All virtuous and righteous people, all noble devotees who cherish the Dhamma,
The Gregorian year 2025 has come to an end, and we have now arrived at 2026. As each old year passes and we move from one New Year to the next, there is one point I would like to clearly understand and reflect upon.

With each passing year, we have one year less left to live in life. With each passing year, we draw one year closer to death. Keeping this firmly in mind, strive to grasp and make use of the true essence of life.

As Buddhists who believe in the cycle of existence, to live a new life peacefully and beautifully, we should seek and accumulate good conduct, sound systems, and virtuous qualities. I believe it is necessary to leave behind the old and to pursue and gather the new within a proper and wholesome framework.

\Therefore, in an age when sensual desires are rampant, live with integrity. To the extent that one enjoys and partakes in heavenly blessings, one will be at peace and content — this is another way of living.

If beings are driven by the desire to dominate with power and authority, excessively greedy and reckless in pursuing it, then, in modern terms, they are abusing that power. If they continue to wield authority and chase after power, the world of living beings will inevitably become extremely miserable.When religious disputes arise, it is best to maintain great awareness and wisdom. Living with awareness and knowledge is called “Ariya Vihara”, following the proper conduct and way of life of the virtuous.

All noble devotees who love the Dhamma Just as the Lord Buddha analyzes the world six times a day, everybody should see the state of the world with their eyes and listen with their ears – and live accordingly. In an age when sensual desires are rampant, live with integrity. If power and authority have been excessively abused, then live with loving-kindness. To abandon hatred, enmity, and violence is true compassion.

To completely abandon all hatred and ill-will is called “Brahma Vihara”. Religious disputes or conflicts exist in every religion as well.

In the coming New Year, for everyone to live in peace and well-being, one should establish integrity, uphold loving-kindness and compassion, and maintain wisdom and knowledge. If everyone lives holding on to these three principles, all will be at peace and happy.

Wherever the Lord Buddha may be, just as He observes the world six times a day and lives in peace, may everyone also live in peace and well-being. Wishing everyone safety from harm, I send loving-kindness as we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the New Year.

May everyone live in peace, happiness, and prosperity.

#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar