Australian UN Day of Vesak 2012 in progress

During the month of May, there is one significant day for all Buddhists called Vesak or the Buddha’s Day. Thousands of people will join together to commemorate the Birth, Enlightenment and Passing away of the Buddha.

At the 45th meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations (13 December, 1999), Vesak Day was recognized as a United Nations Day of international observance to be celebrated each year by the UN and its member countries. The UN Day of Vesak was first internationally celebrated at the UN Headquarters in New York in 2000, and has continued to be celebrated each year in New York. The international day of observance has also been hosted by other countries such as Thailand and Vietnam

The first Australian Observance of the United Nations Day of Vesak was organised at Sydney Town Hall on the 31st May, 2007. It was initiated by the Buddhist Federation of Australia (BFA). The BFA works in cooperation with other Buddhist Organisations and with temples from the various Buddhist traditions that are represented in Australia. The organising committee was supported by the senior monks of all the main traditions. It has been well recognised by the United Nations, the Australian government and the opposition party.

Again in 2012, the organising committee aims to achieve its objectives at a deeper level. They include:

1. To better inform the public of the importance of the international day of Vesak;

2. To present the Buddhist values that help to create peace in the society;

3. To unite Buddhist organisations;

4. To help Buddhist organisations understand each other better;

5. To help those present to re-enforce their practice of the Dhamma.

These objectives will be achieved through many components of this year’s event. The organising committee are now calling for comments from Buddhist organisations, past participants and the general public. Please contact us by means of the contact details on this page or write a comment about the UN Day of Vesak, 2012 on facebook: www.facebook.com/UNVesak2012

The UN Day Vesak 2012 celebration will be held at Sydney Town Hall Sunday 27 May 2012 at 2.00-5.00pm, Registration start 1.00pm. Vesak Exhibition open 10.00am -1.00pm