February 6 - A Message for Parinirvana
Article: One World Religion
To everyone celebrating Parinirvana, I send my very best wishes.
This celebration marks the day when Buddha died, and when he reached full liberation. Buddhists celebrate the death of Buddha, because they believe that having attained Enlightenment he achieved freedom from physical existence and its sufferings.
February is a time when Buddhists of all ages deeply contemplate the relevance of peace in their lives and the life of the world. Parinirvana therefore holds a resounding message for everyone across the faiths; that we should redouble our efforts to continue to work towards achieving peace and reflect on our duties as stewards of the natural world. These messages are particularly relevant, given conflict in various parts of the world and the great environmental challenges which we face. Moreover the United Nations has declared this year, 2009, as the International Year of Reconciliation so let us join the millions of Buddhists at this time in praying for peace.
Tony Blair
This celebration marks the day when Buddha died, and when he reached full liberation. Buddhists celebrate the death of Buddha, because they believe that having attained Enlightenment he achieved freedom from physical existence and its sufferings.
February is a time when Buddhists of all ages deeply contemplate the relevance of peace in their lives and the life of the world. Parinirvana therefore holds a resounding message for everyone across the faiths; that we should redouble our efforts to continue to work towards achieving peace and reflect on our duties as stewards of the natural world. These messages are particularly relevant, given conflict in various parts of the world and the great environmental challenges which we face. Moreover the United Nations has declared this year, 2009, as the International Year of Reconciliation so let us join the millions of Buddhists at this time in praying for peace.
Tony Blair
