On Day of Vesak, Annan hails Buddha's vision of peace, humanity's highest potentials

As millions of Buddhists celebrated the life of their spiritual leader today, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan urged all people to work together towards the common good and a peaceful and harmonious coexistence.

In a message marking the Day of Vesak, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of Guatama Buddha, the Secretary-General said that in this time of global uncertainty, "the Buddha's vision of peace and of humanity's highest potentials may be more relevant than ever before."

"Indeed, if we want to have a chance of overcoming the many challenges that face us today - in the fields of peace and security, development, and the protection of our global environment - we must think beyond our narrow, short-term self interests, and raise ourselves to a universal perspective from which the well-being of the broader human community appears as important as our own well-being," Mr. Annan said.

The Secretary-General noted that the Buddha's lofty ethical and humanitarian ideals have given birth to a vibrant spiritual tradition that continues to ennoble the lives of millions of people all over the world, as Buddhists celebrate the message of compassion, understanding and mutual respect that the Buddha brought to mankind.

"Each of us shares the hope of a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable future," Mr. Annan said. "Our actions - as individuals and as members of our communities - must be guided by that common dream."