Joint Communique World Buddhist Leaders Conference On International Recognition of the Day of Vesak
May 25, 2004 (2547)
At Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, The Kingdom of Thailand
We, the participants of World Buddhist Leaders Conference on International Recognition of the Day of Vesak, from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, People’s Republic of China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, having met at Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand on May 25, 2004 (2547),
Acknowledging that the Day of Vesak, the Date of the Full Moon in the month of May each year, the internationally recognized and, in particular, at United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices, in accordance with the Government and the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand’s initiative to celebrate the Day of Vesak in 2004 (2547) both in New York and Bangkok,
Recognizing that the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May each year is the day most sacred to Buddhists around the world, who commemorate, on that day, the birth of the Buddha, his attainment of enlightenment and his passing away; moreover, they may, at the same time, observe his virtues in his great compassion, his wisdom, and his purity as an ideal way of living in harmony.
Considering that international recognition at United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices would constitute acknowledgement of the contribution that Buddhism, one the of oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and a half millennia, and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity; therefore, Buddhism should vitally be protected and promoted in order to maintain its course.
Resolves that, without cost to the United Nations, appropriate arrangement shall be made for international observances of Vesak at United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices, in consultation with the relevant United Nations offices and permanent missions that also wish to be consulted. In the year of 2004 (2547), Thailand has been appointed to coordinate with other Buddhist countries to celebrate the Day of Vesak both at the United Nations in New York and its regional office.
Therefore, we hereby agree to the followings:
1. We will endeavor to maintain and protect Buddhism, objects of worship and holy places worldwide.
2. We will endeavor to deliver the noble messages of the Buddha to the hearts and minds of the people of the world through Buddhist studies and practice to ensure propagation of Buddhism.
3. We will endeavor to promote peace, harmony and understanding among the people of the world through Buddhism.
4. We will endeavor to collaborate and to celebrate, on the international scale, the Day of Vesak at United Nations Headquarters, its regional offices and especially at the UNESCAP office in Bangkok, Thailand.
Joint Communique International Buddhist Conference on The United Nations Day of Vesak
May 18 – 20, 2005 (B.E. 2548)
At Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand and the United Nations Conference Centre, in Bangkok, Thailand
We, the participants from 41 countries and districts to the International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak at Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom and at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand from May 18th to 20th, 2005 (B.E. 2548), being aware that the Conference was supported by the Government of Thailand and the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand, unanimously resolved the followings:
In accordance to the resolution adopted by General Assembly of the United Nations in 1999 (B.E. 2542) to have the Day of Vesak, the Full Moon day in the month of May, being internationally recognized and observed worldwide, this Celebration will be continued jointly by all Buddhist traditions;
Furthermore, to promote mutual understanding and co-operation between all Buddhist traditions, organizations and individuals through ongoing dialogue and cooperation of Buddhist leaders and scholars,
It has been decided to disseminate the message of peace based on the Buddha’s teachings of wisdom and compassion,
Having explored the issues concerning Buddhism, the Conference has agreed the followings:
(1) decided to increase and enhance cooperation amongst all schools of Buddhism to promote unity and solidarity among Buddhists,
(2) agreed to develop education so as to promote mutual understanding, respect and inner peace amongst individuals and communities,
(3) noted to create a spiritual network by using modern science and technology for strengthening moral and ethical development among all young Buddhists,
(4) ensured to work for humanitarian and social development without prejudice for the benefit of humanity,
(5) endeavored to protect Buddhism and its sublime teachings in order to maintain its universal values,
(6) agreed to support other countries and districts to hold International Buddhist Conferences, and support the World Forum on Buddhism to be held in China.
(7) decided to continue United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration in Thailand, with Buddhamonthon to be recognized as a Centre of World Buddhism, and Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University to be continued as a coordinator of the Celebrations.
