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| Tuesday, 4 May 2004 |
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Most sacred day for all Buddhists - Malwatta Mahanayaka Thera
The Buddha was superior to all beings of whatever description. He comprehended all doctrinal matters relating to this world and the next and his virtuousness was immeasurable and beyond description as mentioned by the author of the Poojavaliya. Vesak full moon day is also a day of national significance to the Sinhala-Buddhists because it is mixed with the beginning of their race. History records that it was on this day that Prince Vijaya arrived in this Island. Ancient Sinhala kings made Vesak Full Moon Day a day of resolution to usher in meaningful development in all sectors of society. Sri Lankans specially the Sinhalese used Buddhist teachings to create a great culture on this land. They earned international praise by creating a self-sufficient economy, simple lifestyle and a great thinking on the basis of Buddhist concepts of 'Uttana Sampada', 'Arakka Sampada', 'Kalyana Miththatha' and 'Samajeevikatha'. It is essential to pay attention to these factors and resolve to act in a disciplined, gracious and wise manner. It is only then that we can achieve greatness as a country, nation and society. Therefore all honourable people should constantly reflect on the sanctity, and significance of Vesak Full Moon day and maintain physical, verbal and mental discipline, practise panchaseela and engage in pinkam such as dana, seela, bhavana to seek happiness in this world. May the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem and the Sacred Tooth Relic be with all. Great day for Buddhists worldwide - Asgiriya Mahanayake Thera
In this Vesak season all Buddhists should propound the virtues of non-violence and compassion and resolve to work in unity towards achieving peace and prosperity. The Buddha's teachings were based on spreading love and compassion towards all worldly beings. We as Buddhists should resolve to make those ideas a reality. It is no secret that in this island blessed with Buddha's visits all activities were undertaken with Buddhism as a theme from the time of Sinhala kings. Foreigners consider us Sri Lankan Buddhists as a grateful, hospitable and trustworthy people who speak in a pleasant manner. The tragic occurrences in present day society may be due to the degeneration of the social values we have cherished and protected as a proud nation for well over 2500 years. We should once again restore our image and pride before the outside world by seeking solace in the dhamma. For this we should observe the Buddhist values taught by the Buddha. On this Vesak Poya Day let us all therefore keep in mind the Buddha's teachings which will help us to overcome the numerous problems confronting the world. May peace and prosperity dawn on the world and may the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you all. Usher in peace and harmony: President
The President in her message said: "I join the millions of Buddhists here and across the world to pay homage to our Great Teacher Siddhartha Gauthama the Buddha. On this Vesak Poya Day, we Buddhists commemorate the three significant events in His life - the Birth, Enlightenment and the Passing away. Even after more than twenty-five hundred years, the teachings of the Enlightened One live in our hearts and continue to shape our lives. It is chronicled that Vesak was first celebrated in Sri Lanka as far back as the nine Century during the reign of King Sena II. The King celebrated this event in the company of the poor giving them food and drink. In 1464, after the kingdom of Dambadeniya shifted to Kotte, Vesak celebrations received State patronage. Buddha taught us our first lesson of equality by making no distinction between Kings and peasants, Brahmins and outcasts, bankers and beggars, holy men and robbers - without making any distinction between them. He recognised no differences of caste or social groupings, and the way he preached was open to all men and women who were ready to understand and follow the Dhamma. Buddha was a Teacher who did not claim to be other than a human being, pure and simple. He attributed all His realisation, attainments, and achievements to human endeavours and human intelligence. We call Buddha a man par excellence. Buddhism is a religion, a philosophy and a Way of life. Although the attainment of the spiritual goal of Nibbana is the main target of Buddhism, Buddha was equally concerned with the material development, of man in this world as well. Poverty is the root cause of many an evil. Violent and aggressive acts of war and terrorism are due to deprivation of human rights and dominant political authority. Drug addiction, alcoholism and sexual crimes stem from greed, hatred and delusion. These characteristic traits are less conspicuous in a virtuous man treading the path to Nibbana. Therefore on this noble day let us engage in meritorious activities such as observing eight precepts, practising meditation, charity and performing Buddhist ritualistic activities, avoiding extravagant celebrations and merrymaking. Let us commit to salvage this war-ravaged country in the brink of degradation and usher in peace and harmony for generations to come. May all beings be well and happy!" Noble day for Buddhists: Premier
