Guiding light needed to help humanity wade through world's conflicts: Prez Droupadi Murmu on Buddha Purnima

Droupadi Murmu. Pic/PTI

On Thursday, the day of Buddha Purnima, President Droupadi Murmu stated that mankind needs a "guiding light" now more than ever to help it navigate through this "critical phase" of conflict, environmental dangers, and security issues. During an event organised at the National Museum to commemorate Vaishakha Buddha Purnima, she also stated in a recorded video message that the world can achieve peace and harmony by adhering to the values taught by Lord Buddha.

"Today I would like to reassert the sublime message of compassion, peace and harmony given by the Sakhyamuni Buddha. The full moon day of Vaisakha has special significance as it is the most auspicious day, not only for the followers and practitioners of Buddha Dhamma but for all those who are working to spread peace, compassion and harmony," President Murmu told PTI. It commemorates the day of the birth of Siddhartha Gautama at Lumbini, his enlightenment as the Buddha in Bodh Gaya and his Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar.

Thus she claims it to be the "triple sacred day" for the followers. "Today, we live in a world marred by conflicts, environmental hazards, social tensions and security challenges, all of which cause anxiety, uncertainty and fear among human beings. This is the time when we need a guiding light that can help us wade smoothly through this critical phase. It is now more evident than ever that humility and empathy are essential for the well-being of all," the president said. The practice of Dhamma and the teachings of the Buddha are crucial to finding "useful and lasting solutions to the unavoidable conflicts that arise in our lives," she said.

"These valued principles can ensure peace and harmony in the society, country and the world," President Murmu said. "Being the land of Buddha, India is committed to serving humanity and has made a singular contribution towards global peace and prosperity... May the teachings of Buddha continue to guide humanity on the path of harmony and peace," she said.

According to a statement from the organisers, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) staged the event in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and the National Museum, which houses some of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha. Five historical sites associated with the Buddha Dhamma in Delhi were the site of prayers for unity, harmony, and world peace for the "first time": the Peace Pagoda, Indraprastha Park, Ring Road; Ashokan Rock Edict, east of Kailash; Ashoka Pillar, Firoz Shah Kotla; Buddha Jayanti Park along the ridge; and the Asoka Mission, Mehrauli. Around 50 monks from Subharti University, Meerut, Delhi University and the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association with representation from Nalanda, Theravada, and Mahayana traditions prayed at these sites to gain merit for everyone and harmony and peace in a strife-torn world, the statement said.

(With Inputs from PTI)