Joint Communiqué The Third International Buddhist Conference on The United Nations Day of Vesak
May 7-10, 2006 (B.E.2549)
At Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom and The United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, The Kingdom of Thailand
We, the participants from 46 countries and regions of the InternationalBuddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak atBuddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom and at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok from May 7-10 2006 (B.E. 2549), gratefullyacknowledging that the Conference has been generously supported by the Royal Government of Thailand and the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand when the entire Kingdom of Thailand is joyfully celebrating the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Accession to the Throne, have unanimously resolved the following:
With full reference to the resolution approved on 15th December 1999 at theGeneral Assembly of the United Nations, Session No. 54, Agenda Item 174,a joint proposal by representatives from 34 countries, that Vesak, which falls on the Full Moon day in the month of May, be internationally recognized and observed at the United Nations Headquarters and its Regional Offices from the Year 2000 onwards, the United Nations Day of Vesak will be jointly celebrated by all Buddhist traditions;
Furthermore, to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation amongst all Buddhist traditions, organizations and individuals through ongoing dialogue between Buddhist leaders and scholars,
It has been decided to disseminate the following message of peace based on the Buddha's teaching of wisdom and compassion.
Having explored the issues concerning Buddhism and the World, the Conference has agreed upon the following:
(1) to further increase and enhance cooperation between all schools of Buddhism to promote unity and solidarity among Buddhists,
(2) to promote socially engaged actions to create dharmic societies through the emphasis of the central role of inner peace development, and by addressing the motivations that drive feelings/thought, speech and action that creates discord,
(3) to set up more Buddhist meditation centers throughout the world and for that purpose to nurture more meditation teachers,
(4) to promote the creation of consistent and easily usable educational materials for children, adolescents and adults through the establishment of an e-library as the central repository of Buddhist content in electronic medium, initially as a partnership between Buddha Dharma Education and BuddhaNet and Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University,
(5) to compile and publish an informed work on Buddhism to be freely distributed to hotels worldwide as part of the effort to disseminate Buddhism and, in order to facilitate that, to form a sub-committee of the Joint International Organizing Committee to carry on the work,
(6) to create an international body to deal with public relations for Buddhism,
(7) to urge all parties, the United Nations, UNESCO and concerned governments and agencies to preserve both the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Buddhists,
(8) to promote practices that transform the inner being, manifesting themselves in qualities of self-discipline, volunteerism, simplicity and skilful consumption as well as proactive efforts contributing to social activism and partnering in the development of new economic paradigms,
(9) to encourage a holistic approach to sustainable development, based on the Buddhist central teaching of the Middle Way, which is exemplified in the philosophy of "Sufficiency Economy" put forward by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand,
(10) to acknowledge the urgency of improving gender status in order to bring to an end the detriment to individuals, communities and ecology of inequitable and unbalanced development, and to redirect our efforts towards sustainable development based on the inter-dependent integration of economic and ecological concerns and towards peace and security,
(11) to record the success of the First World Buddhist Forum held in April in Zhou Shan, China, the convening of which was supported in the 2005 International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak in Bangkok, Thailand, and to affirm that Falungong is not in accordance with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism,
(12) to encourage other countries and districts to hold International Buddhist Conferences, and to hold the Fourth International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations in Thailand in 2007 (B.E 2550) in honor of the 80th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and
(13) to continue to entrust Mahachulalongkornvrajavidyalaya University with responsibility for coordinating the International Secretariat of the Joint International Organizing Committee in order to facilitate necessary follow-up actions and for the Fourth International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak.
Dated: Wednesday, May 10, 2006.
Bangkok Declaration The Fourth International Buddhist Conference on The United Nations Day of Vesak
May 26- 29, 2007 (B.E.2550)
At Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom andThe United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, The Kingdom of Thailand
We, the participants from 61 countries and regions of the International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak at Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom and at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok from May 26-29, 2007 (B.E. 2550), gratefully acknowledging that the Conference has been generously supported by the Royal Government of Thailand and the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand when the entire Kingdom of Thailand is joyfully celebrating the 80th Auspicious Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, have unanimously resolved the following:
With full reference to the resolution approved on 15th December 1999 at the General Assembly of the United Nations, Session No. 54, Agenda Item 174, a joint proposal by representatives from 34 countries, that Vesak, which falls on the Full Moon day in the month of May, be internationally recognized and observed at the United Nations Headquarters and its Regional Offices from the Year 2000 onwards, the United Nations Day of Vesak will be jointly celebrated by all Buddhist traditions; Furthermore, to consolidate mutual understanding and cooperation amongst all Buddhist traditions, organizations and individuals through ongoing dialogue between Buddhist leaders and scholars, It has been decided to disseminate the following message of peace based on the Buddha's teaching of wisdom and compassion.
