CELEBRATION OF VERSAK
MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA
The following is a message from the Honourable John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia, received via facsimile transmission, at the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. on Friday 4 May 2001 at 9.31am (local time).
“MESSAGE: CELEBRATION OF VERSAK, THE LORD BUDDHA’S
DAY - MONDAY, 7 MAY 2001
It gives me great pleasure to provide this message in support of the celebration of Versak, the Lord Buddha’s Day.
Buddhists are renowned for the value they place on peaceful co-existence and the importance they attach to their search for harmony between the physical and spiritual aspects of life. This festival commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of Sakyamuni Buddha is a wonderful opportunity to further promote these beliefs and to honour the memory of Lord Buddha’s compassion.
Over the past century, Australia has fostered a truly multicultural society that respects and encourages communities to pursue their individual cultures and beliefs within an Australian context. It is my hope that Australia continues in this direction and maintains a society in which equality, mutual understanding and respect remain as fundamental tenets of our way of life.
I send my best wishes to all members of the Buddhist community participating in this festival and congratulate the organisers on what I am sure will be a highly successful event.
John Howard”