Asians worldwide have been celebrated the Chinese New Year which began on January 25th. It is the year of the rat. Festivities extend over several days. Here's a fine reflection on what a new can mean from my friend Kris Ladusau, director of the Oklahoma Dharma Center:
As we move into a new year (and a new decade) we have an opportunity to release everything in our life that is not in harmony with the Buddha’s Teachings (Universal Truth). This can be a form of spiritual “house cleaning” that mirrors our responsibilities in the physical realm when it comes to care and cleaning of the place in which we live. By intentionally choosing to become “clean and clear” we grow into a new perspective that is noticeable in our everyday interactions with others.
In Buddhism, we often talk about the importance of perspective. Through study and practice, we begin to develop the ability to listen to other people’s perspectives more comfortably and this provides us with an expanded understanding of both ourselves and others. I think that a new kind of “sight” will be a necessary skill as we move into the days ahead.
As we move into a new year (and a new decade) we have an opportunity to release everything in our life that is not in harmony with the Buddha’s Teachings (Universal Truth). This can be a form of spiritual “house cleaning” that mirrors our responsibilities in the physical realm when it comes to care and cleaning of the place in which we live. By intentionally choosing to become “clean and clear” we grow into a new perspective that is noticeable in our everyday interactions with others.
In Buddhism, we often talk about the importance of perspective. Through study and practice, we begin to develop the ability to listen to other people’s perspectives more comfortably and this provides us with an expanded understanding of both ourselves and others. I think that a new kind of “sight” will be a necessary skill as we move into the days ahead.
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