2006-05-13

Most sublime day for all Buddhist devotees

COLOMBO: The JVP Vesak message issued by JVP Leader Somawansa Amarasinghe states: "Vesak Full-moon signifies the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Supreme Being, the Gauthama Buddha. It is the most sublime of all days of the year for Buddhist devotees world over. This year's Vesak Full-moon is deemed specially significant since it marks the 2550th anniversary of the Buddha era.

Numerically the day denotes the wearing away of more than half the period of 5000 years during which the teachings of Buddha are supposed to survive the test of time. It is noteworthy that the Maha Sangha, together with the Government of Sri Lanka and the masses have taken due steps to commemorate the occasion on a grand scale both on national and international level.

To the present day world which is segmented on various identities such as national, communal or religious etc., and afflicted by various catastrophes, it will be ideal if this opportunity is made use of to explain to the world, the value and importance of true peace as enunciated in Buddhism.

The Buddhist devotees in this country on this occasion must bear in mind the usefulness of unity beyond all differences in the face of a national crisis like terrorism. May the devotees islandwide resolve on this sublime day to shed all manner of differences and unite to defeat the cruel terrorism which is flourishing at the moment", the JVP Vesak message urged.