Having explored the issues concerning Buddhism and the World, the Conference has agreed upon the following:
to further enhance cooperation between all schools of Buddhism to strengthen unity and solidarity among Buddhists;
to acknowledge the generosity of and the crucial role played by the Kingdom of Thailand in hosting the United Nations Day of Vesak in the past four years, and to approve and support the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as the host for 2008;
to re-affirm Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University as the permanent venue of the International Secretariat for the International Organizing Committee for the United Nations Day of Vesak;
to promote through Buddhist principles socially engaged actions and urge the Buddhist leaders to take a leading role on moral and ethical issues, in particular, on social justice, respect equal opportunities, good governance and transparency;
to acknowledge the inspiration that many countries and regions, and in particular, the Buddhist world and the UNDP, have towards His Majesty the King of Thailand on good governance and development throughout His Reign over sixty years;
to support the 2nd World Buddhist Forum to be held in China in 2008;
to continue the electronic Buddhist library project, started initially last year as a partnership between Buddha Dharma Education and BuddhaNet and Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, and to record the strong interest in the project by the many Buddhist Higher Institutions present at this conference;
to continue the project of compiling an informed work on Buddhism to be freely distributed to hotels worldwide;
to reiterate the appeal to all parties, the United Nations, UNESCO and concerned governments and agencies to preserve both the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Buddhists, and to encourage visit to Buddhist holy sites as part of their revitalization;
to record the historic formation at this conference and support the function and growth in every means possible of the International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU), comprising some eighty Buddhist Higher Education Institutions from twenty-two countries and regions;
to hold the 2nd symposium of the International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU) which will be hosted by Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in 2008 in Bangkok and to rejoice in the generosity of the same university for undertaking to fund, at least for one year, the International Secretariat of the IABU; and
to highlight at every level the effective and scientific values of Buddhist meditation in human development, and to encourage both traditional means and modern technology in dissemination of the teaching of the Buddha, and to also raise awareness on the proper and respectful use of Buddha images.
Dated: May 29 2007/2550.
Ha Noi Declaration The Fifth International Buddhist Conference on The United Nations Day of Vesak
May 13- 17, 2008 (B.E.2552)
At Hanoi, Vietnam
Buddhists participating in the Fifth International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak pledged to urge international communities to strengthen their efforts towards world peace.
In the Hanoi declaration issued on May 16, the conference participants also resolve on improving the quality of life for all the people.
The declaration runs as follows:
“We, the participants from seventy four countries and territorial regions of the International Buddhist Conference on theUnited Nations Day of Vesak at the National Convention Center, Hanoi, Vietnam, from May 13-17, 2008 (B.E. 2552), gratefully acknowledging that the Conference on Buddhist Contribution to Building a Just, Democratic and Civilised Society has been generously supported by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, have unanimously resolved the following:
1. To urge international communities to strengthen their efforts towards sustainable world peace in promoting dialogue, mutual trust, respect, and human dignity among different religions and nations, through the light of Buddhist wisdom and compassion.
2. To promote prevention of conflict and war, especially by means of disarmament including prohibition of tests of nuclear weapons, production of chemical and bacteriological (biological) weapons and the prevention of the pollution of oceans and inland waters.
3. To enhance economic, social, environmental and spiritual development throughout the world, in order to achieve a higher quality of life for all the people.
4. To advocate for social justice, democracy and good governance in all sectors of society, in order to bring peace and security within and among nations.
5. To acknowledge that social and economic development cannot be secured in a sustainable way in the absence of peace and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
6. To contribute towards legal and administrative measures for the protection and improvement of the environment, at both national and international levels, in order to commit to a healthy and productive life in harmony with the environment.
7. To affirm that climate change and other forms of environmental damages are already harming human well-being and that urgent action is required to minimise these changes.
8. To stress on pursuing active measures to halt the misuse of our natural resources, a modern-life trend which has resulted in ecological imbalances, which increase the threat of climate change and endanger all life on the planet.
9. To recognise and respond to the moral and spiritual needs of individuals, families and the communities at large.
10. To recognise the need for solutions to global social problems, especially poverty, unemployment and social injustice.
11. To acknowledge the continuing need for modernisation of education for monastics and laypeople, to enable them to meet challenges of local and global issues and crisis.
