Buddha's principle of the middle path relevant in time of global uncertainty: India at UN

IANS May 15, 2025 934 views

India's UN representative P. Harish highlighted the timeless relevance of Buddha's middle path during the UN's Vesak commemoration. The event, co-hosted by Thailand and Sri Lanka, celebrated Buddhism's principles of compassion and moderation as a solution to global uncertainties. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized how Buddha's teachings align with UN values of tolerance and selfless service. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visits to Buddhist sites in Thailand and Sri Lanka further underscored the civilizational connections and shared spiritual heritage.

"The Buddha's teachings of compassion, tolerance and selfless service resonate deeply with the values of the United Nations" - Antonio Guterres
United Nations, May 15: Buddha's principle of the middle path is relevant in today's time of global uncertainty, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, P. Harish, said here at the commemoration of Vesak.

Key Points

1

India affirms Buddhism's universal message of peaceful coexistence

2

PM Modi emphasizes shared cultural heritage during temple visits

3

UN recognizes Buddha's principles as pathway to global harmony

"The teachings of Lord Buddha can be a guide in today's times of uncertainty," he said.

"The principle of moderation, or the middle path, remains more relevant today than ever before. The Buddha's teachings, simple yet profound, encourage us to transcend our differences and embrace a universal bond of loving kindness," he said.

The UN's Economic and Social Council chamber resonated with the chants of monks and nuns in their ochre and white robes, and the invocation of the Buddha's blessings for global peace at the Commemoration of International Day of Vesak 2025, co-hosted by Thailand and Sri Lanka.

In a video message to the meeting, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "The Buddha's teachings of compassion, tolerance and selfless service resonate deeply with the values of the United Nations."

"In an era of profound global challenges, these timeless principles must guide our shared path forward," he said.

Harish noted that India was the cradle of Buddhism and said, "Vesak is an occasion for us to celebrate the shared heritage of Buddhism, an occasion to reaffirm and strengthen the cultural and civilisational ties that bind nations of our region."

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visits to Buddhist shrines in Thailand and Sri Lanka last month emphasised this shared heritage.

During the visit to Thailand, Harish said, Prime Minister Modi visited Bangkok's Wat Pho temple, along with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and paid homage to the statue of the Reclining Buddha and offered 'Sanghadana' to senior monks.

While in Sri Lanka, PM Modi offered prayers at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple at Anuradhapura in the company of Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Harish said.

The temple "holds special significance for India's civilisational ties with Sri Lanka", he said.

The temple holds a tree that was grown from a cutting of the bo tree under which the Buddha received enlightenment.

On Thursday, India's UN Mission is sponsoring a meeting on 'Teachings of Gautama Buddha - A Path to Internal and Global Peace'.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
So proud to see India taking leadership in promoting Buddha's teachings globally! 🇮🇳 The middle path philosophy is exactly what we need when tensions are rising between nations. Hope more countries adopt this wisdom.
P
Priya M.
Beautiful message but I wish our leaders would practice more of this moderation at home too. Buddha's teachings aren't just for international diplomacy - we need them in our daily politics and social life.
A
Arjun S.
PM Modi's visits to Buddhist sites in Thailand and Sri Lanka were strategic masterstrokes! Strengthening cultural ties through our shared Buddhist heritage is much better than aggressive diplomacy. More of this please!
S
Sunita R.
As someone from Bihar (where Buddha attained enlightenment), I'm happy but not surprised to see India leading this conversation. Our land has given so much spiritual wisdom to the world - we should promote this more actively.
V
Vikram D.
While I appreciate the sentiment, I hope this isn't just talk. China is actively using Buddhist diplomacy in Asia while suppressing Tibetan Buddhists. India needs to walk the talk and protect all Buddhist traditions.
N
Neha P.
The middle path is such a relevant concept today! Whether it's climate change or international conflicts, we need more balance and less extremism. Maybe world leaders should attend a meditation retreat together 😊

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Tags:
Buddha UN India Vesak Buddhism Narendra Modi Antonio Guterres International Day of Vesak