"Every new year comes with new hopes and dreams - in spite of the broken pledges, promises and prayers of the past year. Human mind is a fertile soil - renewing itself from the fallen leaves and branches of the forest of unrealized expectations. Our survival depends on 'hoping against hope'.
In ophthalmology 20/20 stands for perfect vision.
That is what we thought as we gazed at the gleaming sun on the morning of 1st January, 2020. Instead the world went blind and downhill by the end of the year - the corona pandemic, lockdowns, loss of lives and livelihoods, sectarian violence, political turmoil and the impatient wait for the magic 'vaccine'.
The only silver lining, so say some, is the exit of Trump from the White House. But little do we know that Trump is only a symptom of a deeper malaise. The malaise of human greed, of pointless violence. It seems almost hopeless. Still we have to hope against hope.
Dig deep into the human soul, the source of everything good and beautiful - Our Atman, the elixir of health and happiness. Dive deep into our humanity, the ground of all values and morals. Take a walk in the woods drawing the freshness of the cool breeze enlivened by the rising sun. Look into the bright eyes of your grandchildren and see the roar of immortality in their innocent laughter.
Life is a precious gift from God and in turn let us make our life a gift to God. From God to God. Let that be the message of this new year too.
A very very happy new year!"
SWAMI BODHANANDA
