Greetings to the members of IBC and fellow Buddhists around the world.
Today is the Buddha’s birthday.
It is also the day he attained enlightenment, as well as the day he passed away.
It has been 2566 years since his passing, which means he was born 2646 years ago.
When the Buddha came to this world, he lit up the world for many people who were wandering in darkness. And so many people who were suffering mired in ignorance were able to attain wisdom through the Buddha’s teachings and free themselves from suffering.
In the Buddha’s time, severe discrimination based on race, gender, and class was common. But the Buddha said no one can be defined as either noble or lowly by birth.
A high social class does not make one noble, and a low social class does not make one lowly. Also, being a man does not make one noble, and being a woman does not make one lowly. He made a declaration of human rights that everyone in this world is equal.
The Buddha also proclaimed that there is no such a thing as “fate.” He said that the reason we suffer is not due to our past life, god’s will, or the time we were born. Our lives are not predestined.
He said that our suffering is simply the consequence of our ignorance. So, if we free ourselves from ignorance and attain enlightenment, anyone can live a free and happy life just like the Buddha.
Many people who were suffering during his time practiced according to the teachings of the Buddha and reached nirvana.
The Buddha presented us with five precious values.
First, respect all living beings. In other words, we should not intentionally hit or kill any living beings. He was against any form of violence. He proposed a peaceful world.
Second, refrain from taking what is not given. People need daily necessities including food, clothes, and shelter, and we should refrain from taking or stealing such necessities. Not only that, we should provide necessities to those in need. The Buddha already presented the idea of humanitarian aid during his time.
Third, refrain from sexual misconduct.
Apart from beating or stealing, something that makes others suffer is sexual misconduct. No matter how much you love someone, you should not distress others by making unwelcome sexual advances.
Fourth, refrain from wrong speech.
We can hurt others not just by our action but also by our words.
It is not right to harm or distress others with words. So, the Buddha banned lying, insulting, and cursing.
Last, the Buddha banned the culture of seeking pleasure and enjoying luxury. He said that it is foolish to become drunk or get high on drugs and distress others.
These values presented by the Buddha, which were important during his time, are still valuable today. If humanity only adhered to these values, the world would be more peaceful and the people would be happier.
On the occasion of the Buddha’s birthday, all of us Buddhists should keep these teachings in our hearts.
To the members of IBC and all the Buddhists around the world, I wish you happy Buddha’s birthday.
I pray that the Buddha’s teachings reach not only Buddhists but all living beings so that they can enjoy peace and comfort in their lives.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those at IBC who have organized this event.
By Ven. Pomnyun Sunim