham Buddhist Society, went to Nalanda to observe their celebration together with the Nalandians.

We departed at 5:00pm, hoping to reach there early. However, we lost our way along the way and arrived there slightly later than 6pm. Nevertheless, we were still relatively early and the events of the night had yet to begin.

We were invited to have our dinner first before the others and, knowing that it would be crowded later, gratefully took their offer and had our dinner before the other guests arrived.

It wasn't long after that when we gathered and sat at the main stage to sing NEGARAKU(!) and to observe the Opening Gatha, where the Buddhist and Nalanda Flags are raised along with some recitation in Pali.

After that, the guests were invited to have dinner. Since Bob and I already had ours, we took the time to interact with the Nalandians and other guests present there.

Making our way back to our seats, there were performances and speeches waiting for us.

Some of the things I've learnt:

1.The door is always open for those who are willing to learn.
2. A life without serving others is sorrowful.
3. We learn through gratitude.
4. Our success today is the result from so many factors. It is important that we be grateful for everything-- the good and bad-- that has happened. When we show gratitude, we must know what has helped us and how, and also acknowledge them by continuously wishing them well.
5. There are certain things in life we do not because it is easy, but because it is necessary.
6. When we help others, it is ourselves we are helping.

Besides that, I met a few of the Nalandians whom I hadn't already known ( all very friendly in their own ways) and hope to keep in touch.

For reference (also photos)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151591418087559.1073741825.643752558&type=1