NEW YEAR MESSAGE 2024

By Bhante Mahinda, General Advisor of Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia (BMSM)

New Year greetings to all!

As we usher in the New Year 2024, let us pray for peace, harmony and stability in the world. Let us remind ourselves to cultivate those values that will give rise to peace and harmony within ourselves. The age-old values of reverence, humility, contentment and gratitude; along with DĀNA SĪLA BHĀVANĀ¹ – generosity, good conduct and a holistic approach to the cultivation and purification of the mind – will equip us to face the challenges of our time.

Amidst war, violence, disasters and growing hatred in the world today, we must

remain calm and peaceful so that we will be able to care for one another and work for the welfare and happiness of the many. We need to have peace within ourselves in order to live in harmony with others.

Hatred is not overcome by hatred, but by love and love alone.² Hence the need for the cultivation of METTĀ or loving-kindness. Those who are familiar with the cultivation of METTĀ should take their practice to another level. Those who are new to this practice should learn more about METTĀ and start practising immediately.

METTĀ will protect us from the negative energies and thoughts rampant around the world today.

The world needs METTĀ to heal the divides amongst races, religions and nations.

We rejoice with the generosity of all our Dana providers as well as all those who have committed themselves to the cultivation of METTĀ and mindfulness through our

weekly sessions on Samatha Vipassana over the past year. We hope you will continue with your practice and encourage others as well. (Weekly sessions of Samatha Vipassana are conducted on Saturdays, and Metta and Mindfulness on Sundays in BMSM Samadhi Vihara. Metta and Mindfulness sessions are also conducted fortnightly on Sundays in BMSM Pusat Buddhis Dhammaduta Malaysia.*)

In these challenging times, we need to turn to spirituality through the cultivation of METTĀ and other Dhamma practices, and invoke the blessings, guidance and

protection of the Buddha Dhamma Sangha for all.

May the lunar Year of the Dragon – a symbol of power, honour and success – lay the foundation for peace, prosperity and stability in the world.

Wishing you all a happy and prosperous New Year.

May the blessings of the Buddha Dhamma Sangha be with you all always.

*Enquiries, please call 016- 296 6223 for Samadhi Vihara and 018-204 0328 for BMSM PBDM

¹ Please obtain a copy of our latest publication DĀNA SĪLA BHĀVANĀ from Aloka Meditation Centre or e-version at www.aloka.info .

² Dhammapada verse 5.