ON the occasion of the New Year 1387 ME, all living beings in Myanmar should foster compassion among all national brethren, contribute to the collective well-being, and support each other’s good actions. They should also discard malpractices and embrace good deeds. By doing so, the New Year of 1387 ME will be a glorious one for all the people of Myanmar.

The human mind naturally inclines toward both good deeds and malpractices. Thus, individuals encounter opportunities for both good and bad. It is essential for them to find the strength to resist harmful behaviours. If they engage in malpractices based on misguided thoughts, actions, or speech, they will face difficul­ties and suffering. The Lord Buddha taught about seven types of virtuous people.

Everyone – individuals, organizations, and nations — should prioritize tolerance and let go of grudges to foster peace and prosperity through good deeds. As a result, conflicts and hatred will gradually di­minish, leading to peaceful and stable communities. In this way, people can escape their hardships.

Whenever New Year’s Day arrives, various organi­zations and prominent figures from all sectors extend their New Year wishes. They ac­knowledge that all citizens, including themselves, have grown up in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and belong to diverse religions and ethnicities. As such, they call on everyone to work togeth­er for the country’s benefit, in a spirit of unity. They also express their hopes that the nation will be blessed with peace and prosperity.

Currently, Myanmar is facing various conflicts and challenges, in addition to natural calamities. Regardless of the nature of these issues, the people all hope for a peaceful resolution. They desire an end to the conflicts and problems without causing harm to anyone. It is not, indeed, enough to merely pray or wish for these problems to end. Everyone must actively participate in fostering the motivation to resolve these issues including peace processes. By doing so, they will soon reap the rewards of their efforts to sow the seeds of peace.

Peace will put an end to the killing of one another. Peace will end armed conflicts and eliminate hatred in society. It will remove dangers and pave the way for prosperity. As such, people from all walks of life must contribute to the activities in negotiating the peace process to welcome the New Year with joy and happiness.