A new year is like a new born baby—a bundle of hopes and possibilities. An uncertain future full of dangers and opportunities. And the contours of the New Year will unfold as individuals, communities and nations make choices according to their self-interests and aspirations, guided by their perspectives, knowledge and self-perceptions.
An emerging global consciousness is often thwarted by sectarian prejudices and primitive fears and antagonisms. The highest human ideals like love, freedom, justice and community are everywhere frustrated by man's mindless pursuit of power, pelf and pleasure.
2013 was hopeless in many respects, but there were also many unsung acts of grace and charity, of courage and compassion, that kept the flame of hope bright. When I see green shoots and tiny flowers in rock crevices, my heart jumps in joy and I cry out that hope is still alive.
Every new born baby is a messenger of hope. So too is every New Year, and 2014 wouldn't be different.
Hold on to hope, dream big, take risk, embrace the unknown, act boldly, and you will never regret.
Let 2014 be a year of decisive action and “make a small dent in the universe”.
Swami Bodhananda
New Delhi, 27 December 2013