12. To provide basic education and improve the quality of education, especially for girls, women and deprived groups, in order to remove every obstacle that hampers their active participation in social life.
13. To strengthen family bonds by emphasising the Buddhist principles of harmony, understanding and compassion for stable marriages and individual happiness.
14. To stress on the growing importance of information technology and provide guidance for the wise use of technology to serve social interests.
15. To develop materials for the internet that can be easily accessed by users to bridge the gap between those in developed regions and those in under-developed societies with limited resources.
16. To support major international Buddhist events including the Second World Buddhist Forum in China in November 2008, the Fifth World Buddhist Summit in Japan in 2008, the First Conference of International Association of Buddhist Universities, Bangkok, Thailand, in September 2008, as well as the activities of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) and Inner Trip Reiyukai International (ITRI).”
Bangkok Declaration The Seventh International Buddhist Conference on The United Nations Day of Vesak
May 23-25, 2010 (B.E.2553)
At the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Main Campus, Wang Noi, Ayutthaya, The United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok and Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom Province, The Kingdom of Thailand
With full reference to the resolution approved on 15th December 1999 by the General Assembly of the United Nations, Session No. 54, Agenda Item 174, a joint proposal by representatives from 34 countries, that Vesak, which falls on the Full Moon day in the month of May, be internationally recognized and observed at the United Nations Headquarters and its Regional Offices from the Year 2000 onwards, The United Nations Day of Vesak will be jointly celebrated by all Buddhist traditions;
Furthermore, having consolidated mutual understanding and cooperation amongst all Buddhist traditions, organizations, individuals, other spiritual traditions and civil society through ongoing dialogue;
Having decided to disseminate the following message of peace based on the Buddha's teaching of wisdom and compassion;
Having explored the Buddha's teachings to aide and sustain global recovery;
We, the participants from 83 countries and regions of the International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak convened at the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Main Campus, Wang Noi, Ayutthaya, The United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok and Buddhamonthon, Nakhom Pathom Province from May 23-25, 2010 (B.E. 2553), gratefully acknowledging that the Conference has been generously hosted by Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University of Thailand and The Inner Trip Reiyukai International, ITRI, of Japan, supported by the Royal Government of Thailand under the guidance of the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand, have unanimously resolved the following:
(1) to reiterate once again the sheer impact of the man-made global banking and economic crisis on every community and nation and how a human's states of mind influence his actions which in turn affect his environment; and to re-affirm our efforts towards filling the spiritual vacuum by emphasizing the natural law of inter-being that will help sustain the fragile global recovery;
(2) to encourage, as part of Buddhist contribution towards global recovery, the world community to introduce humanistic education in order to promote human dignity, security and social and economic solidarity on the one hand and on the other to minimize self-inflicted problems in the world; and to urge world religious and political leaders to strengthen ongoing dialogue in order to avoid mistrust and violence between different cultures;
(3) considering that every big crisis starts out as a small crisis, the escalation of which is not inevitable if we manage to understand the causal chain of events which produces it, to develop peaceful social strategies based on the Middle Path in prevention, resolution and healing through non-violent and tolerant communication, participation and interdependence for harmonious existence;
(4) to promote mental and emotional welfare and wellbeing of mankind through moral ethics, meditation, self-evaluation, self-awareness and right view as well as to highlight the danger to the society of egoistic states of mind and the benefit of service to the wider society;
(5) to use socially engaged Buddhism in various fields as guided by the Dhamma as a tool in order to help relieve the impact of global economic crisis on individuals and communities;
(6) to promote awareness on the interlinkages between Buddhism, ecology and attitudes to nature; and to endorse a global "eco-Buddhist" network;
(7) to endorse the creation of World Buddhist Park by the World Buddhist Park Foundation in Prachin Buri Province, Thailand as a further development of the Centre of World Buddhism, as internationally endorsed in 2005/ 2548, at Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand;
(8) to continue promoting better understanding of Buddhist principles amongst the wider public by compiling and distributing widely a common Buddhist text, which will reflect the rich resources of the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions as well as the needs of today's society;
(9) to continue supporting the ongoing electronic project for a Union Catalogue of Buddhist Texts, UCBT, which is currently being carried out by leading scholars from 23 universities and libraries from 16 nations, by hosting a seminar at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in September 2010;
(10) to hold the second conference of the International Association of Buddhist Universities, IABU, in December 2011/ 2554 under the theme of Buddhist Philosophy and Praxis at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University;
(11) to hold the 2011/2554 United Nations Day of Vesak at the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Main Campus, Wang Noi, Ayutthaya, The United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok and Buddhamonthon, Nakhompathom Province, Thailand, so celebrating the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 84th Birthday Anniversary December 5, 2010.
