I have said everything before. The important thing is that you have to put the teachings into action, and then it will be fine! Of course, we should progress in the New Year. Instead of getting "older" every year, we should be "stronger" spiritually, and wiser. Then, we deserve to be called "elder"; the older the better. For instance, if we did something last year that we or others disliked, then we ought to rectify it in the New Year with our best effort, improve our behavior and speech to become better.
The Master is not telling you to speak in a flattering manner wherever you go, for instance, praising others with words not from your heart, or just doing it to win others' feelings or to delight them, when we are thinking the other way at heart. We should speak according to our heart. The oneness of outer actions and inner thoughts is "Zen". Otherwise, we are hypocrites. It is true that we should behave naturally, but politeness and nobleness are also essential. Observing our refined behavior, even people with no elegance will feel ashamed of their attitudes. The New Year gives us a chance to become a new person. If we did well last year, we should be even better in the New Year. If not, then we can improve in the New Year; the more the better.
Many people misunderstand the meaning of the New Year and other festivals. On every grand occasion or New Year, we should expend more effort in reflecting and introspecting on ourselves, on how we can serve the world better, and on contributing more to our relatives and friends or the country. The occasion is not to be used every time as an excuse for making merry; instead we should be refining our coarse behavior and speech. Of course, everyone is aware of this. I just take this opportunity to remind you. You don't have to listen if you have done this already. If you have not done it, or have forgotten to do so, then you ought to be reminded!
We have to set a good example for the world in every aspect, including relief missions, spiritual practice, handling friendships and the relationship between Master and disciples. Only when absolutely necessary, should we use stern methods. Is it not better if we can treat each other in a refined and noble manner? The creation of heaven should start from here!
People in high positions in particular, should care more about their qualities. As an official, one should be honest and upright. A government servant must work diligently for the nation, and sacrifice for the well-being of her people. Spiritual practitioners or liaison persons for Master etc., should also mind the manner and quality of their actions and speech, and sacrifice for others, instead of enjoying personal comfort. Parents should take care of their children, of course, and make them comfortable, but not spoil them badly. Children naturally should be filial and obedient to their parents and elders.
Teachers should fulfill their responsibilities, and provide moral and ethical lessons for their students. The basic A, B, C lessons, which everyone can teach, are not enough. The greatest responsibility of a teacher is to teach children about ethics, superior qualities. This also applies to parents. Just feeding and dressing children are not enough. If everyone fulfilled his or her responsibilities - parents protected their children well, and children were filial - the world would be in great peace, beginning with the family. Then, all natural disasters and war calamities would diminish.
We say that with the guidance of a virtuous and enlightened friend, our life will improve and become nobler. Our fellow practitioners can be such virtuous and enlightened friends, very good friends. Even non-initiated people outside can be our teachers sometimes, reminding us of some beautiful things, for instance, when observing them doing good deeds or speaking good things, our hearts will become more open. Even if we see them doing bad deeds, at least we can learn a lesson and refrain from doing the same!
I wish everyone a happy and successful New Year, achieving early enlightenment and liberation.
