Global compassion, solidarity on Buddhist day of Vesak
(May 11, 2009) The Vatican State has greeted Buddhists worldwide on the occasion
of their most important feast and called on Buddhists and Christians to work together
to deal with poverty. In his message Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran said: “the forthcoming
feast of Vesakh offers a welcome occasion to send you, on behalf of the Pontifical
Council for Interreligious Dialogue, our sincere congratulations and cordial best
wishes: may this feast once again bring joy and serenity to the hearts of all Buddhists
throughout the world. This annual celebration offers Catholics an opportunity to exchange
greetings with our Buddhist friends and neighbours, and in this way to strengthen
the existing bonds of friendship and to create new ones.” In a message commemorating
Vesak Day, which marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha, Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon called on the world to learn from the spiritual leader's sense of compassion.
“The financial crisis, climate change, pandemics, terrorism and other international
threats prove that the fates of all people are linked,” Mr. Ban wrote in his message.He
noted that a problem for one country can quickly turn into a global threat. “More
than 2,500 years ago Buddha taught that nothing exists in isolation. On this day of
Vesak, let us resolve to help people who are suffering so that we may secure a better
future for all,” he said.