On the auspicious occasion of the Buddhist festival of Vesak, marking significant events in the life of Buddha, the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue extends a message of good wishes to Buddhists globally. The message is titled: Christians and Buddhists: Working Together for Peace through reconciliation and resilience.
Below is the text of the Message signed by the Prefect of the Dicastery, Eminent Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, M.C.C.J, and the Secretary of the same Dicastery, Rev. Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage:
Message
Christians and Buddhists: Working together for Peace
through Reconciliation and Resilience
Dear Buddhist Friends,
The celebration of Vesak, this hallowed time for you that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha, provides us with a fitting occasion to offer you our warmest greetings and reflect with you about our shared responsibility, as Christians and Buddhists, to promote peace, reconciliation, and resilience, values deeply rooted in our respective religious traditions.
“Never again war, never again war! It is peace, peace, which has to guide the destiny of the nations of all mankind!” That resounding plea, voiced by Pope Paul VI in his Address to the United Nations on 4 October 1965, has been repeated by numerous interreligious gatherings in recent years to condemn the destruction caused by wars around the world. The escalating conflicts worldwide call for renewed attention to the critical issue of peace and deeper reflection on our role in promoting it.
Unless the deeper causes of conflicts and violence are properly addressed, lasting peace remains an illusion. Peace and reconciliation require equity and justice in political, economic, and cultural life. Reconciliation exposes the truth and heals past wounds, while resilience enables individuals and communities to recover from adversity and trauma.
Reconciliation and resilience are powerful remedies for a culture of violence, empowering forgiveness, love, and peace. They are essential teachings in both our traditions, guiding us towards a brighter future and a harmonious coexistence.
As we extend our warm greetings for Vesak, let us remember the timeless wisdom shared by Buddha and Saint Paul, emphasizing the healing power of forgiveness and loving-kindness.
May this Vesak be a time of reflection, forgiveness, and reconciliation as we strive towards a peaceful coexistence. Let us walk together on the path of peace and mutual understanding.
From the Vatican, 06 May 2024.
Miguel Ángel Card. Ayuso Guixot, MCCJ
Prefect
Msgr. Indunil J. Kodithuwakku K.
Secretary
