CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE From H.E. Phan Wannamethee, Thailand
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE
From H.E. Phan Wannamethee, Thailand
Their Holiness,
Most Venerable, Venerable Excellencies Distinguish Delegates Ladies and Gentlemen
On the auspicious occasion of Vesakha Puja Celebration of which the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha is the host, on behalf of the World Fellowship of Buddhist (WFB), its Regional Centres and Networking Organization, it is indeed our great pleasure and honor to extend our warmest congratulation to the Host Organizations, Organizing Committee, and all distinguish participants at this event.
The Celebration of the Vesakha Puja Day is an evidence of our gratitude to the Lord Buddha and his teachings. It is the most important day celebrated by all Buddhists around the world since it marks the Birth, the Enlightenment and the Parinibhana of the Lord Buddha. His Birth reminds us of the truth that all evil features should be overcome by the good ones. His Enlightenment reveals us the causes of sufferings and the ways towards the end the sufferings with consciousness. His Parinibhana or his Passing Away asserts that we need to observe and follow the Lord Buddha’s teachings in order to solve our problems and attain the Buddhist goal by ourselves.
On the occasion of the 11th Anniversary Celebration and International Buddhist Conference of United Nations Day of Vesak B.E.2557 (2014) with the theme “Buddhist Contribution to Achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals” which covers Buddhist response to sustainable development and social change, global warming and environmental protection, healthy living, peace-building and post-conflict recovery, and Buddhist education. The topics are greatly concerned by us all and seem to affect all beings not only human but also all creatures which are now living together in the world. What we do whether it is evil or good, to living creatures or environment; it will finally come around and affect us more or less. Consumerism and effort to obtain external happiness have reduced the overall quality of our lives, nature and environment. Realizing the problems and striving for solution with ethic mind by the teaching of the Lord Buddha will certainly brings happiness in mind and sustainable way of living. Thus, the fundamental of Buddhist doctrine, the Four Noble Truth and the Noble Eightfold Path of the Middle Path which is the Lord Buddha’s teaching - not to do evil, to do good, to purify the mind- can be considered as conductive existence. It can be observed and practiced by people regardless faith, nationality, race, social status or belief.
On behalf of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, its Regional Centers and network organizations; I wish to extend our congratulations and our best wishes upon the auspicious occasion of the 11th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations.
May you enjoy the blessings of the Triple Gem for your good health, happiness and peace of mind.
Phan Wannamethee, President of The World Fellowship of Buddhists
