Thoughts on the New Year 2009

January 23rd, 2009 · No Comments

We have watched extraordinary things take place in America.  One year ago would we be imagining this much change in the government?   We have come full circle.  I listened to the inauguration speech by President Barack Obama, and came away feeling good about being an American.  The one true message that comes to the forefront after all the economic woes is a sense that we need to adopt a sense of self responsibility.

Self responsibility is a concept long taught in Buddhism.   We sit on the edge of our future and can complain on end of the faults taking place all around us, and not see our own.   We are a people of complaint.   It is of no use to complain without an offer of change or remedy.

Many years ago filled with the zest of youth I started out to save the world.   Like many of us, we have bright ideals and a real need for change.   I guess I never really lost that need, it just modified to a more manageable size.   What I mean to say is the world will always be the world.   It is our actions in the world that show our true nature as we respond to the entire phenomenon that is presented to us.   It is the action of the self at any given moment that shows the true character of a person.

We may improve our character through acts of kindness and charity, and by learning who we are.  Self knowledge is a powerful tool.  Sitting quietly we can learn about ourselves. Self knowledge is wisdom.  Wisdom is the seed of enlightenment.

Buddhist principles of right intention and thought, right speech and right action are the guide post we need to employ on our chosen path.  Now is the time to reinforce what is good in our lives and jettison that which is not.

Our nature is intermingled with our karma.  It is the cause and effect spoken so much about in Buddhism.   We respond and interact with others and life situations that have long lasting repercussions throughout our lifetime.

A small action will have a ripple effect to reach people and lands far from us.  If we develop a true level of responsibility our actions will be supported by the mindset we engage for ourselves.   As the times change around us we must respond with that change.   As events come into our lives we must learn to deal with these events.

We must develop a sense of Buddhist economy in our dealings with others.  What is good for us and others is good for all.  When events present themselves that make life harder, it is not enough to complain.   Seek out a solution.   Do something good.   Make this world a better place for you having been here.

What we are talking about is commitment to change, a commitment to goodness.  In this New Year season, we must recommit ourselves to the ideals that foster well being among all peoples.  We start with ourselves, and our families.  Some of the hardest times we face are from those we love the most.

We must continue to care about them.  We must give them the space to care for themselves.  There is such a great lesson in learning the difference between caring about and caring for.

In this New Year season for the US, let us recommit ourselves to a life filled with compassion for ourselves and others.  Let us believe in the goodness we know we have, as well as the goodness of others.

Let us work together to secure a foundation of respect and caring for all peoples, and pray our government does the same.

Be happy when you hear everyone complaining around you.  It means you can hear.

If you have teenagers and children that complain about doing chores be happy they are home and not out in the streets.

When the government takes money from your check for taxes, be happy that you are employed.

When your clothes feel too tight, be happy you have more than enough to eat.

Be happy the grass needs to be mowed and things need fixing and painting. It means you have a home.

Be happy you can complain about the government because it means you have the right of free speech.

Be happy to do laundry that seems to pile up everywhere.  You have clothes to wear.

Be happy for aching muscles at the end of the day, because you are capable of working hard.

When you wake up stiff but warm, be happy you have a bed to sleep in.

And be happy when your alarm clock wakes you in the morning, my friends you are alive.

May we acknowledge and be thankful of our blessings.   Traditionally the Year of the Ox harbors a call for steadfastness and according to the Traditional Asian Zodiac.  The Ox or the Buffalo sign symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work.  Putting our heads together and working hard.  It is exactly what we need as a nation and as a mirror of peace for the world.

Make a positive step this new year’s night to firmly believe in the power and strength of your own goodness.   Take the steps necessary to insure your journey in your faith is enriched every day.   We shape our own future by taking responsibility for ourselves and our actions.  Our future is the result of our daily actions and decisions.  If we wish to change our lives for the better we must take the necessary steps today to make a better tomorrow.

In our lives we need balance.   Balance in all things.  We need time to think of ourselves, and time to think of others.   Living to satisfy our own needs, we will never be satisfied.   True happiness is learning to live with compassion.  Learning to help others in any way we can.  Being non-judgmental, and realizing the impermanence of all things.

Learn to live by forgiveness, love without fear, treat all beings with equanimity and leave every place better for you having been there.

Happy New Year, and as always,

I Wish You Peace,

Bhante Kassapa

Bhante n. Kassapa Bhikkhu
bhante_kassapa@yahoo.com
Buu Mon Temple
Port Arthur, Texas, 77640
409.982.9319