A Timely Reminder for the New Year

One word kept ringing out from Ajahn Brahm's talk at the Singapore Buddhist Fellowship is gratitude. Indeed being grateful for every small things is the best medicine for peace and happiness. His talk was so well attended that the dharma hall was full and it has to be broadcasted to the other floors. Perhaps it demonstrates the spiritual hunger for answer to live within a globalized country where competition is so keenly felt by people.
The Christians have a hymn with the lyric, "count your blessing one by one" which amplifies this simple but oft forgotten lesson of being grateful for all that we have. Ajahn Brahm's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajahn_Brahm) reminder is apt and timely - be grateful.
His latest book, "Simply this Moment" is a collection of his talks where the basic principles of life are once again expounded. For those who are well read in Buddhism, they are easy to understand and that is the essense of any talk - to be understood. This book is published for free distribution, thanks to the generosity of many. You can hear more of his talk by checking out his monastery website in Perth (http://www.bswa.org.au/).
A very happy new year 2008 to all, and may we all be happy and at peace with ourselves, and be ever grateful for everything that we are blessed with. Sadhu sadhu sadhu

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