Senate Resolution No. 1454

BY: Senator PARKER

CELEBRATING the Mahayana New Year on January 19,
2022

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate the
Mahayana New Year on January 19, 2022; and

WHEREAS, The term Mahayana encompasses Buddhist ideologies and
philosophies; Mahayana is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, and
is mostly practiced in Northeast Asia - China, Japan, Tibet, Taiwan,
Mongolia and Korea; each region has its own customs and traditions for
practicing Mahayana Buddhism; and

WHEREAS, In English, Mahayana means Great Vehicle; this can be
interpreted in different ways by devout followers of Buddhism; the
Mahayana branch of the religion is practiced around the world; and

WHEREAS, The belief of Mahayana Buddhists is that enlightenment or
eternal Nirvana can be achieved during the course of an individual's
life; this state of enlightenment is not only attainable by monks, but
by regular Buddhist practitioners too; and

WHEREAS, The Mahayana New Year dates differ for each country based
on their customs and traditions; while some Mahayana Buddhists observe
the celebration on January 1st alongside the Gregorian New Year, others
wait for the full moon of January; and

WHEREAS, The celebration is marked with extensive prayer and
honoring the Buddhism gods; statues of the gods are also shown respect
by bathing them; temples are visited on the Buddhist New Year, and songs
of spirituality are sung to the deities; candles are also lit as a
symbol of happiness and luck for the new year; and

WHEREAS, The Buddhist New Year is also a time for internalizing and
self-reflection; lessons from past mistakes are learned, and the goal is
to become a better version of yourself; good luck is also enhanced by
cleaning and decorating homes and buying gifts for others; the
celebration is grand, with large feasts and fireworks at midnight; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper to give thanks to Buddha by
observing the Mahayana New Year in New York State on January 19, 2022,
when all may acknowledge our blessings and express gratitude for them,
while recognizing the need for strengthening religious and moral values
in our State and nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the Mahayana New Year on January 19, 2022.