Vesak Day 26 May 2021
Siddhartha
Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. in the famous gardens of
Lumbini, which soon became a place of pilgrimage
"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 623 B.C.,
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.
Background
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.
