Venerable Maha Sangha, esteemed members of the Foundation for Buddhist Brotherhood, and beloved people of Sri Lanka,
Today, as the full moon of Vesak illuminates the world, we join countless others in commemorating the sacred birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana of our Buddha. This thrice-blessed day reminds us of the profound wisdom and boundless compassion that lie at the heart of the Dhamma.
In these turbulent times, the Buddha’s teachings resonate with an urgent necessity. His emphasis on karuna, on empathy and deep concern for the suffering of all beings, is a beacon of hope for a world grappling with division and conflict. The Buddha taught us to dismantle the walls of ego that separate us, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life. His timeless wisdom, “Hatred is never ceased by hatred; hatred is ceased by love,” offers a powerful path towards healing and reconciliation.
As Sri Lankans, we hold a unique and cherished connection to this noble path. Buddhism, a precious gift bestowed upon us by India, has shaped our culture, our values, and our way of life for centuries. Our closest neighbor has stood by us through thick and thin, a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and mutual support.
Today, our hearts go out to India, a land that gifted us the very essence of peace, as it faces the scourge of religious extremist terrorism. Terrorism, in all its forms, stands in stark opposition to the teachings of compassion and non-violence espoused by all great religions. Having received the invaluable gift of the Dhamma from India, it is our sacred duty to stand in solidarity with them during these challenging times.
The Buddha spoke eloquently of the importance of Kalyana Mitra – true friendship, a virtuous companion on the path. As the first inheritors of the Buddha’s wisdom from India, we recognize the depth of this friendship and our responsibility to offer our unwavering support in whatever way we can.
On this sacred Vesak day, let us rededicate ourselves to embodying the Buddha’s teachings of compassion, wisdom, and peace. Let us extend our loving-kindness to all beings, near and far, and stand united with our dear neighbor, India, in their pursuit of peace and harmony.
