新春笔记（二） New Year Note(2) | 2026.02.17
大年初一在马来西亚净土宗新山弘愿念佛会圆满结束新春法会后，便「马」不停蹄，跨越长堤，来到新加坡净土宗弥陀寺，准备大年初二的新春法会。
从马来西亚到新加坡，不过是一座桥的距离，却仿佛进入了两种不同的新春氛围。
在马来西亚，鞭炮声此起彼落，烟火照亮夜空，热闹非凡，仿佛整片天空都在为新年的到来欢呼。而新加坡因法规所限，不能燃放鞭炮，因此少了震耳欲聋的爆竹声，多了一份难得的宁静。街头巷尾，偶尔传来锣鼓喧天的舞狮声，为城市点缀节庆的喜气，却依旧保持一份安静有序。
两国文化同源，华人同庆新春，但表达方式却各有特色。
一个热烈奔放，一个沉稳安静；
一个火树银花，一个清净安详。
据说站在新加坡边界远望马来西亚，夜空被烟火染得五彩缤纷，而自己脚下却是一片宁和。这一动一静，恰似人生的两种境界。
鞭炮声中念佛迎春；
静夜灯下称名纳福。
外在或喧腾、或寂静，皆不过环境因缘；真正的新年，在于我们这一时刻是有念佛、是否安稳。当大众在两地道场同声念佛时，不论有没有鞭炮声，佛号都是最吉祥的音声。
烟火会散，鼓声会停，唯有一句「南无阿弥陀佛」，能安住当下，佛光照亮未来。
动中有佛号，动亦是清净；
静中有佛号，静更显庄严。
最后以偈语共勉：
动静皆成新岁景
弥陀光里是故乡
净本法师 . 新春笔记
南无阿弥陀佛 🙏🪷
| 净土宗 Pure Land Buddhism
2026.02.17
🏮 On the first day of the Lunar New Year, after the New Year Blessing Ceremony at the Johor Bahru centre in Malaysia, we crossed the Causeway to Singapore, arriving at Amitabha Monastery to prepare for the second day’s New Year ceremony.
From Malaysia to Singapore is but the span of a bridge, yet it feels like stepping into two distinct New Year atmospheres.
In Malaysia, firecrackers resound without pause and fireworks illuminate the night sky in jubilant celebration, as though the heavens themselves welcome the arrival of the new year. In Singapore, however, regulations prohibit firecrackers. The thunderous explosions are absent, replaced by a rare and gentle tranquility. From time to time, the rhythmic drums of lion dance troupes echo through the streets, adding festive joy while preserving calm and order.
The two nations share common cultural roots and celebrate the same Lunar New Year, yet their expressions differ in character.
One vibrant and exuberant;
One steady and serene.
One ablaze with fireworks;
One peaceful and composed.
It is said that from the Singapore border, one may gaze toward Malaysia and see the night sky painted in brilliant colors, while standing upon ground wrapped in quiet stillness. This contrast of movement and stillness mirrors the two realms of life itself.
Chanting the Buddha’s Name amid the sound of firecrackers;
Reciting His Name beneath quiet lamps to receive blessings.
Whether outwardly lively or tranquil, these are merely external conditions. The true New Year lies in whether, at this very moment, we are mindful of the Buddha and settled in heart. When devotees at both monasteries chant in unison, with or without firecrackers, the Buddha’s Name remains the most auspicious sound of all.
Fireworks will fade, drums will fall silent;
Only “Namo Amitabha” abides—
Steadying the present and illuminating the future with the Buddha’s light.
With the Buddha’s Name in movement, movement itself is pure;
With the Buddha’s Name in stillness, stillness becomes dignified.
Let us conclude with this verse:
Movement and stillness both adorn the New Year scene;
Within Amitabha’s light, we find our true home.
— New Year Note by Master Jingben
Namo Amitabha 🙏🪷
| Pure Land Buddhism
2026.02.17
