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UN Secretary General Ban Ki-mon has conveyed a message to the United Nation Day of Vesak 2008, a celebration of birth day, enlightening and passing day of Buddha, held on May 14 in the capital city of Ha Noi, Vietnam.

"This year, the observance of Vesak falls at a time of profound and painful loss. Cyclone Nargis has devastated Myanmar, while a massive earthquake has ripped through Southwest China. Both natural disasters have resulted in untold suffering", said Ban Ki-mon as quotes by his UN resident coordinator in Vietnam, Mr. John Hendra at the opening ceremony in Ha Noi.

At the opening of Vesak day 2008, 3500 participants has spent a moment of silence to condolence victims of Nargis cyclone in Myanmar and earthquake in Sichuan province, China.

UN recently expresses deep concern about the rescue and relief works for the victims of Nargis cyclone in Myanmar. Chairman Ban has called the Junta in Myanmar to open doors for UN relief workers and foreign staffs to enter the country for supporting the victims.

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Hundreds of Vietnamese Buddhist representatives were sitting under the sunlight to share the joy of Vesak day out side of the National Convention Centre.

"In the shadow of these enormous tragedies, the Buddha’s message of peace, compassion and love for all living beings brings added urgency. It tells us to open our hearts and embrace our fellow human beings, especially those in need.",Ban's message was quoted at the opening.

Most Venerable Dr. Le Manh That, Chairman of International Organizing Committee for the UN day of Vesak has sent a message of condolence to the Junta and the Buddhist Sangha of Myanmar on May 8, 2008.

"We are also deeply saddened about the extensive losses of life and property damage caused by the cyclone and the people of Myanmar has to suffer. Please rest assured that you and the people of Myanmar will always be in our heart and prayers.", Most Venerable That stated in his condolence message.

On May 16, 2008, at the closing ceremony of the UN day of Vesak there will be a special prayer session for the Nargis Cyclone and Chengdu, Sichuan earthquake victims.

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"Symposium on Buddhism in the Digital era" would be an interesting one among 7 workshops

The 5th UN day of Vesak will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam from May 14 to 17 with plenty of activities and key workshops like War and Conflict: A Buddhist Perspective; The Buddhist Contribution to Social Justice; Engaged Buddhism and Development; Care for the Environment: Buddhist Response to Climate Change; Family Problems and Buddhist Response; Symposium on Buddhist Education: Continuity and Progress and Symposium on Buddhism in the Digital era.

The first UN day of Vesak was held in 2000 at UN headquarter in New York, it continues 3 times in Thailand. The 5th UN day of Vesak concentrated about 600 delegations with approximately 5000 Buddhist members from Vietnam and other 60 countries and territories worldwide./.

Phan Lam
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