Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand on The United Nations Day of Vesak United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, 6 May 2009 (6/5/2009)

Your Holinesses,

Most Venerable Members of the Sangha,

Most Venerable Rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University,

Deputy Executive Secretary of ESCAP,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Participants,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to be here to celebrate the 2009 United Nations Day of Vesak. The Vesak day, or Visakha Puja as it is more commonly known in Thailand, is one of the most important days in the Buddhist tradition. Falling on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month, it is annually observed by Buddhists all around the world to mark the birth, the enlightenment, and nirvana of the Lord Buddha. 

 For 45 years after his enlightenment, the Lord Buddha traveled far and wide to preach his teachings to all classes of people in India. And Buddhism has then spread beyond the sub-continent to other parts of Asia and the world, contributing to the cultivation of spiritual life of people for more than 2,500 years. 

In recognition of the Lord Buddha’s contributions, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at its 54th session, in 1999, officially adopted a resolution honouring Visakha Puja as the United Nations Day of Vesak. And ever since, the Vesak Day has been observed and celebrated at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, as well as by its regional offices.  

This year is particularly important as it will mark the 10th anniversary of the adoption of this important UNGA resolution.  In addition, Thailand is also honoured to be chosen once again as host of the 6th International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak, having previously hosted this conference from 2004 to 2007. This year’s participants are from approximately 80 countries around the world, including the most venerables, Buddhist leaders and Buddhist academic scholars.  

On behalf of the Royal Thai Government and the Thai people, I would like to thank all individuals and agencies involved in the successful organization of this event, particularly Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.  I strongly hope that our gathering today will not only provide us with an opportunity to once again recall the gracious life of the Lord Buddha, but also to reflect on his eminent teaching of “the Middle Path” – a principle that is based on moderation, reasonableness and self-awareness.  Moreover, the Lord Buddha also teaches us to have compassion, to apply knowledge to proper ends, to have tolerance and respect for others. These principles are indeed timeless and have increasingly become more relevant in today’s world. 

In following the teaching of the Lord Buddha’s Middle Path, one can be shown the light to the road of “sustainable and lasting peace”. More importantly, it is the inner peace and purified mind which will guide us to the solutions of all problems and crises in life.   

Despite advancements in today’s world, brought about by modern science and technology, human suffering still can be found in many parts of the globe. Poverty, terrorism, environmental degradation, natural disasters, civil strife and unrest, and of course the current global economic crisis are familiar problems that have all too often dampened our hopes and aspirations for peaceful existence, prosperity and happiness. These problems have also caused grievances, losses and anger to many people to various degrees. But I believe that if we humbly follow the teachings of the Lord Buddha; learn to have compassion, tolerance and forgiveness to each other; cleanse one’s mind of hatred, jealousy, ego and violence,  these problems can eventually be overcome. 

And I just say that at this particular moment in time, where we are facing numerous global challenges, particularly stemming from various forms of extremism, whether it is political conflict; whether it is the attempt or aspiration to attain economic growth; or whether it is the question of living together in diverse society; the teaching of the Lord Buddha, using the Middle Path, is more relevant today than ever.  And as we go through very difficult times economically and, in number of countries including Thailand, politically and social, the path of various governments to try to overcome these problems can be made easier if their people follow the teaching of the Lord Buddha, seeking within themselves peace and the wisdom to overcome their own individual problems also.  And if I could echo the words of the Rector of Mahachulalongkorn that we can all discover the heroes within ourselves we can all attribute to the solutions that are long awaited by number of people all over the world. 

 As we all know, the mission of the United Nations is to maintain peace in this world. Its underlying principles, as enshrined in the UN Charter, are not dissimilar from the teachings of the Lord Buddha, although the UN was established only in 1945, or 2,488 years after the passing away of the Lord Buddha. Peace, sustainable development and respect for human rights – the three core pillars of the United Nations – all find their places in Buddhism.  Indeed, we might even compare the UN Charter and its substance with the Tripitaka, we can see various comparable principles, which, taken together, will lead to a peaceful life and coexistence, and hence a peaceful world.  

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me once again express my sincere appreciation to the United Nations and the organisers of this event so that we can have this opportunity to pay homage to the Lord Buddha as well as his teachings. Apart from its ceremonial aspect, I hope that today’s event will result in the widening of understanding and appreciation of Buddhism for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, thereby further contributing to the continuous peace in this world, and making it a better place.

May the Triple Gems bless all of us here with peace, happiness and success in our righteous endeavours.  

Thank you very much.

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