PM Modi, UN Chief Antonio Guterres say Lord Buddha’s teachings of unity and selfless service to humanity are relevant in the present day
On the auspicious Buddha Purnima being celebrated the advent, enlightenment and departure of Lord Buddha on May 7, Prime Minister Narendra urged the nation to follow the savant’s teachings. “I extend my wishes to all on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. Today, the situation is such that I can’t participate in Buddha Purnima programs physically obviously recalling the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19. Lord Buddha contributed to the enrichment of Indian civilization and tradition,” The message and resolve to reduce problems of every life has guided the culture of India. Buddha became his own light and also lit the lives of others in his journey of life: PM Modi said. He also paid his tribute to Covid-19 warriors fighting the pandemic from the frontlines. “During this difficult time of coronavirus lockdown, there are several ppl around us who are working 24 hours to help others, to maintain law & order, to cure infected persons to maintain cleanliness, by sacrificing their own comforts. All such people deserve appreciation honour,” PM Modi said. “India is constantly working to help other countries across the globe and will continue to do the same. To stop after getting tired cannot be a solution to any problem. All of us have to fight together to defeat coronavirus. “Lord Buddha is the symbol of both realization and self-realization of India and with this self-realization, India is working in the interest of humanity and the world and will continue to do so, PM Modi added. In New York, multinational United Nations Organization Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the teachings of Lord Buddha are still relevant. Lord Buddha taught the people the significance of unity and selfless service to others. These are more important today as humanity suffers from the COVID-19 pandemic and it is only by working together that nations can stop the spread, recover from the deadly coronavirus, the UN chief said. “As we honour the birth, enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha, we can all be inspired by his teachings. And as the human family suffers the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reminded of the sutra: ‘Because all living beings are subject to illness, I am ill as well’,” As millions of Buddhists around the world celebrate the sacred occasion of Vesak, the UN chief called on all nations to celebrate Lord Buddha’s wisdom by taking action for others with compassion and solidarity, and by renewing our commitment to building a peaceful world. 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 in the year 623 B.C Gautam Buddha, a royal, was born at Lumbini now in Nepal near India’s border, attained enlightenment in Bodhi Gaya now in Bihar and breathed his last in his 80th year in Kushalnagara now in Uttar Pradesh. The three places are the most sought after destinations for all Buddhists.(edited by PKC with the image taken from Twitter)
