All human beings are faced with an unexpected tragedy today, shrouded by immense mortal fear and uncertainties about our future. In a way, this pandemic – Covid-19, spreads at a terrific magnitude cutting across all man made barriers such as race, cast, nationality, religions, and ethnicity or white or black in complexion. The fast degenerating trends in the values of humanity and exploitative nature of the human mind which do not care for the law of nature has vastly contributed to these challenges coming in disguise for us to be ever alerted than before.
It is ironical to see that all of us are reluctantly compelled to live within our homes as a means to prevent the virus from spreading. Even the regular Wesak celebrations at different levels have not been spared for, unfortunately due to onset of this new menace. As human beings who are now at the crossroads of long journey to survive, we have come to the new stage of rethinking on how to face to these new threats, unfolding from time to time.
Whatever the natural forces may be arrayed against us, it is a great solace for us to see the online celebration of “Wesak Buddha Poornima” now being organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha, on 7th May 2020, giving wide online coverage of activities to be held in many parts of Buddhist religious places of highest veneration
We are also pleased to see in today’s context that there is an unprecedented growing interest and impression in Buddhism among the nations in Western and Eastern countries. Some Asian countries have continued to exist Buddhism for a long period of time. The manner in which the various nations in the world, who have learnt much about Buddhism in practice and experience is only indicative of how better the other nations regard Buddhism as a great and noble religion carrying a timeless word of wisdom in today’s context. We are especially thankful to the organizers of IBC for their noble task relentlessly pursued enabling the whole world to experience this new innovational work when it will stream on 7th May worldwide.
We convey our highest appreciation on behalf of all members of the Maha Sangha in Sri Lanka and wish all affairs of this noble online festival of “Virtual Vesak – Buddha Poornima” be all success!
May all of you enjoy long life in good health!
Most Venerable Aggamahapanditha Kotugoda Dhammawasa Uththareethara Maha Nayake Thero
The Supreme Patriarch of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya (Assembly)
