Adaptation and Renewal of Buddhism
New year, new me – the two calligraphic phrases welcoming Tet 2013 at Still Water Meditation Hall remind us that “When the person is happy, the scenery will also be happy”: joy arises from the mind and illuminates the circumstances, not the other way around. The concise English version “New year, new me” encourages us to transform ourselves, while the French “Année nouvelle, je me renouvelle” and “La joie en soi, la joie tout autour” express the inner joy that radiates outward. The practice of printing these phrases on red paper helps to renew body and mind, and to spread peace and happiness within the family and society.
“Going forth” means stepping out of the small family to join the great spiritual family of the Buddha Shakyamuni, letting go of old identities to live simply, celibately, and wholly in service to life. Ordination – as with the 27 young people who have just been “planted” – brings body and mind into the great work of the Sangha, letting go of the separate self in order to share in the collective suffering and joy, like fingers on one hand.
Buddhadharma must always be renewed to be “appropriate to the times”:
- sowing the seeds of mindfulness, altruism, and joy in the store consciousness;
- transcending the duality of mind and object to practice non-duality;
- renewing forms of practice – from the Wake Up program for young people to the Five-Year Ordination;
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simplifying ceremonies while keeping their deep meaning (Sanghakarman, the Five Mindfulness Trainings).
Only when the teachings are in harmony with human needs and circumstances can they remain fresh and continue the revolutionary work of the Tathagata.