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Somdej Phra Sangharaj Sakol Mahasanghaparinayok |
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The Most Venerable Prof. Dr. Dharmakosajarn Rector |
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Prem Tinsulanonda |
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Yingluck Shinawatra |
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The Honourable Julia Gillard |
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Ban Ki-moon |
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Irina Bokova |
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Vesak Day or Visakha Puja is one of the most important days for Buddhists worldwide. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and attainment of Nirvana of the Lord Buddha. For 45 years after his enlightenment, the Lord Buddha traveled across India to preach his teachings or Dhamma to all people, irrespective of ethnic or social backgrounds. Buddhism then spread throughout the world, contributing to the cultivation of the spiritual life of millions of people for more than two and a half millennia.
Vesak Day also reflects the three virtues of the Lord Buddha, namely, wisdom, purity and compassion, which are extended to all beings equally. These virtues continue to be relevant today, amidst the many spiritual and physical challenges faced by humankind, from ignorance and despair to extremism and violence. Side by side with these virtues, tolerance and respect for diversity, important Buddhist and indeed universal principles, are likewise key instruments to help surmount these challenges. In recognition of the significance of Vesak Day, the United Nations General Assembly at its 54th session in 1999, officially adopted a resolution honouring Vesak Day as the United Nations Day of Vesak.
Thailand is honoured to host the 9th International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak from 31 May to 2 June 2012. Over 5,000 participants from 84 countries include the Sangha members, Buddhist spiritual leaders and international academics. With the support of the Government, the conference this year will also mark the celebration of the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty the Queen's 80th Birthday Anniversary on 12 August 2012 and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's 60th Birthday Anniversary on 28 July 2012.
On behalf of the Royal Thai Government, it is my honour and pleasure to receive the participants of the 9th International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the organizers who have made this conference possible. May I therefore extend my best wishes to the conference and hope that the teachings of the Lord Buddha will help bring inner peace and serenity to all of you.
(Yingluck Shinawatra)
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand
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