18 May 2019 12:34 pm
President Maithripala Sirisena said in his Vesak message that people must recollect the teachings of the Buddha to build a society with boundless peace by shunning all attempts to destroy each other for greed for power.
“For a society to blossom without fear, danger and mistrust, the Buddha has preached, hatred will not heal hatred but kindness will heal hatred. It is the time we became strong enough to truly, meaningfully and honestly relate this eternal truth, We, with an understanding of the history of Buddha Dhamma that dates back to 2,500 years, in which not a drop of blood was shed to convert non-Buddhists to Buddhism or in the name of the Great Teacher, have realised the temporary nature or power through weapons,” he said.
Whatever the motive might be, knowing that the sins will lead the way to damnation, we must determine on this day of Vesak to evade misbelief and to make the teachings of the Buddha a path that leads our country towards prosperity and a society that is safe and secure.
In the 6th century BC, born in the Kingdom of Shakya of Bharath Deshaya, Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the shade of a Bodhi at Budhdhagaya and passed away at the sacred Sal Uyana of Kusinara and this day of Vesak, which is triply blessed by those sacred events of the Buddha, is celebrated with much devotion and faith.
Strolling at the banks of rivers, researching the Dhamma sermons of great teachers, displaying tremendous discipline, strength, determination and commitment, Siddhartha attained the supreme bliss of Niravana based on one's own intellect."