Address by H.E. U Nyunt Maung Shein, Ambassador /

Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the UN, Geneva

on the occasion of VESAK in the Buddhist Era 2550

(Zürich, 6 May 2006)

Venerable Karuwelgaswewa Anuruddha Thero,

Venerables,

Her Excellency Ambassador Fernando of Sri Lanka ,

Distinguished Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen,

                   At the gracious invitation of the Zürich Buddhist Vihara, it gives me much honour and great pleasure to extend my warm greetings of peace and loving-kindness to all. I am further pleased to be able to deliver an address on this auspicious occasion of the 2550^th Vesak.

                   To millions of Buddhists around the world, Vesak represents the most sacred day of the year for it was on this very day that Lord Gautama was born, attained enlightenment and reached pari-nirvana.

                   Since 1999, under a resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations, Vesak Day has been internationally recognized and observed worldwide.

                   Myanmar is a predominantly Buddhist country with more than 86% of its 52 million citizens professing in Theravaddha Buddhism.  The Sangha population in Myanmar accounts for around 300,000.  Vesak in Myanmar is usually celebrated on the full moon day of the Myanmar month of Kason, the second month in the Myanmar Calendar which corresponds to the month of May in the Gregorian Calendar.  This year Vesak falls on the 11^th of May.  It is significant because it is the 2550^th Vesak according to the Buddhist Era.

                   To all Buddhists, the Bo tree is sacred as it is underneath this tree that Gautama attained enlightenment.  The weather in Myanmar during Vesak is very warm.  The monsoon has yet to arrive.  Therefore, people as a sign of respect to Lord Buddha and in order that the Bo tree may thrive in the hot climate celebrate Vesak by pouring water on the sacred tree.

                   Additionally, people also perform other meritorious deeds by setting free cattle that are destined for the slaughter-house and also release fish into lakes and ponds.

                   In the monasteries, people offer alms not only to the Sangha but also to guests and the needy and the poor.

                   Lord Buddha's message to the world is that of compassion, understanding, loving-kindness and mutual respect.

                   Lord Buddha taught us to harbour Metta or loving-kindness to all beings in the thirty-one levels of existence and in the ten directions.  We live in a world riddled with greed, hatred, violence and conflicts.  Hatred and violence will only bring about more hatred and violence.  Metta is the only answer to address these evils.  Only the power of Metta can reconcile adversaries and bring peace, harmony and prosperity to the world.

                   Try practicing the dissemination of Metta, even to your enemy.  You will soon find that your Metta is reflected back to you.  You will enjoy a fulfilling sensation of happiness and elation after you send Metta.

                   May you be able to radiate Metta and conquer all evils!  May you be blessed with good health, happiness, success and prosperity!  May auspiciousness be upon you!

                   Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu.

                   Before I conclude, permit me to express my profound appreciation and deep thanks to Venerable Karuwelgaswewa Anuruddha Thero and the Zürich Buddhist Vihara for organizing this event to mark the significant and auspicious Vesak Day.

                   I thank you for your kind attention.