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News at Tipitaka Network |
United Nations 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! Sunday, May 15, 2022 Vesak Extra! Wednesday, May 26, 2021 Vesak Extra! |
Samsara Pulse Obituary Sarvodaya founder Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne passes away Japan Donors will get rare look at Horyuji temple scorched murals California Wat Dhammararam to celebrate Cambodian New Year this weekend South Korea Buddhists look to youth at International Buddhism Expo in Seoul Nepal Archaeologists unearth Kushan era relics in Jhapa Samsara buzz Cherry blossoms: Inside the spiritual meaning of sakura Laos Over 300 Buddha images excavated in Bokeo, search continues Sri Lanka Buddhist exhibition at Sri Sambodhi Maha Vihara Samsara buzz Exploring the protective qualities of sati Thailand King`s drawings feature Dhamma principles Cambodia Giant Buddha statue gets facelift after criticism California A dharma message for “May We Gather” Thailand New temple museum highlights the spirituality of Phitsanulok Malaysia Well-preserved stupa found At Bukit Choras offers clues about Malaysia`s multicultural past Samsara buzz Honoring the legacy of Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh Thailand Thailand launches first health care center for monks in Uthai Thani India History TV18`s new docuseries explores Bihar`s sacred `Buddha Circuit` China Painter helps make Buddhas whole at grottoes from Sui Dynasty era Thailand International Women’s Meditation Center Foundation announces outstanding Buddhist women for 2024 Samsara buzz Japan`s new bullet train line takes you to the country`s Buddhist heartland |
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa.
Buddha sāsana.m cira.m ti.t.thatu.