CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE

 

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE

 

It is with great joy and heartfelt congratulations that I extend my warmest wishes to you on the occasion of being entrusted by the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV) to host the United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV) from May 6 to 8, 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Vesak symbolizes peace, unity, and compassion for the world. The Vesak Celebration is profoundly dedicated to promoting the Buddha's teachings.

Today, the world is suffering from many ailments. Many countries are ravaged by war with other countries. Even the internal condition of many countries is not good. There is infighting going on between different ethnic groups in the country, causing untold suffering for the citizens. Religious conflict is rampant in many parts of the world, where people are seen as members of a particular religious community and not as human beings. The looming specter of hunger and the improper distribution of wealth further worsen these issues without the basic necessities of food, clothing, shelter, education, and healthcare.

The teachings of the Buddha emerge as a timeless antidote to the myriad problems plaguing our societies. The Siddhattha Gotama renounced royal luxury in search of solutions to human suffering. The Buddha's life is dedicated to peace and compassion. His followers are ordained from all walks of life, from wealthy merchants to the poorest of the poor within the Sangha. The comprehensive approach of the teachings of the Buddha shows that compassion knows no boundaries.

The Buddha was a great lover of peace and friendship among human beings. He also tried his best to convince the monarchs of the time to follow this path and win the hearts of their subjects. We can see the culmination of these ideals in Emperor Asoka, who renounced war altogether even after winning a battle.

In history, many leaders, like Emperor Ashoka, got inspiration from Buddha's ideals to renounce violence and embrace the path to nonviolence. The Buddha's whole life was closely intertwined with nature. He was born under a tree, attained enlightenment under a tree, and even entered his last under a tree. He advised his disciples to go to the forest for meditation.

 The United Nations Day of Vesak will celebrate the teachings of the Buddha and serve as a platform to share and exchange knowledge and foster dialogue among diverse communities. The Buddha's missionary spirit began with sending his first sixty followers to spread his teachings for the welfare of all living beings. Today, we have the opportunity to share the message of peace, compassion, and harmony with the world. The teachings of the Buddha remain a guide for many nations and inspire individuals to pursue a path of righteousness and peace.

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank the National Vietnam Buddhist Saṅgha (NVBS), organized by the International Buddhist Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV), and the host for organizing the Vesak. My gratitude is extended to the Most Venerable Dr. Thich Nhat Tu- Standing Member of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha's Executive Council, Vice President of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Ho Chi Minh City; Permanent Vice Rector of Vietnam Buddhist University, and all supporters of the Vesak Celebration.

 

May the triple gem protect you with good health, long life, and prosperity.

 

Yours in the Dharma,

Bhikkhu Sumanapal

Chairman

Bodhi-Nidhi Social Welfare Cultural Association

Kolkata,  West Bengal, India