Dated: 25th May 2010/2553
Bangkok Declaration The Eighth International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak
May 12-14, 2011 (B.E.2554)
At the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Main Campus, Wang Noi, Ayuttaya, The United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok and Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand
On 15th December 1999, representatives from 34 countries proposed to the General Assembly of the United Nations that the full moon day in the month of May be recognized and observed at the United Nations Headquarters and its Regional Offices as the United Nations Day of Vesak. The General Assembly so resolved (Agenda Item 174 of Session No. 54) and accordingly the UN Day of Vesak was instituted in the year 2000 with the support of all Buddhist traditions. In pursuance of that Resolution, we, participants from 85 countries and regions, have come together from May 12-14, 2011 (B.E. 2554) to celebrate the UN Day of Vesak in a conference generously hosted by Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University of Thailand and graciously supported by the Royal Government of Thailand under the guidance of the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand.
In meetings at the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Main Campus, Wang Noi, Ayutthaya, at the UNESCAP in Bangkok and at Buddhamonthon in Nakhon Pathom Province, we have explored the topic of "Buddhist Virtues in Socio-Economic Development" consolidating mutual understanding and cooperation between organizations and individuals from all Buddhist traditions. At the conclusion of our meeting we have unanimously resolved as follows:
1. In order to mark the 2600th anniversary of Gautama the Buddha's Full Enlightenment, establishing a world religion serving humanity: we resolve to facilitate and promote academic, cultural and religious activities in a year long Sambuddha Jayanti at both national and international levels;
2. In honour of the 84th Birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand: we promote awareness of His Majesty's exemplary leadership, vision and love for the people as evidenced, in some four thousand royal development projects and we encourage people of all walks of life to follow His example;
3. Further, in commemorating His Majesty the King's auspicious 84th Birthday; we support the convening of the Second International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU) conference in December 2011/2554;
4. To encourage among both the monastics and the laity application of the Buddha's message on social, economic, political and religious leadership, and to educate corporate leadership in the successful Buddhist economic strategies such as the Sufficiency Economic Philosophy of His Majesty the King of Thailand; we urge the business world to give priority to produce essential goods and services over non-essential consumer goods;
5. Acknowledging the interconnectedness of this Planet in that the social and economic problems of one nation are no longer limited to its boundaries but instead affect many nations; we promote a global spirituality that can guide humanity in this critical moment by cultivating Buddhist ethical, meditative and wisdom practices in daily life;
6. Mindful of the urgent need for mankind to preserve sustainable social, economic and natural environments: we reaffirm an urgent need for a balance, based on the Middle Path, between scientific, technological and material progress on the one hand and, on the other, cultural, moral and spiritual advancement;
7. In appreciation of the social, family, economic, religious and political problems confronting our planet and species, and with the belief in humanity's potentials to overcome those challenges: we reaffirm the values of compassion, kindness, love, generosity, tolerance, understanding and trust; for the promotion of mindful speech and reconciliation which build harmony and peace;
8. Observing the dimensions of a harmonious society and calling on the great resources of the Buddha's teachings on mental health, meta-psychological view as well as sociology to improve the society: we pledge to foster friendliness, a culture of mutual respect and cooperation, based on an understanding of interdependence, incorporating the Buddhist virtues of mindfulness in production and consumption;
9. Offering our utmost sympathy to the recent victims of natural disasters such as the Tsunami in Japan, the earth quake in New Zealand and floods and cyclones in many other parts of the World, in consideration of the shared environment of this Planet; being unintentionally damaged placing civilization at risk: we direct that the global Buddhist community institute a sufficient effort to help humanity be aware of pollution, acid rain, the greenhouse effect, the ozone hole, and other environmental challenges, so to turn back from endangering life on Earth; we pledge to work with governments, NGOs and mass media in developing educational initiatives for environmental preservation;
