2009-05-11 12:55:53

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.







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