tipitaka network ... his life, his acts, his words                 sabbe satta bhavantu sukhi-tatta

News at Tipitaka Network

up a level

United Nations
Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

Secretary-General, in Message, Calls Vesak Day Occasion to Examine How Buddhist Teachings 'Can Inform Our Response to Prevailing Challenges'

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's message for Vesak Day, to be observed on 24 May:

Vesak Day is a celebration for Buddhists worldwide and an opportunity for all members of the international community to benefit from their rich traditions. This year's observance, falling at a time of widespread strife and misery, is an occasion to examine how Buddhist teachings can inform our response to prevailing challenges.

Confronting the troubling problems facing our world is consonant with Buddhism. The Buddha himself, as a young prince, left the safety of his palace to discover the four sufferings of birth, sickness, old age and death. While such painful realities cannot be avoided, Buddhism offers insights into how to cope with them. Its history is replete with inspiring examples of the transformative power of Buddhist philosophy.

The legendary King Ashoka, a conqueror who presided over a brutal reign in India some three centuries after the Buddha's passing, ultimately converted to Buddhism, renounced violence and embraced peace. The values that King Ashoka espoused, including human rights, democratic governance and respect for the dignity of life, are common to all great religions. The fact that he was able to embrace them after years of brutal war offers proof that the goodwill of individuals can end widespread suffering.

Now more than ever, we need the spirit of non-violence to help inspire peace and quell conflict. I offer my best wishes to believers celebrating Vesak Day, and my sincerest hopes that we may all draw on spiritual ideals to strengthen our resolve to improve our world.

source: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2013/sgsm15031.doc.htm

Buddhist News Features:

Thursday, May 4, 2023 Vesak Extra!
UN: At this time of strife, Buddha’s teachings are a source of solace and strength

Sunday, May 15, 2022 Vesak Extra!
UN: Each crisis reminds us of how far we have fallen away from Buddha’s timeless teachings

Wednesday, May 26, 2021 Vesak Extra!
UN: Let’s resolve to build lives of peace and dignity for all on a healthy planet


Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa.
Buddha sāsana.m cira.m ti.t.thatu.