Nalanda Institute was conceptualised in January 2006 in response to the needs of the Buddhist community to have an institution for proper, systematic and holistic learning of the Buddha-Dhamma in Malaysia. The then Spiritual Advisor to Nalanda Buddhist Society, Venerable Dr K Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Thera gave his unequivocal support to the idea.
The Nalanda Institute was formally established in July 2007. Dr. Tan Ho Soon was appointed the Institute’s Founding Director by Nalanda Buddhist Society. Under its patronage, the Institute provides systematic Buddhist education and serves as a resource centre to the Buddhist community in Malaysia. Its primary focus is on Pāli and Buddhist Studies, Leadership & Management Training, Conferences, Learning Resource Centre and Buddhist Publications.
The Institute offers various courses in Buddhist and P?li Studies leading to Certificate and Diploma levels, as well as short training courses to enhance leadership and management skills for Buddhist volunteers. All courses are freely available to the public in line with the Institute’s charitable objectives.
Besides its Centre in Selangor, the Institute’s courses have also been held in Kedah, Kelantan, Kuala Lumpur, Sabah and Terengganu, in collaboration with local Buddhist organizations. To date, more than 6,000 participants have benefited from the Institute’s courses, study tours and conferences.
