Visiting the temple or monastery during the Lunar New Year is a meaningful and spiritual tradition.  During this festive period, Buddhist temples come alive with glowing lights, beautiful lanterns, and a sea of auspicious red symbolising prosperity, joy, and new beginnings.  Visitors dressed in festive attire, throng these popular and beautifully decorated temples to soak in the festive atmosphere and look forward to a blessed and prosperous year ahead.

As we and our family members immerse ourselves in the joyful and customary celebrations which include festive performances, let us also remember to celebrate with understanding and wisdom, without being carried away by sensual pleasures.

During the temple visit, pay sincere respect at the Buddha altar and take a quiet moment to sit in stillness, reflecting mindfully on our past actions and conduct in body, speech and mind.  Let us make wholesome aspirations or renew our vows to be better versions of ourselves – to be a messenger of peace and harmony, compassionate and appreciative, grateful and kind, and balanced with equanimity in all that we do.

Let us also make good use of this opportunity to cultivate merits through chanting, making offerings, practising generosity, and paying respect to Sangha members who have renounced material life to walk the spiritual path.  Their dedication helps preserve and prolong the Buddha’s teachings for the benefit of many.  By honouring those who are worthy of honour, we cultivate one of the highest blessings in life.

In this Year of the Fire Horse, let us bring blessings, harmony, wisdom, and joy to all.