Buddha’s message of unity more important than ever – UN Chief

The Buddha's message of unity and service to others is more important today as humanity suffers from the COVID-19 pandemic and it is only by working together that nations can stop the spread and recover from the deadly coronavirus, UN chief Antonio Guterres said in his message for the Day of Vesak.
 

    "As we honour the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha, we can all be inspired by his teachings. And as the human family suffers the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reminded of the sutra: 'Because all living beings are subject to illness, I am ill as well'," Secretary General Guterres said.

 

As millions of Buddhists around the world celebrate the sacred occasion of Vesak, the UN chief called on all nations to celebrate the Buddha’s wisdom by taking action for others with compassion and solidarity, “and by renewing our commitment to build a peaceful world”.

In 1999, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in which it recognised the International Day 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.