AUSTRALIAN OBSERVANCE OF THE UNITED NATIONS DAY OF VESAK 2023

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MESSAGE OF SUPPORT

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER
VESAK 2023

At Vesak, I am delighted to send my warm greetings to the Buddhist faithful in Australia and around the world.

This time of commemoration unites you in dedication to the Dharma of the Lord Buddha. His profound teachings and example of the path to enlightenment have been a source of inspiration and consolation for many.

Australian Buddhists are a vital and vibrant part of our multi-faith, multicultural society. Sharing the Buddha’s message of peace and happiness, you bring the wisdom and compassion of your faith to our lives.

As communities across Australia gather in honour of the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha, may this auspicious day be filled with hope and joy.

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
Prime Minister of Australia
May 2023

Click here for the transcript of the Hon. Mr Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia’s Vesak Message

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MESSAGE FROM THE HON PETER DUTTON MP
LEADER OF THE OPPOSOTION

On behalf of the Coalition, I send my best wishes to Australians of Buddhist faith as you observe International Vesak Day.

For Buddhists worldwide, this is a most sacred day with threefold significance. Vesak Day commemorates the birth of Lord Sakyamuni Gautama Buddha in 623 BC, the day when he attained enlightenment, and the day of his death in his eightieth year.

On this special occasion, Buddhists reflect on the teachings of the Lord Buddha. His messages of peace, compassion and wisdom are as relevant now as they were when he lived.

I commend the Buddhist Federation of Australia for organising the celebration of International Vesak Day. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by Buddhists around Australia.

I also wish to acknowledge and thank the more than 615,000 Australians of Buddhist faith for your contributions to your communities and our nation.

A very happy Vesak Day to the Buddhist Federation of Australia and Buddhists around our country. May this be a time of joy and spiritual renewal for you and your loved ones.

Hon Peter Dutton MP
Leader of the Opposition
May 2023

Click here for the transcript of the Hon Peter Dutton MP’s message

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 THE HON. CHRIS MINNS MP
Premier of NSW

Video message from the Premier on UN Vesak Day 2023

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UN VESAK DAY 2023

“let us seize this moment of spiritual renewal, and honour Buddha’s wisdom by coming together as one, in solidarity, and shaping a better, more peaceful world for all people.” – UN Secretary-General António Guterres

“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.

Background

The teachings of the Buddha, and his message of compassion and peace and goodwill have moved millions. Millions around the world follow the teachings of the Buddha and on the Day of Vesak commemorate the birth, the attainment of enlightenment and the passing away of the Buddha.

A Message from the former Secretary-General, Javier Perez de Cuellar, to Buddhists on the Day of Vesak in May 1986 reads:

“For Buddhists everywhere it is indeed a felicitous opportunity, while commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Guatama Buddha, to celebrate his message of compassion and devotion to the service of humanity. This message is today perhaps more relevant than ever before.”

Peace, understanding and a vision of humanity that supersedes national and other international differences are essential if we are to cope with the complexities of the nuclear age.

This philosophy lies at the heart of the Charter of the United Nations and should be prominent in all our thinking, especially during this International Year of Peace”–Javier Perez de Cuellar.