In a message to mark Vesak, he said: "It is vital to determine to enhance the virtues of loving kindness (mettha), compassion (karuna), delight at others' happiness (muditha) and indifference (upeksha) by all and to develop goodwill, friendship and harmony among all communities. In this respect, guidance by public organisations including Ven. Mahanayaka Theras occupies a vital place. It is highly appropriate to take steps to implement community development programs leading to subdued feelings of the masses which can congregate the entire Sri Lankan population as well as giving alms and other observances during this period. The Vesak Festival we commemorate this time based on just thoughts, would be a great experience for us and I believe that it would mark the beginning of a peaceful and righteous government to be formed in future in the country. I wish all of you a Happy Vesak!" Buddha's teachings relevant today: JVP The JVP Politbureau in a message to mark Vesak said that Buddha's teachings were relevant to present day society as they would help overcome division and discord and create disciplined citizens who would uphold moral and spiritual values in the country. The message: "The Vesak Full Moon Poya which marks the birth, enlightenment and the passing away of the Buddha falls today. On this day, Buddhists the world over pay obeisance to the Buddha through Amisa and Prathipaththi pooja. Vesak this year dawns when a separatist movement is operating in Sri Lanka and there's disunity rather than unity among Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities. Similarly, a campaign is now in progress to divide the people of this country on religious lines too. Vesak dawns at a time when the need to defeat these petty divisions were strongly felt more than ever before. We can take a cue from Buddha's teachings in defeating and overcoming such petty divisions. The Sri Lankan society which was a highly disciplined society which upheld moral and spiritual values in the past had today degenerated to a society overcome by addiction to liquor, gambling and other forms of vice. The Buddha's teachings would also be helpful for us to overcome this unfortunate situation. Therefore on this Vesak Full Moon Day all Buddhists should devote their attention to these factors and firmly resolve to overcome this situation". On behalf of Catholic National Commission On behalf of the Catholic National Commission for inter-religious affairs of the Bishops' Conference in Sri Lanka, I am happy to offer my sincere best wishes as our Buddhists brethren celebrate Vesak. The Catholic Church respects Buddhism and acknowledges the great contribution it has made to form the Sri Lankan culture over the last 2500 years. We, as Catholics always value inter-religious peace and harmony. The doctrine of Maithree is a noble tenet in Buddhism. Undoubtedly this has the power of bringing all people together as one human family irrespective of caste, creed or race. We are living at a time in which we need to realize the significance of Maithree and the spiritual benefits that it generates to bring about unity in society. It is through Maithree that we could look forward to a world in which all beings live in peace and harmony. It is my prayer and wish that this festival of Vesak may bring joy and serenity to all Buddhist brethren in Sri Lanka. Bishop, Harold Anthony Perera, Bishop of Ratnapura We must learn from Buddha's teachings - Opposition Leader Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in a message to mark Vesak said, the Buddhis world over make use of Vesak Full Moon Poya Day to reflect on the birth, enlightenment and the passing away of the Buddha. The best way to pay obeisance to the Buddha during this Vesak festival which gives pride of place to Prathipatti and Amisa Pooja is to resolve to make use of Buddha's teachings to better our lifestyles. Buddha's philosophy helped us not only to better our super mundane life but also to make our worldly life a success which would benefit society at large. The Arya Ashtangika Margaya' (the exalted eightfold path) propounded by the Buddha is the best way for man to achieve success in life. This Eight Fold Path viz - Samma Ditti, Samma Kammantha - Samma Ajeewa - Samma Vayama - Samma Vaca, Samma Sankappa, Samma Sathi and Samma Samadhi - is a path which helps people throughout the world to achieve happiness and success without any division or discord. On this Vesak Poya Day let us all resolve to improve our lifestyles on the basis of that path.
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Most Ven. Rambukwelle Sri Vipassi Mahanayaka Thera of the Malwatta
Chapter said there is no other day more sacred to the Buddhists the world
over than Vesak Full Moon Poya Day which marks the birth, enlightenment
and the passing away (Parinibbana) of the Buddha. A reflection on the
Buddha's qualities will bring calm and tranquillity to all beings.
Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya
Chapter said Vesak Full Moon Poya Day can be described as a great day for
Buddhists here and abroad. Vesak Poya marked the birth, enlightenment and
passing away of the Buddha and He would take this opportunity to invoke
the blessings of the noble Triple Gem on all Buddhists the world over.
President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in her Vesak Message
called on Sri Lankans to salvage this war-ravaged country and usher in peace
and harmony for generations to come.
Vesak Day on which the Birth, Attainment of Buddhahood, and passing
away of Lord Buddha took place is a noble day for Buddhists living in all
over the world. The teachings of Lord Buddha is more appropriate today
than ever, because of differences and conflicts, Prime Minister Mahinda
Rajapakse said.
