Multiply your merits

I just received a message from a Facebook friend. Tomorrow 26 Jan 2009 is the first day we celebrate the Lunar New Year. It is also the day of the Annular Solar Eclipse.

On this day, all positive and negative actions (of body, speech and mind) will be multiplied by 10,000 times. It will benefit us greatly if we do good deeds such as saying prayers, helping others, and staying positive and blissful. Because whatever good we do, it will be increased by 10,000 fold. Isn't that great? And it coincides with the day being the first day of CNY. Likewise negative actions should be avoided. Do not quarrel or get angry easily, do not kill living things (even animal and insects!) etc..

If you are able to, do take the opportunity to recite the Six-Syllable Mantra, 'Om Mani Padme Hum' as many times as you can. Or offer light to Buddha.

The greatest eclipse will take place at 7.59 GMT and will last for 7 mins 54 sec. Good luck and have a great Eclipse and Chinese New Year!