When referring to recent disasters that occurred one after another, the Abbot President appealed to the public to pray for harmony and peace to all beings in this world. He indicated that those who suffered in these disasters were actually Bodhisattvas who took up different forms and identities in order to share our suffering and thus lessen the suffering of all sentient beings.

In addition, the Abbot President implored the public to be more compassionate, handle all problems or situations wisely, live harmoniously and to treat others with respect in this new year. In offering his blessings, he recounted the Eight Positive Tips to Deal with Expectations: It is inevitable for everyone to have expectations; however, excessive desires should be controlled. Do not covet things we do not deserve but have faith in our future prospect. Keep disappointment and despair at bay. Embrace our aspirations to keep our hope alive.

This is the eighth year that President Ma attended the Grand Prayer Ritual and this year, he wished everyone to have a peaceful, healthy and happy new year full of hope. He also quoted a phrase from the late Master Sheng Yen’s dharma talk: “Seek a peaceful mind and you will find a peaceful refuge; treasure others and you will find fortune and happiness”. Last but not least, Vice President Wu and Mayor Chu wished for peace and a great future for the nation respectively.