Wesak 2008 Message from Management Committee

Dear Members and Devotees,

We are privileged again to observe Wesak Day on 19 May 2008, year B.E. 2552 according to the Buddhist calendar. Our Wesak theme this year is “Uniting for Peace & Harmony”.

Over two thousand years, Buddhists are never short of rites and rituals to remember the greatness of Gautama Buddha in achieving enlightenment and bringing the Dhamma to brighten up the world. Like other religions, these rites and rituals, are needed to establish faith in the devotees. However, when people get attached to rituals and events become purely ceremonial rather than testimonial, we may forget its real meaning and spirit. Sadly nowadays, people are forgeting the true meaning and spirit of religion. In many circumstances, violence is committed under the name of so called “religion” by “religionist”. Our world today is facing a great challenge to “rediscover” the lost spirit and meaning of religion.

What is the true spirit of Buddhism? Buddhism, is not an “ism” as in ideology. It is about a way of life, for peace and harmony inwardly and outwardly. It is about people, cultivating self-awareness, having a sense of direction in life, that is, “avoiding evil, doing good and purifying the mind”. Buddhists shall not only bear the conventional meaning which are people who are followers of the Buddha, but people who are practitioners of Buddha’s way of self cultivation and happiness.

Thus, the role played by Buddhists in the world is much more beyond the spheres of religion. We are a collective force for peace and harmony, because by nature, Dhamma is for peace! This spirit is very much needed in this chaotic world that has been shaken and rocked by endless violence and conflicts.

Considering our Wesak theme this year “Uniting for Peace and Harmony”, we should start cultivating peace and harmony in ourselves. Confucius said that we should govern our behaviours first, and then only govern our family and next, the country. Likewise, an individual who is happy and peaceful will certainly be helpful to build a harmonious family and nation.

Let’s observe Wesak meaningfully. Happy Wesak!

Wong Kin Yap
Honorary Secretary