Spiritual Message of Tibetan New Year Losar is That of Compassion and Goodwill

Spiritual Message of Tibetan New Year Losar is that of compassion and Goodwill

Losar, the Tibetan New Year celebrations, have begun on Februry 18 and will culminate on February 20 with the advent of the Lunar New Year 2153. It is also the year of the Fire Horse that has come after 66 years.

According to the Tibetan astrological system, as asseted by nalandabodhi, "This year will be the year of the Fire Horse. The elemental sign fire is said to represent warmth, clarity, and energy. Symbolically, it points to the dispelling of ignorance’s darkness from our mind, and the blazing flames of joyful enthusiasm in whatever activities we undertake. The animal sign horse is associated with swiftness, autonomy, and power of the heart. The union of the two is like adding fire’s potency to the speed of an excellent horse – an auspicious powerful connection through which all activities can be accomplished."

Losar is celebrated as a New Year in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and some other states of India where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced. It is a three-day festival that is marked by prayers, rituals, ceremonies, hanging prayer flags, sacred and folk dancing and festivities.

General greeting on Losar is ‘Lo Sar Bey Tashi Delek’ means ‘I wish you prosperity and good will’. Losar is most widely celebrated festival among the followers of Tibetan Buddhism and represents a time for all things to be purified and renewed.

During the month before Losar, the followers draw eight auspicious symbols on walls of their houses with white powder. In monasteries, the several protector deities are honored with devotional rituals on Losar.

Here are a few Losar couplets based on Tibetan Buddhist philosophy

Buddhist couplets

Ego's chains, a heavy bind,

Let them go, peace you'll find.

Hate is fire, a burning sting,

Each breath released, freedom bring.

Let wants fade, a distant shore,

Inner peace waits at the core.

Letting go, a gentle art,

Let it be, a brand new start.