Eight Forward. . .
While a lot of us strive to live our beliefs 365 days a year, the new year presents a time that’s ripe for setting goals and resolutions. Whether you’ve fallen off track or just want to become more focused, the month of January is an ideal time to do so.
Here are eight Buddhist New Year’s resolutions to consider:
1. Place a Priority on Kindness
The world can be a cruel, cold and harsh place to those in unfortunate circumstances. People who seem cruel and unkind themselves may be fighting a battle we can’t even imagine. Strive to “err on the side of kindness” this year even when faced with people who don’t seem to be practicing it themselves
2. Be More Compassionate
Buddhist teachings favor the word “compassion” over “love,” but they come from the same benevolent source. Act from compassion and understanding this year rather than judgment.
Remember that people often respond and behave based upon their past experiences and conditioning. No matter how someone is acting, it likely is not primarily about you. Try not to take it personally.
4. Forgive – What grudges and grievances are you still holding onto? Strive to forgive them with a sincere heart this year, even if that person is no longer in your life.
5. Remember That Thoughts and Intentions Count – All actions begin as energies in the mind, and all thoughts have consequences. Monitor your inner space this year to ensure your thoughts align with the goals of being kinder, more compassionate and more forgiving in thought, word and deed.
6. Say The Loving Kindness Prayer Daily – The Buddhist Metta (Lovingkindness) prayer embodies kindness, compassion, forgiveness and love. Stating this prayer once per day is a powerful way to put more good energy out into the world.
May all beings everywhere, whether near or far, whether known to me or unknown, be happy. May they be well. May they be peaceful. May they be free.
My heart fills with with loving kindness. I love myself. May I be happy. May I be well. May I be peaceful. May I be free.
May all beings in my vicinity be happy. May they be well. May they be peaceful. May they be free.
May all beings in my city be happy. May they be well. May they be peaceful. May they be free.
May all beings in my state be happy. May they be well. May they be peaceful. May they be free.
May all beings in my country be happy. May they be well. May they be peaceful. May they be free.
May all beings on my continent be happy. May they be well. May they be peaceful. May they be free.
May all beings in my hemisphere be happy. May they be well. May they be peaceful. May they be free.
May all beings on planet Earth be happy. May they be well. May they be peaceful. May they be free.
May my parents be happy. May they be well. May they be peaceful. May they be free.
May all my friends be happy. May they be well. May they be peaceful. May they be free.
May all my enemies be happy. May they be well. May they be peaceful. May they be free.
May all beings in the Universe be happy. May they be well. May they be peaceful. May they be free.
If I have hurt anyone, knowingly or unknowingly in thought, word or deed, I ask for their forgiveness.
If anyone has hurt me, knowingly or unknowingly in thought, word or deed, I extend my forgiveness.
8. Remember the Concept of “Emptiness”
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