New Year's Prayer to Our Ancestors

Dear Ancestors,

As the year begins, we recognize that trees have roots and rivers have source: you are our roots and our source. We know that you are in us. We vow to receive, to maintain and to develop the cultural and spiritual heritages you have handed down to us. We also vow to realize what you entrusted to us to realize, especially to transform the seeds of suffering that remain and to open the door for future generations to enjoy a life that is not too busy, a life where one does not consume too much and work too hard, so that one will have the time to be with nature, to enjoy and protect nature, to take care of each other and to offer each other smiles and happiness. We vow not to keep resentment towards each other, to learn to be compassionate, to accept and to love. We know this is the best way we could express to you our ancestors our gratitude on the New Year Day.