May the New Year of the Fire Horse illuminate us all with wisdom and compassion.

As we welcome the new year, I sincerely pray that peace and health be with all citizens and Buddhist followers.

The Year of the Fire Horse is imbued with the energy of fire, but we offer our New Year's greetings in the hope that this fire will not consume us, but rather be a fire of wisdom that dispels the darkness and warms the heart.

Over the past year, our differences in thoughts and positions often led to estrangement and hurt feelings. Conflict and confrontation persisted throughout society, leaving many weary souls struggling through each day.

Buddhism has long taught that the root of all confusion lies within the mind, not in the external world.

The more hurried the mind, the harsher the words, and the deeper the attachment, the greater the conflict. Therefore, what we need now is not to blame each other, but to pause and reflect on our hearts.

Based on the stability and harmony of the Order, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism will fulfill its responsibility to guide our society back onto the path of trust and empathy.

As the foremost Buddhist order in Korea, we will stand by the people as a source of spiritual comfort and become a steadfast friend holding the hands of the socially vulnerable and marginalized.

Despite advanced science and material abundance, mental suffering does not easily vanish. The solution lies in reducing competition and tending to the mind.

It is vital to know how to safeguard peace within oneself, unshakeable no matter the circumstances.

In response to the needs of our times, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism aims to promote Seon meditation more widely— a practice that can be incorporated into daily life by anyone.

Seon meditation is not a special practice, but a simple and easy exercise for the mind. It involves taking a moment to steady your breath and observe your mind as it is.

May this small practice bring peace and resilience to the lives of all citizens. Furthermore, through cultural events such as the Buddhist Expo and the Lantern Festival, we will create more opportunities for unity and empathy, transcending generational and ideological divides.

We pray for a society where we walk together, illuminating one another like the warm light of lanterns.

In this new year of the Fire Horse, may we extinguish the fire of anger and ignite the flame of wisdom and compassion, making this a year that warms each other's hearts.

When one person's heart finds peace, the future of our society will also grow that much brighter.

In this new year, I pray that peace and hope fill your lives.