10. Urging the international community and its governments to work towards the elimination of poverty and economic injustices, promoting human solidarity; and, sharing fundamental human values taught by the Lord Buddha; we seek to establish an awakening world where all people are afforded basic human rights and enjoy life and happiness;
11. In order to commemorate the 2600th Anniversary of the Buddha's Full Enlightenment we seek the completion, publication and free and wide distribution of a body of Common Buddhist Texts (CBT) from Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions fostering understanding of Buddhist principles and practices; to include the completion of linking over thirty electronic resources for all the major Buddhist canons into a single online electronic Union Catalogue of Buddhist Texts (UCBT) allowing users to identify all translations available;
12. Further, marking the 2600th Anniversary of the Buddha's Full Enlightenment and acknowledging the important and positive roles they have played: we appeal to relevant governments as well as the UNESCO to put more effort into excavating new Buddhist sites, preserving those already opened, providing proper protections; and, enhancing support services at pilgrimage locations;
13. In order to protect the cultural and environmental integrity of two of the World Heritage sites, Lumbini, the birth place of the Buddha, and Bodh Gaya, where he attained Full Enlightenment: we emphasize the serious concerns of the Buddhist communities worldwide and implore the authorities concerned to prevent further harmful effects of air pollution around those sacred places for the future of humanity.
Done as the Declaration of the Eighth International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak, this 14th Day of May 2011 (B.E. 2554).
Bangkok Declarationof the Nineth International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak The Buddhajayanti 2600 Celebrations of the Buddha's Enlightenment
May 31- June 2, 2012 (B.E.2555)
At Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Main Campus, Wang Noi, Ayutthaya, The United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok and Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand
On 15th December 1999, representatives from 34 countries proposed to the General Assembly of the United Nations that the full moon day in the month of May be recognized and observed at the United Nations Headquarters and its Regional Offices as the United Nations Day of Vesak. The General Assembly so resolved (Agenda Item 174 of Session No. 54) and accordingly the UN Day of Vesak was instituted in the year 2000 with the support of all Buddhist traditions. In pursuance of that Resolution, we, participants from 85 countries and regions, have come together from May 31- June 2, 2012 (B.E. 2555) for the celebrations of Buddhajayanti the 2600 Years of the Buddha's Enlightenment; the 80th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen; the 60th Birthday of His Royal Highness Prince Vajiralongkorn of Thailand; and, the 2nd Conference of the International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU). This gathering was generously hosted by Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University of Thailand and graciously supported by the Royal Government of Thailand under the guidance of the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand.
In meetings at the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Main Campus, Wang Noi, Ayutthaya; at the UNESCAP in Bangkok; and, at Buddhamonthon in Nakhon Pathom Province, we have explored the topic of "The Buddha's Enlightenment for the Well-being of Humanity", consolidating mutual understanding and cooperation between organizations and individuals from all Buddhist traditions. At the conclusion of our successful celebrations and meetings we have unanimously resolved as follows:
1. Recognizing the profound life-transforming impact on humanity that the Buddha's Enlightenment and his pragmatic teachings have had throughout the World in the last 2600 years, we shall tirelessly strive with our practice of the Noble Eightfold Path to share the Buddha's peaceful teaching with the world.
2. Being aware of the multifaceted nature of conflicts in the world: the role of society; the interplay of social responsibility; and economic development, we urge the governments in the world to be pragmatic and promote forgiveness to help bring an end to the social and political conflicts in the world. Especially, the Buddhists of the world seek to promote peace and reconciliation throughout the world by the skillful application of Buddhist teachings of forgiveness, non-violence, compassion and tolerance; and, to work tirelessly against the human nature of unlimited desire, hatred and ignorance in order to establish a society which embraces the values of mankind.
3. In appreciation of the unprecedented increase in environmental disasters facing the world, we promote the greater awareness of interdependency between human beings and our natural environment.
4. To promote mental, ethical and cognitive transformation in society, we encourage the promotion of the meditation practices that have been richly preserved in all Buddhist traditions.
