Sri Lanka celebrated the ideal life of Buddha and his timeless virtues on Vesak Day at the embassy in Manila this month.

Those who partook in prayers confided in Buddha’s sound wisdom in reflecting on a world tried by many events lately.

Buddhism is a major religion in Sri Lanka.

“Vesak is the most sacred festival day for Buddhists as it commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha. Lord Buddha is acclaimed as a great scientific thinker and a philosopher and his teachings are universal and stand contemporary even today,” Ali Sabry, Sri Lanka Minister of Foreign Affairs, said.

“The timeless universal values of Buddhism have greatly impacted Sri Lankan culture and it is evident particularly at the events connected with Vesak. Following the pandemic and recent economic and political challenges the country faced, it is extremely encouraging to see all Sri Lankans uniting to celebrate the occasion,” he stressed.

According to Sabry, the Buddha’s message is particularly relevant at a time when Sri Lanka is emphasizing the value of national unity and reconciliation.

Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremisinghe: “At this juncture of the country’s unprecedented economic crisis, the timeless philosophy of the Buddha becomes a source of solace. During these troubled times, it is imperative to rise above all differences and join together in unity and service as espoused by the Buddha to overcome the dangers in pursuing a life of normality.”

This path, added the Sri Lankan President, should be guided by the four noble states of loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity as upheld in the Buddhist philosophy.