As we approach the end of the year, it’s evident that 2024 has been a year of surprising and oftenunsettling events. From claims of fake psychic and telepathic abilities to political scandals and rising frauds, we’ve witnessed disturbing trends in our society. Some of those events echo the Buddha’s predictions about a future where immorality would flourish, and teachings on morality would be disregarded. For example, corrupt monks and bad people would gain admiration, while the true wisdom of Buddhism would fade into obscurity.
One such personal experience that underscores this warning is the recent call center scam, where criminals obtained personal data of millions of people, sold by corrupted officials. This hit close to home, as my family nearly fell victim too. It serves as a stark reminder of how vital it is to remain vigilant and wise in this rapidly changing world.
Despite the decline predicted by the Buddha, there is hope. With wisdom, compassion, and merit, we can protect ourselves from karmic retribution and navigate through the chaos. In 2024, I encouraged many activities focused on cultivating good merit, such as meditation for the country, tree planting to green Kaeng Khoi, and the opening of the Phuket Dhamma Retreat. All of these efforts were meant to build spiritual strength that can shield us from the dark forces at play in the world. I’m deeply grateful for your support in these efforts, whether it was through offering your time, energy, or resources.
As I look back on the year, I’m proud of the relentless dedication we’ve been through together. My actions,though sometimes unconventional, are always intended to support Dhamma and Buddhism. The world around us has changed drastically, and I’ve adapted by pushing forward with proactive missions that blend worldly happiness with spiritual teachings. For example, the events at Manasikarn Hall, where we planted trees and illuminated the area with thousands of lights, embodied both joy and Dhamma.
Though my path has not always been easy—like the challenging heatwave in Egypt or the discomfort of recording “Thamlaewdee (Dhamma Brings Goodness)” video clips to combat the spread of wrong views—I remain steadfast. The teachings and actions we pursue, like meditation and striving for good deeds, are a reflection of our collective efforts to protect ourselves and the teachings of the Buddha. It’s through our strong and unique practice group that we can combat the impurities in our minds and overcome the challenges.
As we enter 2025, I encourage you to maintain love and perseverance in your life. These are the forces that will break through barriers, allowing us to overcome obstacles. To love yourself and care for your body is essential to maintaining good health, which in turn strengthens your spiritual journey. Through regular meditation, we can purify our minds and avoid suffering caused by unresolved Karma.
The challenges we face in life are opportunities to test our strength. As we continue our journeys, it’s crucial to remain present, focused, and adaptable. Build a strong foundation by cultivating love for yourself and others. Your commitment to living wisely and with intention will guide you through life’s storms, ensuring that you can withstand whatever comes your way.
We all have the potential to achieve greatness. By focusing on making good karma, we can shield ourselves from suffering and ensure a brighter future. We must keep our minds clear and our hearts strong, trusting that our perseverance will lead us toward liberation.
I urge you to keep developing yourself, just like marble or travertine stones that become more beautiful after withstanding elements for several seasons. Embrace your imperfections and let them enhance your growth. Keep your focus on love, health, and wisdom as we move forward into the new year.
May we all remain steadfast on our paths and continue to cultivate beauty in our minds. With determination, faith, and love, we can face the future with strength and peace.
Vipassana Meditation Master
Acharavadee Wongsakon
