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International Recognition of the Day of Vesak in 2004 (2547)
We, the participants of World Buddhist Leaders Conference
on International Recognition of the Day of Vesak, from
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, People’s Republic of China,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri
Lanka, and Thailand, having met at Buddhamonthon, Nakhon
Pathom, Thailand on May 25, 2004 (2547),
Acknowledging that the Day of Vesak, the Date of the Full
Moon in the month of May each year, the internationally
recognized and, in particular, at United Nations Headquarters and
other United Nations offices, in accordance with the Government
and the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand’s initiative to
celebrate the Day of Vesak in 2004 (2547) both in New York and
Bangkok,
Recognizing that the Day of the Full Moon in the month of
May each year is the day most sacred to Buddhists around the
world, who commemorate, on that day, the birth of the Buddha, his
attainment of enlightenment and his passing away; moreover, they
may, at the same time, observe his virtues in his great
compassion, his wisdom, and his purity as an ideal way of living in
harmony.
Considering that international recognition at United Nations
Headquarters and other United Nations offices would constitute
acknowledgement of the contribution that Buddhism, one the of
oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and a half
millennia, and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity;
therefore, Buddhism should vitally be protected and promoted in
order to maintain its course.
Resolves that, without cost to the United Nations, appropriate
arrangement shall be made for international observances of Vesak
at United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices,
in consultation with the relevant United Nations offices and
permanent missions that also wish to be consulted. In the year of
2004 (2547), Thailand has been appointed to coordinate with other
Buddhist countries to celebrate the Day of Vesak both at the
United Nations in New York and its regional office.
1. We will endeavor to maintain and protect Buddhism,
objects of worship and holy places worldwide.
2. We will endeavor to deliver the noble messages of the
Buddha to the hearts and minds of the people of the world through
Buddhist studies and practice to ensure propagation of Buddhism.
3. We will endeavor to promote peace, harmony and
understanding among the people of the world through Buddhism.
4. We will endeavor to collaborate and to celebrate, on the
international scale, the Day of Vesak at United Nations
Headquarters, its regional offices and especially at the UNESCAP
office in Bangkok, Thailand.
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