Message from the Most Ven. Dr. Warakagoda Dhammasiddi Sri Gnanarathabidhana Mahanayake Thero of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya – Asgiriya Chapter
Wesak is the most meaningful day for all Buddhists in the world. It marks the birth of Prince Siddhartha, his achievement of enlightenment to become the Buddha and also his passing into nirvana. This day is now recognized as the International day of Wesak having been declared by the United Nations. We as Sri Lankans are proud that this achievement was made on the request of our own Foreign Minister the late Hon. Lakshman Kadiragamer.
This day is indeed is a great day for all mankind around the world. Many Buddhist people engage in religious rituals, giving of alms and poojas to observe this day on a spiritual basis. For Sri Lankans it is a pious day with color and joy, they engage in religious observances throughout the day. This day is an exhibition of the joy that is in the people’s minds. They celebrate with multi decorations, Pandols illuminated lights, wesak lanterns and the peraheras, which Sri Lanka is famous for. All this adds color to this meritorious day. We have seen similar celebrations in all other Buddhist countries. But this year it will be different.
Every country is affected by this virus called the Covid – 19. It has inserted a sense of fear and instability in the minds of all mankind. Likewise this situation has given us a chance to see reality in its true form. This gives us the chance to make a conscious decision in shaping our destiny in the future.
It shows us that greater responsibility and respect should be paid to mother earth, the environment. It is time to redesign our life styles. A special focus has to be made to conserve the natural resources that sustain human beings on planet earth. The Buddha has taught us the basic lessons of conservation. He taught us what merit is and how to expedite meritorious activity. We have to protect all living beings and the environment. We have to understand that mother earth will only provide what mankind needs and not wants. The Buddha’s teachings shows us the path to purify our minds, to come to the understanding of what is right and what is wrong.. The way to perform with understanding to rid ourselves from all kinds of suffering. the exact path to real happiness and peace.
On the commemoration of Wesak 2020 I wish the IBC for their dedicated services to Buddha Sasana and bestow upon you blessings of the triple gem and wish all Buddhist people around the world to observe all your spiritual activities from home so that you honour the social distancing and cooperate with the health authorities to rid our mother earth from this menacing virus.
May the blessings of the sacred Tooth Relic be with you.
Yours in Dhamma,
Most Ven. Dr. Warakagoda Dhammasiddi Sri Gnanarathabidhana Maha
Nayaka Thero of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya – Asgiriya Chapter
