Spiritual ideals can help tackle global challenges: UN Chief
UN, 25 May 2013: The teachings of Buddhism can offer significant insights on how to
face today's most pressing challenges, United Nations’ Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
said on Friday, in a message marking Vesak Day, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment
and passing of the Buddha. “Now more than ever, we need the spirit of non-violence
to help inspire peace and quell conflict,” Ban said. “This year's observance, falling
at a time of widespread strife and misery, is an occasion to examine how Buddhist
teachings can inform our response to prevailing challenges.” Ban noted that confronting
troubling problems is a big part of Buddhism as the Buddha himself – when he was a
young prince – left the safety of his palace to discover the four sufferings of birth,
sickness old age and death. “While such painful realities cannot be avoided, Buddhism
offers insights into how to cope with them. Its history is replete with inspiring
examples of the transformative power of Buddhist philosophy,” he said. Mr. Ban
also recalled that King Ashoka, who presided over a brutal reign in India in from
268-232 B.C., ultimately converted to Buddhism, renouncing violence and embracing
peace.
“The values that King Ashoka espoused, including human rights, democratic
governance and respect for the dignity of life, are common to all great religions.
The fact that he was able to embrace them after years of brutal war offers proof that
the goodwill of individuals can end widespread suffering.” Mr. Ban offered his
best wishes to Buddhists and expressed his sincere hope that “we may all draw on spiritual
ideals to strengthen our resolve to improve our world.”
By its resolution
54/115 of 1999, the General Assembly 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.
Source: UN