Sunday Times 2
UNESCO marks Vesak with symposium
View(s):The Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka organised a symposium to commemorate the International Day of Vesak in collaboration with UNESCO on Vesak Day, May 5, at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
The symposium which acknowledged the contribution of Buddhism to the spiritual wellbeing of humanity over two-and-a-half millennia, as well as its relevance to date, was chaired by the Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Sri Lanka to UNESCO Manisha Gunasekera.
Ambassador Manisha Gunasekera (inset) addressing the symposium.
Assistant Director-General, Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO Gabriela Ramos attended the symposium as the Chief Guest and delivered the Vesak Day Message of the Director-General UNESCO Audrey Azoulay.The Director-General in her message highlighted that the Buddha’s message of “wisdom, compassion, mutual understanding is still of great relevance today.” She observed that “the values celebrated on this Day also underpin UNESCO’s mandate” of “intellectual and moral solidarity, [and] a culture of peace”.
The opening segment of the symposium included remarks by the Permanent Delegate of India Ambassador Vishal Sharma and the Permanent Delegate of Nepal Ambassador Dipak Adhikari who referred to the Buddha’s message of peace and compassion, the important Buddhist sites in their respective countries. The Chief Incumbent of the International Buddhist Centre in Paris Venerable Parawahera Chandararatna in his capacity as the Chief Sangha Nayaka of France also addressed the gathering observing that the Buddha’s teachings are open to all without discrimination. Remarks were also delivered by the Permanent Delegate of PakistanAmbassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad who referred to the ancient Buddhist sites in the country which are part of a great civilisation linking Asia and Europe.
A discourse themed “The Relevance of Buddhism and Mindfulness Practices for Health and Wellbeing in the Modern World” was delivered by renowned Buddhist scholar Venerable Professor Mahinda Deegalle, Visiting Scholar at the University of Cambridge and Professor Emeritus in Religions, Philosophies and Ethics, Bath Spa University, United Kingdom. Professor Deegalle elaborated on the significance of Vesak, the essence of the Dhamma and its philosophical contributions,the Buddha’s message of loving kindness, and the commonalities of Buddhist culture and civilisation that connect communities across the globe. He also discussed the relevance of Buddhism and Buddhist practices of meditation to modern day life, how Buddhist teachings can enhance one’s wellbeing, and help address contemporary challenges.
The Permanent Delegate of Sri Lanka highlighted the pivotal role played by Sri Lanka in the United Nations in gaining recognition internationally for the Day of Vesak, with specific reference to the UN General Assembly resolution 54/115 of 1999. She reflected on the civilisational linkages and similarities binding countries across the Asian region and beyond through the celebration of Vesak, and on the significance of the Buddha’s message in promoting inter-cultural harmony.