The Year

May we understand Nature as it is

This will bring us tranquility and peace

May we see that craving causes sorrow and pain

This ‘poison’ brings Dukkha again and again

May we walk The Middle Way ardently

This will bring true happiness certainly

May we be free from unwholesome desire

Such desire will bring much pain like fire

May we be free from ill-will and anger

These defilements bring us so much danger

May we be free from hatred and cruelty

Then we will not cause pain and misery

May we abstain from slander and lying

This is what the wise ones call wise speaking

May we abstain from harsh speech and gossip

This good practice I must strive hard to keep

May we abstain from killing a being

Realize that Life is a most precious thing

May we not steal or commit sexual misconduct

These training precepts we must practice really hard

May we refrain from any wrong way of living

Our livelihood must not harm a living being

May our livelihood not cause others pain

From actions of cruelty we must refrain

May we overcomeunwholesome things

in our mind

Unwholesome things slay

happiness and peace sublime

May we cultivate morality and wisdom

We will then be on the Path to Enlightenment

May we be mindful of the body and feelings

Such practices are certainly important things

May we be mindful of the mind and thoughts constantly

This heedfulness must be practiced most diligently

May we train our mind to attain good concentration

Samma-Samadhi must be given good attention

May our mind grow in attention and equanimity

We will then attain the Bliss of Ultimate Reality

With Metta, Bro. Oh Teik Bin

The End

May the New Year bring you joy and peace

May you strive on for Nibbanic Bliss