HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023
This year has had its personal challenges for most of us. Next year remains uncertain. The world is more unstable today than it has ever been since the 1930s. So perhaps on that realistic note I should leave you with some words I read at my father's funeral two weeks ago. They were written in Tibet more than 13 centuries ago and we must listen and act:
"O Alas! Alas! Fortunate Child.
Do not be oppressed by the forces of ignorance and delusion!
But rise up now with resolve and courage!
Entranced by ignorance, from beginningless time until now,
You have had more than enough time to sleep.
So do not slumber any longer, but strive after virtue with body, speech and mind!
Are you oblivious to the sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death?
There is no guarantee that you will survive, even past this very day!
The time has come for you to develop perseverance in your practice.
For at this singular opportunity, you could attain enlightenment.
So now is certainly not the time to sit idly.
But starting with reflection on death, you should bring your faith and practice to completion."
I wish you all a Happy New Year in 2023.
Historian Neil Oliver's New Year Message ‘…is this really how we want to live?’
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FPcp75s4GU
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023
This year has had its personal challenges for most of us. Next year remains uncertain. The world is more unstable today than it has ever been since the 1930s. So perhaps on that realistic note I should leave you with some words I read at my father's funeral two weeks ago. They were written in Tibet more than 13 centuries ago and we must listen and act:
"O Alas! Alas! Fortunate Child.
Do not be oppressed by the forces of ignorance and delusion!
But rise up now with resolve and courage!
Entranced by ignorance, from beginningless time until now,
You have had more than enough time to sleep.
So do not slumber any longer, but strive after virtue with body, speech and mind!
Are you oblivious to the sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death?
There is no guarantee that you will survive, even past this very day!
The time has come for you to develop perseverance in your practice.
For at this singular opportunity, you could attain enlightenment.
So now is certainly not the time to sit idly.
But starting with reflection on death, you should bring your faith and practice to completion."
I wish you all a Happy New Year in 2023.
Historian Neil Oliver's New Year Message ‘…is this really how we want to live?’
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FPcp75s4GU