5. Commemorating the Buddhajayanti 2600 years of the Buddha's Enlightenment, and mindful of the unanimous support expressed for the establishment of The Centre of World Buddhism, we recognize and rejoice in the successful roundtable conference organized on 1 June 2012 at the main campus of the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University at Wang Noi, Ayutthaya, jointly by Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and the National Office of Buddhism. We seek the implementation of the decision to establish The Centre of World Buddhism for the purposes, among others, of more effective networking for the Buddhist world, at Buddhamonthon; towards that ends, we also joyfully record the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Centre.
6. Mindful of the close connection that it has with the ICDV, we rejoice in the successful completion of the 2nd Conference of the International Association of Buddhist Universities which explored the topic of Buddhist Philosophy and Praxis, through a process of academic deliberation, discussions, and collaboration.
7. We continue to maintain and strengthen the progress made towards two of the ICDV flagship projects: the compilation of the Common Buddhist Text and Union Catalog of Buddhist Texts.
8. We applaud the cooperation among the UNESCO, the Government of Nepal, the business sector and various Buddhist non-governmental organizations (NGO's) in the establishment of measures taken for the monitoring and mitigation of air pollution at Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha and a designated World Heritage site.
Done as the Declaration of the Ninth International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak, this 2nd Day of June 2012 (B.E. 2555).
Bangkok Declaration of the Tenth Anniversary Celebrations of the United Nations Day of Vesak
May 21-22, 2013 (B.E.2556)
At The United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok and Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand
On 15th December 1999, representatives from thirty-four countries proposed to the General Assembly of the United Nations that the full moon day in the month of May be recognized and observed at the United Nations Headquarters and its Regional Offices as the United Nations Day of Vesak. The General Assembly so resolved (Agenda Item 174 of Session No. 54) and, accordingly, the UN Day of Vesak was instituted in the year 2000 with the support of all Buddhist traditions. In pursuance of that Resolution, we, participants from eighty-seven countries and regions, have come together on May 21-22, 2013 (B.E. 2556) for the celebration of the Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment, and Mahaparinibbana. As in the previous years, the celebrations were generously organized by Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, and graciously supported by the Royal Government of Thailand under the guidance of the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand.
During the celebrations at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (UNESCAP) Conference Center in Bangkok and at Buddhamonthon in Nakhon Pathom Province, we have come together to explore the topic of "Education and Global Citizenship: A Buddhist Perspective," promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between organizations and individuals from all Buddhist traditions. At the conclusion of our successful celebrations and meetings we have unanimously resolved as follows:
1. To commend His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, on the Auspicious Occasion of His 100th Birth Anniversary, for the work He has accomplished to uplift humanity, particularly in the areas of education, spirituality, and healthcare;
2. To work tirelessly for universal education in the 21st century, emphasizing the integration of wisdom and compassion in caring for the environment, cultivating synergy between school subjects and disciplines, and incorporating ethics and a sense of community to the existing approach for acquiring skills for economic and social development within the curricula and syllabi at all levels of education, in order to realize the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goal of “achieving universal primary education” and beyond;
3. To encourage Buddhist leaders to strengthen their ongoing noble mission to promote education, as well as social and humanitarian development for sustainable world peace;
4. To reinforce the Buddhist path of non-violence, by facing the many challenges to peaceful co-existence, with a conviction that is stronger than ever before, reaffirming our determination to maintain cultural and religious harmony and tolerance through upholding human dignity;
5. To take the opportunity of the Day of Vesak gathering to encourage Buddhists to be more proactive in promoting peace, which is so central to the teachings of the Buddha, and in particular, spreading the Buddha’s wisdom on the inter-connectedness of all humans as a global family and the shared consequences of their actions;
6. To urge all governmental and non-governmental organizations to strive toward sustainable economic and social development, stressing the need to balance such development with the preservation of the environment;
7. To strengthen efforts to promote the message of the inter-being of humankind, through encouraging individuals and organizations to develop the perspective of being global citizens as they address important issues in their work together;
8. To promote the ethical use of mindfulness in a universally applicable manner, in such fields as healthcare, education, management, and community development, and;
9. To do the utmost to contribute towards achieving the goal of the ASEAN Community in 2015, calling upon the strength of the unity within the diversity of the Buddhist community that has been fostered by the International Council for the Day of Vesak.
Done as the Bangkok Declaration of the Tenth Anniversary Celebrations of the United Nations Day of Vesak, this 22nd Day of May 2013 (B.E. 2556).
