Let's explore how a Buddhist can wish you a Merry Christmas.
First let's recognize two secular things about the holiday: 1. Through the centuries (even before Jesus), winter festivals were the most popular festival of the year; and 2. The Christmas season has become a major event for many retailers.
For Christians, it marks and honors the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, and all the promise found by his living, dying and resurrection.
What is the spirit of Christmas? Many would say that it is being with family and friends, exchanging gifts, aiding the less fortunate or those who are suffering, and being generous.
This agrees with the Buddha, who taught that what we own or have should be used for the benefit and happiness of others.
When giving, we should not perform charity as an act of our body alone, but with our heart and mind. There must be joy in every act of giving.
We give because we realize that we have enough. We give to express loving kindness or compassion for another's suffering.
There are many things which we can give. We can give material things: food for the hungry, and money and clothes to the poor. We can also give our knowledge, skill and time to projects that benefit others. We can provide a sympathetic ear and good counsel to a friend in trouble. We can give our blessings for peace, wellness and happiness to all beings.
We can joyfully give these each minute of every day.
So I say to everyone, "Merry Christmas" every day!
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