Buddha’s teachings relevant to conflict ridden world - President

President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Minister Gamini Jayawickrama Perera and the participants at the conference. Picture by Sudath Silva

President Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday that Buddhist philosophy has solutions for most of the world’s conflicts.

“This Summit has special human significance because it is being held at a time when the world has been sorely threatened almost everywhere by heart rending, diabolical acts of violence and terrorism.The teachings of the Buddha are of extreme relevance to conflict ridden world today,”the President said addressing the gathering at the ceremonial opening of the Seventh Buddhist Summit held in Temple Trees yesterday.

The Summit will send an important message to the world on the role Buddhism in resolving conflicts around the world. In order to ensure the world’s peace, it is vital that religious leaders meet people in conflict zones and discuss. The message of peace in the all religions including Buddhism, Hindu, Islam and Christianity can lead to foster world peace, he said.

President Sirisena further said that harmony and unity among all communities will be the way forward to help the world become a world of peace and loving kindness for all inhabitants. This is what we can achieve by applying the words of the Dhamma and by spreading the teaching of the Buddha.

“We should make use of Buddhist heritage and culture to move forward as a progressive nation.

Today, we are passing through an era in which the society is greatly influenced by technological and scientific achievements resulting in material development. Yet, the spiritual development does not grow at the same pace. Hence, there is ever growing demand from every corner of the world for the imperative need of spiritual development in order to keep a much needed balance in society.

He said some of discoveries made by scientists today have been espoused by the Buddha before 2500 years. Despite the massive technology development, scientists are still not on par with some of the teachings of Buddha. Buddhist philosophy is important to ensure that rulers rule the country with compassion and to produce civilised people across the world. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that all religions have to be given due respect and dignitary to ensure the peaceful coexistence in the country. If there is a coexistence among all communities and religions, there will be no place for conflicts.

Religious and communal coexistence will lead to a ultimate peace. According to the pillar inscription, emperor Asoka has also emphasized respect for all religions. That is the way for coexistence,” he added.

Sri Lanka has protected Dhamma, Sanga and places for worshiping since centuries while the Constitutional protection has been given to the Buddhism. While giving Buddhism the first and foremost place, all other religions have to be protected.

He said it is a great honour to host the seventh Buddhist summits which will diliver the message of peace. If we can conquer ourselves, we can be true Buddhists. During the kingdom of emperor Ashoka, Sri Lanka embraced Buddhism. Today the Buddhism has spread all over the world. The Buddhist philosophy is widely spreading in all five Continents including China and South East Asia.

A commemorative postage stamp of the Seventh Buddhist Summit was issued during the event. 

 

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