Following the recent conclusion of the year 2019,
the year 2020 is now beginning,
and after about two months,
the Tibetan Iron Rat year 2147 will start.
When we talk about the new year and the old year,
we should reflect on the year that has just passed,
looking at what we have done that was beneficial for both ourselves and others,
and what was harmful.
We should carefully reflect on our actions,
keep them in mind
and think that in the new year,
we will improve the beneficial activities
and correct any mistakes that we have made.
We will do our best to be a better person.
If we are a monastic, we will serve the Buddha’s teachings.
Serving the Buddha’s teachings means to benefit sentient beings.
With loving kindness, compassion and bodhicitta,
we have to do whatever we can to benefit all sentient beings of the six realms,
we have to do whatever benefits them in this and all future lives.
If you are a lay man or woman, then you have think of your parents,
your spiritual masters, your teachers, your children...
The most important thing that
you can provide for your future generations is not wealth, but education.
You have to make sure that your children get a good education,
as it is said that education is like a wish-fulfilling jewel.
With good education, they will become good human beings
and also naturally develop a good heart. Similarly, in terms of the Dharma,
it is taught that compassion and loving kindness are the foundations of bodhicitta,
and once we have those, the ground for developing genuine bodhicitta has been established.
For a Buddhist, this is very important.
Even if one is not a Buddhist,
it is extremely important to become a good person.
Reflect well on these points!
According to the Western calendar,
the year 2020 is twenty-twenty,
which is a very special number.
Therefore, at this time
there will naturally be many different occurrences in this world.
There will be many positive occurrences
and also many negative ones.
Because of that, we need to pray for the positive ones to arise
and for the negative ones not to take place. All right!

When I am happy, may my merit flow to others.
May joy and benefit fill the sky.
When I am unhappy, may the sorrows of all beings be mine.
May the ocean of suffering run dry.

Happy New Year!

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