United Nations Vesak UN Secretary-General António Guterres
THE GREAT VESAK MESSAGE OF THE 23RD* UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN 2022
On this year’s Vesak season, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said:
Let us honor Buddha’s wisdom together and come together in the spirit of harmony, solidarity, and share a richer, better, more peaceful and prosperous world for all people.
“Vesak”, the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago, in the year 624 B.C.E, that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha in his eightieth year passed away.
The General Assembly, by its resolution 54/115 of 1999, recognized internationally the Day of Vesak to acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and a half millennia and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity. This day is commemorated annually at the UN Headquarters and other UN offices, in consultation with the relevant UN offices and with permanent missions, which also wish to be consulted.
The teachings of the Buddha, and his message of compassion and peace and goodwill have moved millions. Millions around the world follow the teachings of the Buddha and on the Day of Vesak commemorate the birth, the attainment of enlightenment and the passing away of the Buddha.
A Message from the former Secretary-General, Javier Perez de Cuellar, to Buddhists on the Day of Vesak in May 1986 reads:
“For Buddhists everywhere it is indeed a felicitous opportunity, while commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Guatama Buddha, to celebrate his message of compassion and devotion to the service of humanity. This message is today perhaps more relevant than ever before.”
Peace, understanding and a vision of humanity that supersedes national and other international differences are essential if we are to cope with the complexities of the nuclear age.
This philosophy lies at the heart of the Charter of the United Nations and should be prominent in all our thinking, especially during this International Year of Peace”–Javier Perez de Cuellar.
Wishing you all enjoy the Vesak holiday season successfully.
* On December 15, 1999, the Great Vesak Day was accepted by the United Nations General Assembly. We take this year 2022-1999 = 23 years.
Thông Điệp Đại Lễ Vesak của Đại Hội Đồng Liên Hợp Quốc lần thứ 23 năm 2022
https://www.un.org/en/observances/vesak-day
