STATEMENT BY THE DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE MR MARK SEAH AT THE COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF VESAK ON 18 MAY 2022, 3.30 – 5.00 PM

Co-Chairs

Venerable Monks

Excellencies

1 I extend warmest wishes of goodwill to all our Buddhist friends on this commemoration of the International Day of Vesak. 

2 My delegation would also like to thank you both Ambassador Pieris and Ambassador Suriya and your Missions for organising today’s event. It is good to be gathered here in person today, after several years of virtual celebrations.

3 Today we honour the birth, enlightenment and passing into Nirvana of Gautama Buddha. His messages of peace, harmony, tolerance, kindness and compassion to all human beings are timeless. In fact, these values are even more relevant amidst the continuing challenges we are facing in the world today, including the setbacks from COVID-19, deepening inequalities, violent conflicts, and wars. We should look to these universal values in working to overcome these challenges and for a better future.

4 This sacred day is observed as an important religious day in Singapore.  The Buddhist community is the largest religious group in Singapore’s multi-racial and multi-religious population, forming more than one third of our resident population. Traditionally, on Vesak day, Buddhists in Singapore would visit their local temples to pray and participate in rituals. They would often spend the rest of the day on worthy causes, as it is believed that good deeds on Vesak Day will multiply merit many times over.

5 In line with Guatama Buddha’s teachings of compassion and service to others, the Buddhist community in Singapore has made important contributions to our nation, particularly in demonstrating generosity towards and acceptance of followers of all faiths or none. Over the past 30 years, religious organisations in Singapore, such as the Buddhist Fellowship, have prioritised developing and strengthening bonds between different groups, including by participating actively in Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles. Others such as the Singapore Buddhist Federation give bursary awards for needy students regardless of race or religion, and even conduct culinary lessons for inmates in prison. These contributions have enhanced community bonding, social cohesion, and inter-faith understanding in my country.

6 As we celebrate the International Day of Vesak, it is timely for us to reflect on the values espoused by Gautama Buddha. Buddhists believe that the light of wisdom can dispel the darkness of ignorance on the path to enlightenment. It is time to rise from the shadows that continue to darken our world, and embody the messages of peace, harmony, tolerance and compassion in our actions. Only then will we be able to heal divides, realise true peace, and get back on the path towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Co-Chairs,

7 On this day, let us honour Buddha’s wisdom and come together as one to shape a peaceful, united world. I wish you all a blessed Vesak Day. Thank you.

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