Chinese New Year Message 2026

The Fire Horse blazes in on 17 February 2026. With its brilliant flames, the Horse brings with it the light of courage, the warmth of charisma, the inextinguishable energy for bold actions, and the steady progress brought upon by endless determined effort.

The Buddhist term, ‘Viriya’, encompasses all of these traits – the boundless energy, diligence, and vigour to accomplish what is wholesome. It is often associated with the Right Effort of the Noble Eightfold Path.

In most recent times, Viriya, can be seen through the Walk for Peace – a long distance pilgrimage by the Buddhist monks who walked from Fort Worth Texas to Washington, DC. Beginning from 26 October 2025, the walk spanned 3,700km. An almost impossible feat, but through the cultivation of Viriya, the monks conquered all hardship and overcame all obstacles.

Along the journey, they planted the seeds of love and peace, inspired by the desire for a peaceful society. They were met with thousands of people who welcomed them, with open hearts and tears in their eyes, in appreciation of their courage to promote peace and loving kindness.

This Chinese New Year, may we all be inspired by the concept of Viriya. Of courage, charisma, inextinguishable energy for bold actions and endless determined effort, balanced with inspiration and gratitude. Let’s forgo any feelings of conceit which corrodes the mind with rigidity and arrogance, replacing it instead with love and compassion.

Whilst the monks in the US have completed their journey, we must take on the baton and continue to plant the seeds of love, peace and mindfulness within our own communities.

As the Fire Horse illuminates our year, may we always be guided by the everlasting Light of the Dhamma. May your dreams be closer than ever in this Year of the Horse

Wishing you and your family a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026.

Bro. Tan Leng Huat.
President,
Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia.