This was a historic occasion of ‘firsts’- the very first time that the International Day of Vesak was observed in The Netherlands, since the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution on the ‘International recognition of the Day of Vesak at United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices” in December 1999, and that too in the Great Hall of Justice at the Peace Palace, where the ICJ holds its sittings. He also told that nothing exists in isolation and that all phenomena are interdependent. The highlight of the programme was the inaugural International Day of Vesak guest lecture delivered by the eminent Sri Lankan jurist, Dr Christopher Pinto, a former Legal Adviser at the Ministry of External Affairs & Defence, one time Ambassador to Germany, former Secretary General of the Iran – United States Claims Tribunal and a Member of the highly prestigious Institut de Droit International, an exclusive Club of experts in International Law. Older English writings have used 'Wesak' for Vesak.
Your email address will not be published. Judge Dr Tomka, in his speech recalled the final day of Judge Weeramantry at the ICJ, thus, “On the day of his departure from the Court, Judge Weeramantry unveiled a beautiful bronze plaque created by the Sri Lankan sculptor, Tissa Ranasinghe. International Day of Vesak 2020 (Virtual Event), Thursday 2 July 2020, 9.00-10.30 hrs. Dr. Phra Anil Sakya, Deputy Rector, Mahamakut Buddhist University of Thailand, in his sermon highlighted that the Buddha’s teachings encapsulated the importance of Sustainable Development, as advocated in the “Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta”. Thereafter, Dr. Arthur Eyffinger and Dr. Nilupul Gunawardena, the co-editors of the book ‘One World, One Home, One Law for All: a tribute in honour of Judge Weeramantry’, presented copies of this book to the President of the ICJ, Dr Ronny Abraham, the Vice-President of the ICJ, Dr Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, Dr Peter Tomka, Dr Christopher Pinto, the Registrar of the Court, Mr Philippe Couvreur and the Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Mr A.M.J. Ambassador Kshenuka Senewiratne, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in her opening remarks, referred to the teachings of the Buddha, being reflected in the objectives of the UN Charter, including the practicing of tolerance and living as good neighbours, maintenance of global peace and security and achieving economic and social development. He praised Mr Barkel, by telling the audience, “Janson Bridging is not merely helping rebuild the physical infrastructure of Sri Lanka, but is building bridges of friendship and goodwill between the peoples of The Netherlands and Sri Lanka.”. This volume had been presented to Judge Weeramantry on the occasion of his 90th birthday in November last year. Ajahn Amaro, Abbot of the Amarawathi Monastery in the United Kingdom delivered the keynote address at this online event which had over 250 virtual participants. In 1999, the General Assembly officially declared the Day of Vesak as a United Nations international day.. He shared an excerpt of the Message to Buddhist Friends, on the occasion of Vesak -2017, issued by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue at the Holy See by quoting from it as follows. He concluded that the sense of a shared fate and collective compassion, both encapsulate the spirit of the Buddha and the animating force of the UN Charter, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. In Thailand, the Day of Vesak was first celebrated during the Sukhothai period (1249-1438 CE). He attributed his success in his professional career to his mother, a remarkable lady and a charismatic personality, who was the guiding light and inspiration of his life. In his thought provoking three part lecture, Dr Pinto firstly recalled in outline, the life and times of Prince Gautama of the State of Sakka who was destined to be proclaimed the Enlightened One, the Buddha, secondly, elaborated on the message the Buddha proclaimed to the world, and finally, shared some thoughts and insights on the contemporary relevance of the Buddha’s message. The event was of special significance, as it was held at the ICJ, the only principal organ of the UN, not located in New York and hitherto the only major UN institution that had not observed the International Day of Vesak. Delivering the opening remarks, the Director General of the United Nations Office, Geneva highlighted that, while being sacred for millions of Buddhists around the world, Vesak day was also widely observed by non-Buddhists who draw strength and inspiration from the philosophy of Lord Buddha. Ambassador Sadiq warmly thanked Mr Robert Barkel, CEO of Janson Bridging, a company that is constructing bridges in the rural heartland of Sri Lanka, for his generous sponsorship of the maiden International Day of Vesak in The Hague, by underwriting the entire cost of hosting this event. All Rights Reserved. The teachings of Buddhism find resonance in the Court’s mission which, according to Article 38 of its Statute, is to decide disputes submitted to it in accordance with international law. An international day of Vesak recognised by the United Nations became a reality only on 15 December 1999.
