For Tibetan Buddhists, this week marks Losar, the new year — a time to clean house, cherish family, make offerings, contemplate the past year and welcome the new.

Losar is one of the most important days in the Tibetan Lunar calendar, a day of community practice and celebration, and a chance to express appreciation for the teachers, teachings, and the basic goodness that binds all beings together.

Generally falling around the second new moon after the winter solstice, the tradition originated thousands of years ago in the pre-Buddhist Bon period and is now celebrated around the world, including in many Buddhist centers in North America.

2025 is designated as the year of the Wood Snake, traditionally associated with flexibility, personal growth, ⁢and renewal, inviting us to welcome new beginnings. 

Happy Losar!