In a society nurtured by the teachings of the Buddha,
our expectations are based in honoring the great teachings, as stated in these words from the Dhammapada. Hence, we strongly defend and respect the independence and dignity of others in the policies of State.
These observations have been made by President Rajapaksa in his Wesak message. The President said that we celebrate the triple festival of Wesak that commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana of the Buddha with State sponsorship that marks the great veneration and devotion of the people.
Wesak is the most meritorious festival of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka and the world over. We, who have protected Theravada, the purest form of Buddhism with great sacrifice through the centuries, celebrate this festival with the joyous feeling of the pervading presence of the Buddha.
Buddhism has shown the world that while anger and hatred are causes for sorrow, Karuna – compassion and Maitri – loving kindness is the path to contentment. It says that all divisions based on race, religion, caste, and tribe are wholly meaningless and a person’s stature is best measured by one’s good or bad conduct. We stand out among the nations of the world as an ethical society where livelihoods are based on the teachings of the Buddha.
The teaching of the Buddha states: One should not wish for a son, wealth or country for one’s own sake, nor for the sake of another. One should not wish for one’s prosperity through foul means. Such a man is indeed virtuous, wise and righteous. As those accustomed to lifestyles in the keeping with the teachings of the Buddha, our understanding is that living a single day with great determination in achieving merit is more valued than living otherwise for a hundred years. Therefore, let us in this season of Vesak, resolve with the least delay, to gather an abundance of merit for this world and the next.
Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne in his Wessak message says that a person who does meritorious acts will receive happiness in this world as well as after death. Enjoy happiness throughout Sansara by seeing the merit he accomplished through mind, body and words. He called on everyone to contribute to create a society refraining from five sins upon realizing the real meaning of the teachings of the Buddha.
UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon has also issued a message to mark Wesak. He said the Buddha’s message of peace, compassion and love for all living beings tells us to open our hearts and embrace all members of our human family, especially those in need. He mentioned that these timeless teachings can help guide governments and the international community and can inspire our efforts to address many of the broader challenges confronting our world.
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