Powered by Rani CS. The Great Hall of Justice at the Peace Palace was filled to capacity with Ambassadors and chargés d'affaires of around 25 countries, heads of international organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, senior Foreign Ministry officials, academics and members of the Sri Lankan community attending the maiden International Day of Vesak, which concluded with a reception hosted by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka for the invited guests. NEW YORK: The United Nations in New York recently commemorated the International Day of Vesak through a virtual event. A special feature of the maiden International Day of Vesak celebration at the Peace Palace was a heart-warming and effusive tribute to former Vice President of the ICJ, hitherto, the only Sri Lankan to serve on the Court and a distinguished son of Sri Lanka, the late Judge Dr Christopher Weeramantry, eloquently delivered by Judge Dr Peter Tomka, former President and current Judge of the ICJ, acknowledging the yeoman service rendered by Dr Weeramantry to humanity and for international peace. L-R Judge Dr Peter Tomka, Ambassador Sadiq, Judge Dr Ronny Abraham and Dr Christopher Pinto. In his sermon, Ven. Buddhists commemorate the important events that took place in the life of Lord Buddha on this day. Blessings in the Mahayana tradition were also conducted by venerable monks from China, Japan and Korea of the Buddhist Council of New York and the American Buddhist Confederation.
The occasion also featured blessings in the Theravada tradition by venerable monks of the New York Buddhist Vihara, who chanted excerpts of the “Ratana Sutta” together with blessings, to alleviate the suffering and fears of people during this time of a global pandemic. 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. UN Day of Vesak Date in the current year: May 7, 2020 Vesak is an important Buddhist holiday that celebrates the birth, enlightenment and passing of Gautama Buddha. This was a historic occasion of ‘firsts’- the very first time that the International Day of Vesak was observed in The Netherlands, since the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution on the. She also noted the particular relevance of the teachings of the Buddha such as compassion, solidarity and mindfulness, in times of global emergencies such as the current COVID-19 crisis. Venerable Monks, President of the General Assembly, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, The opening remarks were delivered by Director General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, Tatiana Valovaya, while Ven. He also paid tribute to Late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar for his leading role in obtaining recognition for the Day of Vesak at the United Nations in 1999. He highlighted that international co-operation, especially through the combining of energies and expertise, could ease the economic and social consequence of the current crisis and build a healthier, more inclusive, sustainable, resilient and equitable world. It is celebrated on the day of the full moon in the month of May.. Vesak Day is one of the biggest days of the year and is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. 2 Jul 2020 - "Vesak", the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. All Rights Reserved. Happily the peaceful live, discarding both victory and defeat (Dhammapada chapter 15, verse 5)”.
Just as profoundly, the Buddha taught that we cannot be happy as long as others suffer.
Ven. It is believed to have been introduced from Sri Lanka where the festival, according to the Mahavamsa chronicle, was instituted around 2,100 years ago in the reign of King Dutthagamani, who instituted the celebration of Vesak day twenty-four times (Mahavesakhapuja ca catuvisati garayi).
Your email address will not be published. Judge Dr Tomka, in his speech recalled the final day of Judge Weeramantry at the ICJ, thus, “On the day of his departure from the Court, Judge Weeramantry unveiled a beautiful bronze plaque created by the Sri Lankan sculptor, Tissa Ranasinghe. International Day of Vesak 2020 (Virtual Event), Thursday 2 July 2020, 9.00-10.30 hrs. Dr. Phra Anil Sakya, Deputy Rector, Mahamakut Buddhist University of Thailand, in his sermon highlighted that the Buddha’s teachings encapsulated the importance of Sustainable Development, as advocated in the “Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta”. Thereafter, Dr. Arthur Eyffinger and Dr. Nilupul Gunawardena, the co-editors of the book ‘One World, One Home, One Law for All: a tribute in honour of Judge Weeramantry’, presented copies of this book to the President of the ICJ, Dr Ronny Abraham, the Vice-President of the ICJ, Dr Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, Dr Peter Tomka, Dr Christopher Pinto, the Registrar of the Court, Mr Philippe Couvreur and the Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Mr A.M.J. Ambassador Kshenuka Senewiratne, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in her opening remarks, referred to the teachings of the Buddha, being reflected in the objectives of the UN Charter, including the practicing of tolerance and living as good neighbours, maintenance of global peace and security and achieving economic and social development. He praised Mr Barkel, by telling the audience, “Janson Bridging is not merely helping rebuild the physical infrastructure of Sri Lanka, but is building bridges of friendship and goodwill between the peoples of The Netherlands and Sri Lanka.”