by Dawn King • There are many cultural practices for the timing of what we would call a new year. Some call the new year “Spring Festival.” In Tibet the New Year traditionally begins with the barley harvest. Currently, Tibetan New Year (see photos) coincides with Chinese New Year, which will fall on February 12th this year.
This will be the Chinese year of the metal Ox, in case you wondered. The Ox is seen as hardworking and honest, qualities we all hope to see a lot of in our leaders and legislators this coming year. We also pray that honest, hard work (with income) will soon be available to all those currently out of work due to coronavirus.
Tibetan New Year involves house cleaning, food preparation, and prayer, just as beginning a new year might include these activities elsewhere. New prayer flags are hung. Special meals are shared. Everyone takes a deep breath to reflect on letting go of the old and embracing the new with hope for improvement, where it is needed.
For me celebrations on January 1st, February 12th, and in spring (the start of Vedic astrological year on which I’ll write later)—all inspire me to realize each day is a fresh start. Each new day is my opportunity to strive to be my best self.
One way I can be my best self is to sincerely feel gratitude for the things that are good and right with my life, with my environment, with society. There are gifts in every situation. We are in the right situation when we are following divine direction, obeying divine law. When we adjust our vision to see through God’s eyes, we know there is a season and a reason for everything under the sun. The law of Karma is always fulfilled. None of our positive efforts for betterment of ourselves or the world are in vain. We imprint the ethers with our heartfelt prayers and desires. Likewise, divine joy and deep peace are in the ethers, and within our reach.
New Year – New Me
