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Vesak at UN an optional holiday now
UN Chief Ban Ki-moon addressing the Vesak ceremony at the UN Headquarters in New York on Friday. Sri Lanka's Ambassador Rohan Perera (seated centre) co-chaired the event
This year’s Vesak Poya Day will hold special significance for the United Nations, after it was declared an ‘optional holiday’ at the UN for the first time under Resolution 69/250. Up until now, the UN has annually commemorated a Day of National Observance for Vesak.
At the UN Headquarters in New York, a special meeting co-chaired by Sri Lanka and Thailand was held at the General Assembly Hall on Friday to celebrate Vesak.
A large number of Buddhist monks representing many countries, UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki moon, Permanent Representatives of Member States, senior diplomats, senior UN officials, staff of the Permanent Missions and the UN Secretariat and Buddhists from various countries attended.
Representatives of Myanmar, Japan, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, the Russian Federation, Indonesia, Bhutan and Nepal addressed the General Assembly reflecting on the significance of the Day of Vesak. All speakers expressed their deepest condolences on the loss of life caused by floods and landslides in Sri Lanka.
Making his opening statement at the meeting, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Dr. Rohan Perera noted that 16 years ago, Sri Lanka took the initiative to recognise the Day of Vesak internationally by spearheading the adoption of Resolution 54/115 under the guidance of the late Lakshman Kadirgamar, the then Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, with the active participation of not only other Buddhist States but all Member States of the United Nations.
“I strongly believe that this Vesak day provides all of us with an opportunity to reflect upon the continuing relevance of the Buddha’s message, as we in the United Nations are confronted with unprecedented challenges in the contemporary global order. Today, the global community is faced with increasingly complex challenges to international peace and security in the backdrop of a rapidly evolving threat of terrorism, violent extremism and other forms of violent conflict,” the ambassador stressed in his remarks.
Dr. Perera said he believed the essential elements of the solutions to these challenges can be found in the message of the Buddha.
“The essence of Buddhist philosophy in terms of peace and non-violence is captured very succinctly in the Dhammapada. It elucidates: Na hi verenaverāni- sammanti’dhakudācanamAverena ca sammanti- esadhammosanantano,-“In this world hatred never ceases by hatred; it ceases by love alone. This is an eternal law,” the ambassador stressed.
He went on to add, “These words are of particular significance as we engage in post-conflict reconciliation of our societies, as our countries, including my own, emerge from long years of conflict. Winning the war will not bring happiness and harmony, unless the peace is won in the hearts and minds of the people.”
Dr. Perera also informed the UN that Sri Lanka will be hosting the International Day of Vesak in 2017 in Sri Lanka along with an International Buddhist Conference with the participation of over 400 delegates from over 100 countries.
This year’s UN Vesak Day was organised by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York along with the Permanent Mission of Thailand, and the Missions of the states that co-sponsored the resolution in 2000.
The celebrations commenced on the morning of May 20 with a heel dana offered to 33 Buddhist monks representing Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, South Korea and Japan, at the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka. Ambassador Dr. Perera, his Thai counterpart Ambassador Virachai Plasai, and senior diplomats from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Bhutan, Nepal and China attended the ceremony and offered heel dana to theMaha Sangha. A number of lay persons, including the staff of these countries were also present.
Commemorating International Day of Vesak, in United Nations (UN) headquarters New York on Friday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on of the challenge we are facing today is to apply the Lord Buddha’s wisdom to the real problems in our world.
“Buddhism teaches that all people are interconnected. We must face global problems together. Poverty, displacement, disasters, diseases, conflict and climate change all transcend national borders,” he said while acknowledging that he fully believes that Buddhist teachings can help our world -especially the law of love and compassion for all living beings.
“Let us actively work to heal divides based on the understanding that everyone has fundamental human rights that deserve respect. I count on all of you to help us realize true peace.” he said.
Meanwhile, world leaders around the world conveyed their greetings to the Buddhists who are celebrating Vesak.
United States President Barack Obama in a message said, “the occasion gives us an opportunity to commemorate the many contributions of Buddhists to our progress and to recommit ourselves to building a brighter future for all communities, cultures, and religions. As we come together in hope for wisdom, courage, and compassion, our family sends our best wishes during this season.”
Secretary of State John Kerry said it is a wonderful time to engage in prayer and reflect on the virtues of wisdom, courage, and compassion on the commemoration of the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.
“As you gather with family and friends to celebrate Vesak, know that the United States supports the efforts of people of every faith who preach and practice tolerance and respect for all,” he said.