Original Article by Sis Chen Su Yin, Translated by Sis Wong Jo-Yen

A new year, a new turn of the wheel. Out with the Ox and in with the Tiger.

Have you ever wondered how easy things would be if we could just vanquish all our worries — about the passage of time, our grievances at work, those complex social relationships? What if we could accept everything and go with the flow, as easily as we breathe?

Life is sustained by our breathing. With every breath in, there is a subsequent breath out. We can never holdover a breath, for we must let out the old and take in the new if we wish to continue living. In that case, why can’t we apply the same principles to everything else?

We never dictate any of our breaths, but we insist on doing things our way, or refusing things that we do not like. Why can’t we let these attachments go the way we do with every breath we take?

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Or is it that we only remember how important it is to breathe when we are denied of oxygen in a closed room with a burning fire that takes our breaths away and threatens our very lives? Is it because we take breathing for granted? We do not hold onto it the way we hold onto our anger and resentment; we do not constantly complain and curse about it the way we do when someone has crossed us.

We are conditioned towards negativity. We take the positive for granted and only respond with anger and ignorance when things are beyond our control. Our greed, wrath, jealousy, and pride lead us astray, trapping us in the illusion of an egocentric “I”. Everything always goes wrong for “me”. Everything “I” feel, everything “I” remember is the only reality. That is why we remain in the cycle of pain, suffering, and fear. Be it at work, society, or home, we can never escape the trap we created around ourselves.

The truth is, our instincts can both help and harm us. Our teachers constantly remind us that no matter what happens or who we meet, we cannot avoid conflict and change. What we can do is amend our mindset and choose the way we react to change. By focusing on the present and being mindful of our thoughts, we can distance ourselves from these obsessions and knee-jerk reactions.

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If we consistently practice mindfulness, we will see that suffering arises, changes, and ends. The same goes for the good as well as the bad. Even the joy of Chinese New Year celebrations will pass, just as we release the breaths we are holding. There is no need to ameliorate these fleeting moments; all we should do is mindfully experience the process of change.

That way, we will be able to keep our hearts steady and clear in any situation. We may accept change without rage or regret. When we embody the four Brahma Vihara of loving kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity, we will do good and avoid evil. In return, the fruits of our practice will naturally bring us the best blessings in life. So long as we obey the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, we may live a blissful life without worries and attachments.

Should you go to the beach this Chinese New Year, watch the rise and fall of the tide. Observe how every wave comes and goes, and examine their effects on the seaside. The shore remains steadfast, like an unfaltering heart, quietly weathering the constant assault of the sea.

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The Buddhist way of life is one of knowledge and practice. Always take refuge in the Triple Gem as you walk down your Dharma way. As the new year approaches and new winds bringing change, may you be blissful every day and find blessings everywhere!