Christmas time in Buddhaville

Christmas

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. The music, the snow, the Christmas tree decorated with ornaments from so many years passed. There seems to be a feeling in the air of joy, Family and friends, love and giving. How wonderful it is to see the faces of loved ones, as they open their gifts on Christmas morning! And let’s not forget sneaking a kiss underneath the mistletoe from your beloved. It’s a wonderful time for most of us I think, at least those of us who have been raised in this tradition.
But this year, more than ever, I see something very profound in this Holiday. And that is this nature of loving-friendliness, charity, goodwill, and connectedness which are something that all of us have within us. It is truly in our nature to be this way, and Christmas allows us all the opportunity to expose it freely.

And why must so many of us wait all year-long for this Holiday to arrive, before we completely open our hearts in this fashion? Is it because so many people around us are caught-up in the spirit of it, or is it our programming from having been brought up this way since we were small children?
While I think that both of those things are a factor, I believe there is something more universal at foot here. And this is that we all have an innate nature that is good and kind, only waiting for the chance to embrace and expose it.
Which begs the question, why don’t we all exhibit this behavior all year-long?

This is where our practice comes into play, regardless of whether you are Christian or Buddhist. Each and every day throughout the year, we can ask ourselves “what would Buddha do?” or “what would Jesus do?”. Neither one of them only observing a certain day to be loving, kind, compassionate, generous and accepting. This was an every moment practice that both of these teachers demonstrated, and left behind such wonderful examples for all of us to follow. And isn’t that the best Christmas gift that any of us could ever hope for!

With so much gratitude and love toward each and every one of you, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. And may today and every day be Christmas for both you and I; in thought, word and action.

May you be well, happy and peaceful.