Marking Vesak Day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has hailed Buddha’s timeless message of compassion in confronting human suffering.
“I send my warmest wishes to all those celebrating the Day of Vesak in honour of the birth of Lord Buddha,” said the UN Secretary-General in a message ahead of the Day of Vesak, to be observed on May 10.
He said everyone can draw inspiration from his (Buddha) journey. “Born a sheltered prince, Shakyamuni went out into the world to confront and overcome human suffering. As one sutra states: “Because all living beings are subject to illness, I am ill, as well.”
The message reads, “In our interconnected world, there can be no peace as long as others are in peril; no security as long as others suffer deprivation; no sustainable future until all members of our human family enjoy their human rights.”
“On this Day of Vesak, let us celebrate the wisdom of Lord Buddha by taking action for others with a strong spirit of solidarity,” according to a message UNB received from the United Nations Information Centre on Tuesday.
