Merry Christmas To All Malaysians
From the time I was about seven years old, I lived in the USA and, as a child growing up in Howell, New Jersey, I was exposed to various aspects of American culture. One of the most important celebrations in America is Christmas and I still remember watching “The Life Story of Jesus” on television when I was little and crying throughout the show. It still touches me when I watch that video today.
Christmas is also celebrated in Malaysia, not just by Christians but by non-Christians too. While Christians usually attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve, non-Christians celebrate Christmas in the spirit of friendship and giving — exchanging presents, spending time with family and friends, and celebrating goodwill in general.
Despite what some say is the over-commercialisation of Christmas, it is at its heart a spiritual celebration honouring the birth of Jesus Christ, whose teachings are the foundation of the world’s largest religion today. According to the Bible, one of Christ’s greatest deeds is how he forgave his executioners and selflessly gave his own life for the sake of humanity. It is his selflessness that has inspired this festive season to be a time of giving.
Giving in its truest sense extends beyond just pretty presents under a beautifully decorated Christmas tree; to give generously of ourselves is to give without any agenda or without expecting anything in return. It is important for us to practise the art of giving without agenda because it is this form of generosity that will help us cultivate our spirituality, transforming us into kinder and more compassionate people regardless of our religion.
In conjunction with the festive season, I was given the opportunity to share my thoughts on the true spirit of giving with The Star, a major national newspaper with a circulation of 1.5 million. I hope that all Malaysians will continue to endeavour to become better versions of themselves starting this Christmas, and to cultivate their inner beauty which will allow each and every one of us to discover the true meaning of unconditional love that liberates instead of enslaves.
With that, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May you have true love, joy and happiness.
Tsem Rinpoche
For more interesting information:
- Christmas for Levi
- The Malaysia category on my blog
- Selamat Hari Raya to all Malaysians
- Hari Raya Aidilfitri (English)
- Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Malay)
- Deepavali: The Festival of Lights
- Indians in Malaysia
- Kaum India di Malaysia
- மலேசியாவில் இந்தியர்கள
- 马来西亚的印度人
- Thaipusam – The Festival of Lord Murugan
- Thaipusam – Perayaan Dewa Murugan
- தைப்பூசம் – முருகப்பெருமானின் விழா
- 大宝森节——战神穆卢干之节
- Gawai Dayak – The Celebration of Bountiful Harvest
- Perayaan Gawai Dayak
- காவாய் டாயாக் – அறுவடை திருநாள் கொண்டாட்டம்
- Wesak Day In Malaysia
- Chinese New Year
- Kaum Cina di Malaysia
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Wishing Rinpoche, all Kecharians and friends A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! ???????May everyone have happiness, joy, love throughout the New Year!????❤️??