Good News on Vaisakhi - Perspectives from Christianity, Buddhism and Sikhism

April is a time of renewal and new beginnings, as it marks the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. The longer days and warmer weather are a reminder of the cycle of life and the promise of new growth. This is why many religious holidays that fall in April have themes of liberation, renewal, and rebirth.

For Christians, April is the time of Easter, the most important holiday in the Christian calendar. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life. The Easter story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of new life, and the idea of liberation from sin and death.

For Jews, April is the month of Nisan, which is when Passover is celebrated. Passover commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and the journey towards freedom and a new life. It is a time for reflection on the themes of redemption and liberation, and the power of hope and faith to overcome adversity.

For Sikhs, April marks the holiday of Vaisakhi, which celebrates the founding of the Khalsa, the community of baptized Sikhs. This holiday is also a harvest festival, a time of joy and abundance, and a celebration of the renewal of nature.

For Jains, April marks the holiday of Mahavir Jayanti, which celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara of the Jain religion. Lord Mahavir's teachings emphasize the importance of non-violence, compassion, and the liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death.

In all these religions, the month of April represents a time of new beginnings, hope, and the promise of liberation and new life. It is a time to reflect on the power of faith and renewal, and to celebrate the abundance and beauty of the world around us.

Bhagat Namdev’s perspective from Gurbani

The good news is
that you are here to serve
The one who’s name is
Exalted. The one.

That among the comings
And goings of the world
You are here to play
as a reflection of
Krishna playing
In Dwarka

That you have found perfect balance
Like Krishna. Your name and your deeds
Are both exalted. You have found a high
Stature but the tone of your voice
hasn’t soured or become harsh
It remains sweet.

As a reflection of Krishna
Your turban is amazing
Still your words
Are sweet

You come from the same one
That a thousand worlds
Came from.

You have also attained the dark
Complexion of Krishna
The ruler of the world

That the one who owns
All the horses and elephants
Your master is the king
Through whom you
Attain salvation

Christian Perspective

Luke 4:16-19 quotes an abbreviated version of Isaiah 61:1-2

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,
to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and release to the prisoners;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

A Buddhist Perspective

The Good News

They don’t publish

the good news.
The good news is published
by us.
We have a special edition every moment,
and we need you to read it.
The good news is that you are alive,
and the linden tree is still there,
standing firm in the harsh winter.
The good news is that you have wonderful eyes
to touch the blue sky.
The good news is that your child is there before you,
and your arms are available:
hugging is possible.
They only print what is wrong.
Look at each of our special editions.
We always offer the things that are not wrong.
We want you to benefit from them
and help protect them.
The dandelion is there by the sidewalk,
smiling its wondrous smile,
singing the song of eternity.
Listen! You have ears that can hear it.
Bow your head.
Listen to it.
Leave behind the world of sorrow
and preoccupation
and get free.
The latest good news
is that you can do it.