Cardinal tells Catholics: Help Buddhists to celebrate Vesak

By Yohan Perera

Colombo’s Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith yesterday urged all Catholics in the archdiocese of Colombo to assists Buddhists in whatever way to mark Vesak.  
 
“I request Catholics to assist their Buddhist neighbours in whatever way to commemorate Vesak despite social distancing practices that are being carried out today in this pandemic” the Cardinal said in a special message for Vesak.   

“Let us also consume only vegetables, fruits and herbs gifted to us by nature in accordance with the teachings of Buddha”, he added.   

“ Vesak is being commemorated this year at a time when countries are hit by a global pandemic. It is our understanding that man has had to face this pandemic because of his disassociation with accepted values and because of his selfishness. Global attention is drawn towards the teachings of Buddha like never before in this pandemic situation. The Buddha has taught us that all beings including animals and plants should be happy and well,” he also said.   

“I request Catholics to assist their Buddhist neighbours in whatever way to commemorate Vesak despite social distancing practices that are being carried out today in this pandemic” the Cardinal said in a special message for Vesak.   

“Let us also consume only vegetables, fruits and herbs gifted to us by nature in accordance with the teachings of Buddha”, he added.   

“ Vesak is being commemorated this year at a time when countries are hit by a global pandemic. It is our understanding that man has had to face this pandemic because of his disassociation with accepted values and because of his selfishness. Global attention is drawn towards the teachings of Buddha like never before in this pandemic situation. 

The Buddha has taught us that all beings including animals and plants should be happy and well,” he also said.