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[May 25, 2005 - 10.30 GMT] I wish all our Sri Lankan Buddhists a happy Wesak, who today together with the Buddhists the world over, are celebrating the thrice blessed Wesak Day. "Buddhism based on equality, compassion, and loving kindness is a philosophy of life that transcends the bounds of mere religion. Even modern scientific studies have confirmed its nobility, rationality and greatness. It is also the life philosophy that has guided Sri Lankan Buddhists for ages. "We can derive immense inspiration from Buddhist philosophy to resolve modern man-made conflicts. If people act according to Buddhist philosophy which clearly points out that a man's greatness does not depend on birth, race, religion or caste, most of the ethnic and racist conflicts faced by many countries today, including ours could have been avoided. "The Tathagatha Buddha taught us the first lesson in equality. We are striving to achieve an honourable peace acceptable to all, following the principles of Buddhist philosophy, where all could co-exist in harmony with equality. "I take this opportunity to remember thousands of our brothers and sisters who lost their lives during the tsunami disaster five months ago. I appeal to all Buddhists of this country to practice charity and generosity, ethical conduct and meditation (dana, sila, bhavana) giving the pride of the place to religious observances and transfer merits to victims of the disaster irrespective of race, religion, caste or any other distinction. "Let
us resolve to contemplate on Buddhist values conducive to creating a
pleasant, peaceful Sri Lanka and refrain from futile acts that denigrate the
greatness of Buddhist philosophy and lead our lives as disciplined Buddhists."
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