Chinese New Year

[Khandro]

We have now entered the new year celebrated across a large part of the eastern world, 2025 known as the year of the Wood Snake, ' is believed to represent a time of both creativity and introspection—something we might like to celebrate after the political, cultural, and social upheavals of recent times. Wood Snake’s characteristics include resourcefulness, adaptability, and diligence. This is your year to focus on self-development and pursue long-term goals with steadiness and patience.

Christian mythology leans towards the “evil serpent,” but across East Asia, the snake is more likely to be celebrated and protected. Communities in East Asia may practice Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity, ancestor worship, or shamanism. The snake’s ability to shed its skin is seen as a symbol of life, death, and rebirth by many cultures, and it was considered to be the bridge between heaven and humans.'

Have to end on a question: so will you bear this in mind?

[naomi24]

No.  It's nonsense.

[Khandro]

^^ You don't believe in bridges between Heaven & humans then ?

[naomi24]

What's heaven?

[gingejbee]

Yes, I'll be as keen to bear this in mind as I am to put credence in astrology.

[Old_Geezer]

A year of a snake of wood, sounds a bit inflexible.

 

We live in interesting times. I predict another roller coaster of a year for the whole world.

[Khandro]

naomi; //What's heaven?//

I think of someone struggling to keep their head above the surface of a pond shouting, "There's no such thing as water!"

This whole universe is Brahman. In tranquility, let one worship It, as Tajjalan (that from which he came forth, as that into which he will be dissolved, as that in which he breathes).

— Chandogya Upanishad 3.14.1

[naomi24]

Not the same as the Christian version.  How many versions of heaven are there?

[nicebloke1]

What a load of tosh. I feel for you Khandro. :•(

[vulcan42]

The concept of heaven is different in all religions, they can't all be right but it's possible and likely that all are wrong.

[Old_Geezer]

They could all be right if you generate your own heaven/hell.

[Khandro]

OG //They could all be right if you generate your own heaven/hell.//

Well said !

[Untitled]

creativity and introspection sound good to me. 

[Canary42]

So if I generate my own heaven, I will live forever since heaven is everlasting.

 

Nice one.

 

 

[naomi24]

Generating your own heaven only works in your own head.  

[fiveleaves]

I dont know about China, but it would appear to be the year of the snake in America

[douglas9401]

[Canary42]

Wishing all Abers a 新年快乐 😋