Marking Vesak Day Observance, Secretary-General Hails Lord Buddha’s Timeless Message of Compassion in Confronting Human Suffering

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the Day of Vesak, observed on 10 May:

I send my warmest wishes to all those celebrating the Day of Vesak in honour of the birth of Lord Buddha.  Everyone can draw inspiration from his journey.  Born a sheltered prince, Shakyamuni went out into the world to confront and overcome human suffering.  As one sutra states:  “Because all living beings are subject to illness, I am ill, as well.”

This message of compassion is timeless.  In our interconnected world, there can be no peace as long as others are in peril; no security as long as others suffer deprivation; no sustainable future until all members of our human family enjoy their human rights.  On this Day of Vesak, let us celebrate the wisdom of Lord Buddha by taking action for others with a strong spirit of solidarity.