+:""9 ) A- 2)DK &+8D Ċ - United Nations Day of Vesak 2013

Buddhismo Theravada México A.R.
April 29, 2012
Message to the United Nations' Day of Vesak Celebrations and
Buddhist Conference 2012/B.E. 2555
Vesak is the most important date in the Buddhist calendar. In the Theravada countries this
date is used to mark a new Buddhist year. Therefore this year’s Vesak will mark the beginning
of the year 2555 since the Buddha's passing away.
This ninth international celebration represents a continuing effort to bring together Buddhist
leaders, academics, scholars and participants from many countries to commemorate the three
important events in the life of the Buddha, His Birth, Enlightenment and Passing Away, and
also to discuss our main subject: The Buddha’s Enlightenment for the Well-Being of
Humanity.
Since last year, when we celebrated the eight international celebration of Vesak, we, in
Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries, have been working hard to bring the Buddha’s
Teachings to more people in our part of the world. Today I am happy to announce the
foundation of the Hispanic Institute of Buddhist Studies, or as we call it in Spanish “Instituto
de Estudios Buddhistas Hispano” (IEBH), which is an academic institution dedicated to
providing courses and programs of Buddhist Studies for the Spanish-speaking people.
On behalf of the Mexico Delegation I would like to take this opportunity to express our
gratitude to the organizers of this important event, the Royal Thai Government and the
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU), for making possible this congregation of
world Buddhists to discuss and exchange ideas on how the Buddha’s Enlightenment can be
used for the welfare and benefit of mankind.
May the Buddha's teachings illuminate the way of all of us for the peace and welfare of all
beings!
Venerable Bhikkhu Nandisena
Head of Mexico Delegation
Abbot Dhamma Vihara, Mexico
Spiritual Director and Religious Minister of
Buddhismo Theravada México AR
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