As Buddhists across the globe celebrated the the day of Vesak on 1 May, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and mahaparinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha, His Holiness the Dalai Lama shared a heartfelt message of greeting for fellow Buddhists, expressing hope that the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha would inspire people to create a more peaceful, compassionate world. 

“This sacred day reminds us of the light that Shakyamuni Buddha brought into the world more than 2,500 years ago,” the Tibetan spiritual leader shared. “Though the world has transformed beyond recognition since then, his teachings remain relevant today. His profound insight into dependent arising, and his call to harm no one and to help all beings, remain the most compassionate and practical guide for living in our troubled times.” (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)

The Dalai Lama called on Buddhists worldwide to thoroughly investigate and understand the true meaning of the Buddhadharma and to express the profound depth of the teachings accordingly through lived practice.

“On this joyful celebration of the 2,570th Buddha Jayanti, I offer my greetings to all my Buddhist brothers and sisters,” His Holiness concluded. “I pray that each of us, by bringing the Buddha’s teachings into our own daily lives, may contribute to creating a happier and more peaceful world.”

Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima (or more informally the Buddha’s birthday), commemorates three key events in the life of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, that also represent the birth of Buddhism: his birth, enlightenment (Skt: sopadhishesa-nirvana), and passing from this world (Skt: mahaparinirvana). The occasion, a public holiday in many countries in Asia, is celebrated by millions of Buddhists across the world. Although the date of the holiday can vary from country to country, and between Buddhist traditions, it is most widely marked on or around the date of the full moon in the month of May.

This day is typically observed as a time for reflection, meditation, and sharing the Buddhadharma, which has served as a source of spiritual guidance and compassionate wisdom for countless millions of people for some 2,600 years.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also shared a Vesak message, highlighting the tense global geopolitical climate and echoing the Dalai Lama’s call for compassion and sustained peace.

“This year, Vesak comes at a moment when the human family is embroiled in geopolitical tensions, division and conflict,” Guterres remarked. “In 2023 I had the honor of visiting the Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini, Nepal. It reinforced my conviction that the antidote to this turmoil can be found in his timeless teachings of non-violence, compassion, and service to others.

“Guided by the Buddha’s example, let us summon our shared humanity and build the more peaceful and sustainable world all people need and deserve.” (United Nations)

United Nations member states held an official commemoration for the occasion. The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations convened a panel discussion at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 30 April. 

The gathering, held under the theme “Leveraging Buddhist Heritage for Strengthening Global Peace and Cooperation,” was held in collaboration with the permanent missions of Bhutan, Cambodia, Japan, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In his keynote address, the vice chancellor of Nalanda University in Bihar, India, Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, emphasized “interdependence and collective welfare” as fundamental teachings of the Buddha that have only become more relevant 2,600 years later. (South Asian Herald)

Prof. Chaturvedi, called for an economic and policy move away from sector-specific and quantitative development models, and toward integrated, human-centric approaches to attaining the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. He underscored the parallels between Buddhist philosophy and “ethical development, sustainability, and global systems thinking.” (South Asian Herald)

Representatives for Cambodia and Thailand reaffirmed the importance of Buddhism as a guiding force for peace and dialogue, despite a tense and sometimes violent border standoff between the two nations.* Cambodia’s ambassador and deputy permanent representative to the UN, Yaung Chansophea, acknowledged Cambodia’s tumultuous history and noted that the Buddha’s teachings on compassion and nonviolence.

“As a nation that has stayed true to peace, overcoming decades of conflict, Cambodia knows firsthand the transformative power of Buddha’s teachings,” Chansophea said. “For Cambodians, we serve as a profound reminder, and peace begins with and radiates through compassion, nonviolence, and respect for all beings.” (Khmer Times)

Thailand’s permanent representative, Cherdchai Chaivaivid, described Buddhism as not only a religion but “a way of life” deeply embedded in Thai society. (Khmer Times)

“With more than 90 per cent of our population identifying as Buddhists, the teachings of the Buddha have shaped our culture, values, and social fabric for centuries,” Chaivaivid observed. He stressed that the Buddhadharma could help foster dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation across borders, and urged world leaders to focus on compassion, mindfulness, and non-violence in solving issues such as nuclear disarmament and international tensions.

“Ultimately, the path to global peace begins at the individual level,” Chaivaivid said. “When individuals cultivate mindfulness, wisdom, compassion, and respect, these values extend to communities, nations, and the international system.” (Khmer Times)

UN Vesak observance stems from a United Nations General Assembly 1999 resolution that officially recognizes the International Day of Vesak, observed annually on the first full moon of May. The resolution also acknowledges the historical and spiritual contributions of Buddhism over almost 2,600 years.

* Cambodian Monks Hold Peace Prayers Honoring Soldiers Killed in Thai Border Clashes (BDG)

See more

Message (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)
Secretary-General’s message on the Day of Vesak (United Nations)
UN Member States Commemorate International Day of Vesak (South Asian Herald)
Cambodia and Thailand spotlight Buddhism’s role in peace (Khmer Times)

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