Enriching our lives with sublime teachings of the Buddha, The Buddhism. -

our country stands out as a predominantly Buddhist country that has celebrated Vesak in a very dignified manner, ever since Buddhism was introduced to this country. Our history records Buddhism was the main religion in this land of our birth and had the patronage of the Kings who did everything possible to spread the religion. Even during the administration of the foreign powers, most Sri Lankans followed their religion, and thanks to them up to the present generation Buddhism remains the main religion of the majority. The world has appreciated that so much and the United Nations (UN) has recognised the contribution made by Buddhism. The United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 54/ 115 of 1999 recognised internationally the Vesak Day, the major festival of Buddhism, one of the oldest

religions of the world. This proposal was first mooted by the late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar. Now Vesak Day is commemorated at the UN Headquarters and other UN Offices/ permanent missions across the globe. Until the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, as Sri Lankans we celebrated Vesak. Sadly, we could not celebrate Vesak like in the past for nearly three years and then the economic crisis also intervened. Vesak is the most important Buddhist festival that commemorates the Birth, the Enlightenment -Nibbāna and the passing away – Parinirvāna of the Gautama Buddha. Millions of people across the world gained a better life through the teachings of the Buddha and His message of compassion, peace and goodwill has moved millions of people around the world. More Westerners are now embracing Buddhism and some are following practices such as meditation and mindfulness while still being faithful to their religion.

Promote peace and reconciliation

Vesak is an opportunity for everyone following the teachings of the Buddha to reflect on His teachings and what it means to be a Buddhist. The celebration of this ThriceBlessed Day provides us an opportunity to promote peace and reconciliation, which are deeply rooted values of Buddhism. As a country torn by a brother versus brother conflict that ended exactly 15 years ago, Sri Lanka sorely needs peace and reconciliation. Vesak Day invites us to give new life to the teachings of the Buddha, as we are right now living amidst conflict situations in the world (Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Gaza and so on) and the country. We have to understand the deep meaning of the words of the Buddha uttered centuries ago: “hatred is never appeased by hatred.” In fact, these very words were repeated by former President J.R. Jayewardene at the San Francisco Peace Conference in 1951 spurred Western nations to forgive Japan and help it to rebuild. If Vesak celebrations are to have any meaning, we have to live the teachings of the Buddha every single day in our lives. Otherwise, the Vesak message will be forgotten until the Vesak day comes again next year. But as true Buddhists, we must make all efforts to live according to the Buddha’s teachings and practice the religion without limiting it to mere words or lip service.

That is to live as true Buddhists, with pure thoughts and actions. We celebrate Vesak on the day of the Full Moon in May and for Buddhists across the world, it is the most sacred day. Today we recall sublime events that occurred in the Life of the Buddha. It was on a day like today more than two and a half million years ago, in 623 BC, the Buddha was born to this World as a Prince Siddhartha, and on a day like today that the Prince who gave up worldly pleasures attained Enlightenment or Buddhahood. He passed away from this world at the age of 80, on a Full Moon Day like today, all in the landmass that we now call Nepal and India. The Buddha also visited Sri Lanka on three occasions and is believed to have prophesied that Buddhism will survive in Sri Lanka till the end of time. Siddhartha is believed to have been a Prince who was born into a wealthy family in what is now called Nepal in the 5th Century BC. Prince Siddhartha Gautama then realised that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness. So, he travelled as a homeless holy man to learn more about the world and see the suffering in the world. We too are living in poverty-stricken times and there is so much want and suffering. Vesak invites us to think seriously about the way we have celebrated Vesak in the past and taking the present situation into consideration, we all should give preference to following his timeless words (the Dhamma) rather than merrymaking. If one goes around the cities, one would realise we are in a very pitiful state but the teaching of the Buddha is very realistic and opens our eyes and our minds. It is very opportune to recall what the former UN Secretary-General, Javier Perez de Cuellar said in his Vesak message in May 1986: “For Buddhists everywhere, it is indeed a felicitous opportunity while commemorating the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing Away of Gautama Buddha, to celebrate his message of compassion and devotion to the service of humanity.”

Charter of the UN

This message is perhaps more relevant today than ever before. “Peace, understanding, and a vision of humanity supersedes national and other international differences and they are essential to cope with the complexities of the nuclear age. This philosophy lies at the heart of the Charter of the UN and should be prominent in all our thinking,” he said. During this Vesak Week, we are also reminded of the very appropriate words Antonio Guterres, the present Secretary General of the UN said in 2023. ”At this time of strife, the Buddha’s teachings of tolerance, compassion, and service to humanity are a source of solace and strength. As we navigate the path to a better future, let us seize the spirit of Vesak”. His words echo in our minds even today for the world is threatened with unpredictable situations – there is fear of death, there is fear of want and the future seems to be very bleak. The three dark forces of yore – War, Famine and Pestilence – are not done with us just yet. Vesak is celebrated once a year. The date of Vesak changes each year as it takes place at the time of the first full moon of the ancient lunar month of Vesak, which usually falls in May or early June. Each Buddhist culture has its own traditions for the day, but it is celebrated in lots of countries, including many countries across Asia such as India, Thailand, Laos, Bhutan, Singapore, China, Cambodia, Vietnam and North and South Korea. Vesak is also celebrated in Muslim majority Indonesia and Malaysia. Many Buddhists will go to their local temple and some might even stay there throughout the day and night of the Full Moon. Many will do good deeds, take part in chanting and meditation, reflect on Buddhist teachings, bring offerings to the temple, and share food with other devotees. Let us Show our Brotherhood to all with no distinctions or favours during this Vesak Week. The writer is Executive Director Dhamma Voice International and Advisor to the Dhamma Voice Centre in Singapore.