BE A LIGHT TO YOURSELF
At the dawn of the New Year, most people flock to the temples to light up candles and burn incense to seek blessings. But for the followers of the Buddha, the real blessings come when we become a light for ourselves. In Buddhist culture, light represents wisdom while incense symbolizes human virtues. What is really important is to develop our compassion and understanding towards others than lighting candles and burning incense.
The Buddha encourages us to cultivate our own ethical, spiritual and intellectual faculties to become a light to ourselves and others. “Among mankind, those who are torchbearers, towards them I have respect” says the Buddha. These are the ones who lead their people out of misery to bliss and happiness. Be a torchbearer to your fellow brothers and sisters. ‘Light the Path and Transform Lives’.
May this Lunar New Year bring you Good Health, Peace and all the Success! May you be well and happy!
With Metta,
Ven. K. Rathanasara
Dhammakami Buddhist Society
No. 29, Lorong 29 Geylang, #06-02, Singapore 388078.
4th February 2019