Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia on the Celebration of the Dharmasanti Trisuci Vesak 2565 Buddhist Year, 27 May 2021, from Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province

Namo Buddhaya,

Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet,

Distinguished Buddhist Monks Bhikkhu and Buddhist Novice Monks Samanera,

Distinguished Chairpersons of the Central and Regional Council of Buddhist Communities,

Distinguished all Buddhists all over Indonesia,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Government, my family, and on my own behalf, I would like to wish all Buddhists all over Indonesia a Happy Trisuci Vesak Day 2021 or 2565 Buddhist Year.

On this auspicious occasion, I would like to thank Buddhists who continue to observe health protocols, avoid large crowds during prayers, lower mobility during the Vesak holiday, and celebrate Vesak Day online.

Community compliance with health protocols represents a virtuous religious practice, mutual respect and appreciation, as well as collective efforts to receive the blessings of good health.

Distinguished all Buddhists,

Let us make the Vesak a momentum to strengthen the commitment to respect the true meaning of life, to practice justice and righteousness to achieve harmony, and to implement the concept of Dhamma (Dharma) as a way of life to fulfil duties and obligations.

By implementing Dharma, Buddhists will get the opportunity to maintain their equanimity, to praise God for His compassion, and to fulfil the human dignity as a religious people.

The holy concept of Dharma is highly relevant to the current pandemic situation as it reminds all of us to continue to take the journey along the paths of righteousness, to control ourselves from bad habits, to raise a sense of concern for each other, as well as to give sincere helps.

That concludes my speech on this auspicious occasion.

May peace be upon us all.

I thank you.

Namo Buddhaya. (AP/EP)