The year 2025 is the Year of the Serpent. Venerable Hsin Tao, Founder and current Abbot of the Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Society (LJM), inscribed the calligraphy "Break free and be at ease, let everything flourish together" to encourage people to let go of attachments in the new year, pursue harmony and shared well-being, and convey blessings of renewal and progress. Starting today, the couplets are available for free at LJM's Wu Sheng Monastery, Sheng Shan Temple, Jiguang Temple, various lecture halls and branch centers, as well as the Yilan Share & Care Supermarket(喜互惠超市). Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

As the year comes to an end, the world remains turbulent with ongoing wars and an unsettled global ecosystem. Looking ahead to 2025, key issues demand our continued attention include the impact of climate change, the challenges of transitioning to net-zero emissions, the influence of geopolitical shifts, changes in technological innovation trends, and the effects of monetary tightening and inflationary pressures.

The flexible and ever-changing snake symbolizes transformation and renewal. As snakes shed their skin, they represent regeneration, resilience, and adaptability—casting off old burdens and facing the future with agility. This carries the meaning of overcoming difficulties and emerging anew. Just as the Diamond Sutra states, “One should give rise to a mind that dwells in nothing whatsoever.” With the auspicious energy of the Year of the Snake, crises can be turned into opportunities, revealing a light of hope that guides us to the other shore amidst impermanence.

“The world is in turmoil because our egos are too heavy,” warned the Venerable. In facing the twists and turns of the Year of the Serpent, he encouraged everyone to maintain a kind heart, let go of old habits and attachments, and strive to contribute to mutual well-being in everything they do. By working together with a shared purpose, we can find the right path, enabling harmony and coexistence on every level—from individuals to society, the nation, and even the entire cosmos. This collective effort naturally leads to shedding burdens, achieving freedom, fostering blessings, and bringing joy and prosperity to all.

"Do not fear the arising of thoughts; only fear being slow to awaken." Venerable Hsin Tao further explained that the endless desires of attachment, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt lead many to hoard resources, creating tensions around the world. This has disrupted ecosystems and societies, bringing the world to its current state of disorder. When one is lost, awareness becomes unclear. With a righteous heart, everything falls into place. He encouraged disciples to safeguard the wondrous mind of Nirvana and to embody love for the Earth and peace by practicing the Three Good Deeds (good deeds in body, speech, and thought), the Four Givings (giving hope, convenience, joy, and confidence to others), the Five Virtues (positivity, proactivity, optimism, compassion, and the power of aspiration), and the Six Perfections (generosity, morality, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom).

LJM masters explained that the five-ring pagoda symbolizes the five great elements that form the universe: earth, water, fire, wind, and space. The Spring Festival couplets for the Year of the Snake are cleverly designed with six five-ring pagodas, one of which is golden and prominently placed at the bottom. The main calligraphy is also set against a lightly brushed large five-ring pagoda, surrounded by four smaller, lightly brushed ones. This design represents the transformation of disasters related to earth, water, fire, wind, and space into peace and harmony.(Courtesy of LJM)