This year Vesak Day falls on the 17th of May, the full moon night of May that Buddhists commerate the birth, enlightenment and final nirvana of the historical Buddha Gautama who lived in India 2,600 years ago.
The Prime Minister Julia Gillard has sent a Vesak message to the Buddhist community via the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils. We thank the PM for the following message:
My warmest regards to you all as you celebrate the festival of Vesak.
Vesak is an important day in the Buddhist calendar acknowledging the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha Gautama and it has been marked for more than two thousand years.
It is a wonderful opportunity for Australian Buddhists to celebrate this joyous occasion. It is also a time for reflection and appreciation of our humanity and, importantly, our diversity.
With its plurality of cultures and traditions, the Buddhist community’s commitment to interfaith harmony and its dedication to service benefit us all.
The Buddha’s teachings of equality, fraternity, respect and understanding are important values we all share and are integral to our way of life. It is through your efforts, and those of all Australians, that our nation is strengthened.
I hope that all participating in Vesak have an enjoyable and uplifting time.
(signed)
The Honourable Julia Gillard MP
Prime Minister of Australia