Statement by H.E. Ambassador Le Luong Minh

Permanent Representative of Viet Nam

 

At the Ceremony for the Observance of the Day of Vesak

(May 21, 2010)

 

Venerable Monks,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the outset, I wish to thank Ambassador Libran Cabactulan and the Mission of the Philippines for coordinating the preparation of our Vesak Day to commemorate the anniversary of the birth, enlightenment and passing of Buddha. Together with the UN Vesak Day to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, this Ceremony once again confirms the recognition and appreciation by the international community of the spiritual values of Buddhism.

 

Venerable Monks,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In the context of the multiple and complex threats and challenges facing our world today, including the climate change, environmental deterioration, the spread of deadly diseases, the persistence of crimes, conflicts and wars in many parts of the world, the lofty spiritual values and fundamental humanitarian principles of Buddhism are more meaningful than ever as they cherish and nurture peace in mind, affection, tolerance, compassion and non-self. And, as we are in the process of reviewing the comprehensive implementation of the Millennium Developments Goals and charting ways forward toward their accomplishment for the betterment of lives of the peoples of a world where division, discrimination and gaps continue to exist in many domains, Buddha’s teachings provide the moral ground for promoting mutual understanding, cooperation and brotherhood. We are pleased to see the participation of a larger number of Delegations, Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike in the Ceremony. As we celebrating the Vesak Day, we are also celebrating the spirit of interfaith dialogues and cooperation.

To Vietnamese, Buddhism is the “religion of the heart”. A major part of the Vietnamese population practice Buddhism as either a religion or a culture. Vietnamese history goes that many times after defeating the adversary armies, the victors supplied boats and food for the enemy troops to go home and that to a shivering prisoner captured at the battle field, the highest commander of the victor army gave him the only warm coat he was wearing. In most challenging circumstances we have seen Buddha’s teachings and lofty principles of Buddhism shine and guide. Putting a great store by those teachings and principles, Buddhists in Viet Nam are celebrating this season of Vesak with the opening of the biggest Buddhist pagoda ever built in the country, and the biggest ever Ceremony to welcome Buddha’s remains-crystallized jades from India. With the support of the Government and in close cooperation and coordination with followers of other religions, including Brahmanism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Protestantism and Muslim, Vietnamese Buddhists have been increasingly involved in development and charity activities with a view to building a society that Buddha envisioned more than two and half thousand year ago.

In the festive atmosphere of this Vesak Day, I would like to extend to all venerable monks and all participants and guests present our best wishes of success of our joint efforts in striving for such a society in each of our countries.

Buddha Amitabha!

I thank you.