Monday 12 May 2014

The eleventh UN Day of Vesak, May 13.


On Vesak Day, which marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha, the United Nations joins millions of people -- Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike -- in reflecting on his life and teachings.
The Buddha’s message of peace, compassion and love for all living beings tells us to open our hearts and embrace all members of our human family, especially those in need. These timeless teachings can help guide governments and the international community.
They can inspire our efforts to address many of the broader challenges confronting our world -- in peace and security, in development and in the protection of our environment. In each of these areas, we have to rise above narrow self-interest, and think and act as members of one global community.
On this Day of Vesak, let us pledge to work together for the common good, and for the betterment of all humankind. In that spirit, I offer my best wishes for a memorable and joyous Vesak Day.





The eleventh UN Day of Vesak is held at Bai Dinh temple, Ninh Binh province, from 8th to 11th May 2014. The expectation of celebration is 1000 international delegates and about 10,000 national delegates, including Patriarchs, President of Buddhist Congregations. Main theme of this celebration is “Buddhist Contribution towards Achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals”. 

Symposiums for workshops includes below

1) Buddhist Response to Sustainable Development and Social Change.
2) Buddhist Response to Global Warming and Environmental Protection.
3) Buddhist Contributions to Healthy Living.
4) Peace-building and Post-Conflict Recovery.

5) Buddhist Education and University Level Curriculum.



"Vesak", the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha in his eightieth year passed away.

The General Assembly, by its resolution 54/115 of 1999, recognized internationally the Day of Vesak to acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and a half millennia and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity. This day is commemorated annually at the UN Headquarters and other UN offices, in consultation with the relevant UN offices and with permanent missions, which also wish to be consulted.









Meaning of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2014

1. Spiritual Meaning
It is the spiritual relational establishment and study Dharma working experience of over 800 International Buddhist Delegations come from 90-100 countries. It is simultaneously practical rituals of various Buddhist traditions, Buddhist sects over the world in order to constitute effectively large belief on good value of Buddhism and bring a peaceful and friendly to society.


2. Buddhist Sangha Meaning
This is an interconnection between Vietnamese Buddhism and International Buddhism and is also precious opportunity for Buddhist Sangha over the world gathered together to buid friendship and peace for human being. After successful hosting the UN Day of Vesak 2008, this is also a second precious opportunity for National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha who shows role of Buddhism in new period. After that, it confirms to the world on spirit of religious unity and ethnic solidarity in Vietnam.


3. Cultural Meaning
The UN Day of Vesak Celebration is the international day on religion and culture which constitutes exchanges, learns precious cultural value from countries, it simultaneously appeals maintaining consciousness and promoting value of world cultural heritages which includes international and national Buddhist cultural heritages.


4. Ethics Meaning
In current era, economy, science and technology development have been expressly growth to meet the increasing demands of society, the individual mental life have been heavily pressured physical proliferation. Therefore, human being has demand to look for standard values of national traditional ethics. In this context, Buddhist ethics is a meaningful significance to foster the healthy spiritual life for human being.


5. Academic Meaning
Relationship to the United Nations principles and organizing national concern, themes on International Buddhist workshop and Hanoi declaration is Buddhist contribution to treasury of humanity knowledge and simultaneously contribution solutions for global society life problems.


6. Diplomatic Meaning
Through the UN Day of Vesak 2014, Vietnamese country and people will constitute a peace-loving, friendly, united, harmonious and developmental relation with fellows over the world. Therefore, Vietnam will be elevated position of Vietnam in the world and strongly developed handover and friendship establishment with all countries in the regions and around the world. However, Vietnam also simultaneously shows its role towards achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. The extensive international integration of Vietnam aims to build world peace in the world and the region.

7. Economic Meaning
Once again, the UN Day of Vesak 2014 will actively contribute for tourist development and economic investment in Vietnam in order to Vietnam becomes a famous place for international tourists from a beautiful picture of thoughtful organization for the UN Day of Vesak 2014 in Vietnam.


Events Vesak Day 2014.

° Spiritual Tour
° Arts and Cultural Exhibitions
° Newly-Born Buddha Bathing and Dharma Talk
° Cultural Performance
° Candle-lit Procession for World Peace
° Colorful decorated parage




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