. This volume had been presented to Judge Weeramantry on the occasion of his 90th birthday in November last year. Ajahn Amaro, Abbot of the Amarawathi Monastery in the United Kingdom delivered the keynote address at this online event which had over 250 virtual participants. In 1999, the General Assembly officially declared the Day of Vesak as a United Nations international day.. He shared an excerpt of the Message to Buddhist Friends, on the occasion of Vesak -2017, issued by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue at the Holy See by quoting from it as follows. He concluded that the sense of a shared fate and collective compassion, both encapsulate the spirit of the Buddha and the animating force of the UN Charter, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. In Thailand, the Day of Vesak was first celebrated during the Sukhothai period (1249-1438 CE). He attributed his success in his professional career to his mother, a remarkable lady and a charismatic personality, who was the guiding light and inspiration of his life. In his thought provoking three part lecture, Dr Pinto firstly recalled in outline, the life and times of Prince Gautama of the State of Sakka who was destined to be proclaimed the Enlightened One, the Buddha, secondly, elaborated on the message the Buddha proclaimed to the world, and finally, shared some thoughts and insights on the contemporary relevance of the Buddha’s message. The event was of special significance, as it was held at the ICJ, the only principal organ of the UN, not located in New York and hitherto the only major UN institution that had not observed the International Day of Vesak. Delivering the opening remarks, the Director General of the United Nations Office, Geneva highlighted that, while being sacred for millions of Buddhists around the world, Vesak day was also widely observed by non-Buddhists who draw strength and inspiration from the philosophy of Lord Buddha. Ambassador Sadiq warmly thanked Mr Robert Barkel, CEO of Janson Bridging, a company that is constructing bridges in the rural heartland of Sri Lanka, for his generous sponsorship of the maiden International Day of Vesak in The Hague, by underwriting the entire cost of hosting this event. All Rights Reserved. The teachings of Buddhism find resonance in the Court’s mission which, according to Article 38 of its Statute, is to decide disputes submitted to it in accordance with international law. An international day of Vesak recognised by the United Nations became a reality only on 15 December 1999.
Powered by Rani CS. The Great Hall of Justice at the Peace Palace was filled to capacity with Ambassadors and chargés d'affaires of around 25 countries, heads of international organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, senior Foreign Ministry officials, academics and members of the Sri Lankan community attending the maiden International Day of Vesak, which concluded with a reception hosted by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka for the invited guests. NEW YORK: The United Nations in New York recently commemorated the International Day of Vesak through a virtual event. A special feature of the maiden International Day of Vesak celebration at the Peace Palace was a heart-warming and effusive tribute to former Vice President of the ICJ, hitherto, the only Sri Lankan to serve on the Court and a distinguished son of Sri Lanka, the late Judge Dr Christopher Weeramantry, eloquently delivered by Judge Dr Peter Tomka, former President and current Judge of the ICJ, acknowledging the yeoman service rendered by Dr Weeramantry to humanity and for international peace. L-R Judge Dr Peter Tomka, Ambassador Sadiq, Judge Dr Ronny Abraham and Dr Christopher Pinto. In his sermon, Ven. Buddhists commemorate the important events that took place in the life of Lord Buddha on this day. Blessings in the Mahayana tradition were also conducted by venerable monks from China, Japan and Korea of the Buddhist Council of New York and the American Buddhist Confederation.
The occasion also featured blessings in the Theravada tradition by venerable monks of the New York Buddhist Vihara, who chanted excerpts of the “Ratana Sutta” together with blessings, to alleviate the suffering and fears of people during this time of a global pandemic. 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. UN Day of Vesak Date in the current year: May 7, 2020 Vesak is an important Buddhist holiday that celebrates the birth, enlightenment and passing of Gautama Buddha. This was a historic occasion of ‘firsts’- the very first time that the International Day of Vesak was observed in The Netherlands, since the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution on the. She also noted the particular relevance of the teachings of the Buddha such as compassion, solidarity and mindfulness, in times of global emergencies such as the current COVID-19 crisis. Venerable Monks, President of the General Assembly, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, The opening remarks were delivered by Director General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, Tatiana Valovaya, while Ven. He also paid tribute to Late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar for his leading role in obtaining recognition for the Day of Vesak at the United Nations in 1999. He highlighted that international co-operation, especially through the combining of energies and expertise, could ease the economic and social consequence of the current crisis and build a healthier, more inclusive, sustainable, resilient and equitable world. It is celebrated on the day of the full moon in the month of May.. Vesak Day is one of the biggest days of the year and is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. 2 Jul 2020 - "Vesak", the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. All Rights Reserved. Happily the peaceful live, discarding both victory and defeat (Dhammapada chapter 15, verse 5)”.
Just as profoundly, the Buddha taught that we cannot be happy as long as others suffer.
Ven. It is believed to have been introduced from Sri Lanka where the festival, according to the Mahavamsa chronicle, was instituted around 2,100 years ago in the reign of King Dutthagamani, who instituted the celebration of Vesak day twenty-four times (Mahavesakhapuja ca catuvisati garayi).