Conferência Internacional Budista sobre o Dia de Vesak de Bud 2025

While Mahayana traditions in East Asia celebrate the Buddha’s enlightenment and passing on separate days, Vesak remains a universal celebration. Whether honoring the Buddha’s life events simultaneously or over time, the essence of Vesak speaks to the heart of Buddhist teachings: a journey from ignorance to wisdom, from suffering to liberation. The festival unites Buddhists across diverse cultures, reminding them of their shared path toward enlightenment, compassion, and inner peace.

Vesak, marking the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha, stands as one of the most sacred observances in Buddhism. Yet, the date of Vesak varies across regions due to differing lunisolar calendars. The name Vesak originates from Vaiśākh, a term shared by both the Buddhist and Hindu traditions, symbolizing the interconnectedness of these ancient practices. The festival is celebrated on the full moon of Vaiśākh, reflecting the Buddha’s spiritual illumination.

In Nepal, the Buddha's birthplace, Vesak is called Buddha Pūrṇimā, with Pūrṇimā meaning the full moon in Sanskrit. This full moon, a symbol of enlightenment, shines as a reminder of the Buddha's wisdom. In Theravada Buddhist countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Combodia, Vesak coincides with the Uposatha—the full moon day of the fifth or sixth lunar month. The observance is deeply embedded in the cultural rhythms of these nations, symbolizing completeness and cosmic order.

In regions such as China, Korea, and Vietnam, Vesak is observed according to the Chinese lunar calendar, often on the eighth day of the fourth month. Japan, in contrast, fixes Vesak on April 8th, demonstrating modernization's influence on tradition. Despite these variations, the central message remains: a reverence for the Buddha’s journey and the path to enlightenment.

From the Full Moon of Kasun in Myanmar, where devotees water sacred Bodhi trees, to the lantern-lit streets of Vietnam, the global observance of Vesak is a testament to the adaptability and enduring relevance of Buddhism. Each country offers its own unique cultural expression while remaining united in honoring the Buddha’s teachings of compassion, wisdom, and spiritual awakening.

GLOBAL RECOGNITION OF DAY OF VESAK AND UNITED NATIONS DAY OF VESAK (UNDV)

On December 15, 1999, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 54/115, formally globally recognizing the Day of Vesak as an international observance. Spearheaded by Sri Lanka, this decision was a pivotal moment in acknowledging Buddhism’s enduring influence on global ethics, spirituality, and human development throughout history. The resolution highlighted the importance of Vesak as a global event that not only commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing but also emphasizes the Buddha’s teachings on compassion, non-violence, and mindfulness—values deeply aligned with the UN’s mission of peace and sustainable development.

This official recognition encouraged annual Vesak celebrations at the United Nations Headquarters and other offices around the world, fostering global unity through the shared reflection on the Buddha’s wisdom. The first Vesak celebration under the UN framework was held on May 15, 2000, in New York, where 34 nations came together to honor the Buddha’s message of peace and compassion. This milestone event signaled the start of an ongoing tradition that continues to unite people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, providing a platform for interfaith dialogue and global cooperation.

Today, Vesak is observed across the world, particularly in Southeast Asia, where Buddhism plays a central role in both the spiritual and cultural life of many countries. The institutionalization of Vesak at the United Nations represents a broader recognition of the importance of spiritual traditions within international governance. By embracing Buddhist teachings, the UN has set a powerful example of how ancient wisdom can offer valuable insights into addressing modern challenges. Through Vesak, the United Nations affirms its commitment to global harmony, ethical governance, and sustainable peace—principles that resonate universally in a rapidly changing world.

Since its formal recognition, Vesak has been celebrated annually at the UN Headquarters in New York and other UN offices worldwide, including major celebrations in Buddhist-majority countries such as Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, and Vietnam. The observance of Vesak at the United Nations has brought together world leaders, Buddhist scholars, and civil society to engage in meaningful discussions on topics such as conflict resolution, climate change, and social equity. The festival has evolved into more than a religious event; it has become a day of global reflection on peace, mindfulness, and the ethical responsibilities we share in building a more just and harmonious world.

The significance of Vesak’s recognition by the United Nations lies in its ability to bridge spiritual wisdom with modern governance. The Buddha’s teachings offer a moral compass in navigating complex global issues, emphasizing moderation, ethical decision-making, and the interconnectedness of all life. As the world faces crises ranging from geopolitical conflict to environmental degradation, Vesak serves as a reminder that lasting solutions require not only political action but also a deep commitment to inner transformation, ethical leadership, and collective compassion.

By 2024, the United Nations has observed 25 Vesak Days at its headquarters in New York since 2000, while the global Buddhist community, through the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV), has organized 19 UN Vesak Celebrations. Of these, 15 were held in Thailand, one in Sri Lanka in 2017, and three in Vietnam: the 2008 UN Vesak with the participation of 87 countries, the 2014 UN Vesak in Ninh Bình Province with 95 countries, and the 2019 UN Vesak in Hà Nam Province with 112 countries. Vietnam is honored to continue hosting the UN Vesak in 2025, with more than 80 countries expected to attend.

3. Sri Lanka's Role in Global Vesak

Sri Lanka has played a crucial and foundational role in the global recognition of Vesak, a sacred festival commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. This journey towards international acknowledgment began with the International Buddhist Conference in 1998, hosted in Sri Lanka, where Buddhist leaders and scholars from around the world gathered to deliberate on the global significance of Vesak. The conference emphasized the profound universal values embedded in the Buddha’s teachings—compassion, non-violence, and peace—values that resonate deeply not only within Buddhist communities but also with the global principles championed by the United Nations. The conference’s unified call for Vesak to be recognized as an international observance catalyzed an important dialogue between Buddhist-majority countries and the UN, highlighting the need to acknowledge Buddhism's contributions to humanity’s moral and ethical framework.

Sri Lanka’s advocacy was instrumental in propelling the initiative to success. The nation’s leadership, alongside other Buddhist-majority countries, emphasized the importance of Vesak as more than a cultural or religious event; it was positioned as a global day of reflection on peace, mindfulness, and the ethical values necessary for a more harmonious world. The unwavering efforts of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic and religious figures led to the passage of the United Nations General Assembly’s Resolution 54/115 in 1999, which officially enshrined Vesak in the international calendar. This resolution marked a significant moment in global interfaith dialogue, as it recognized not only the spiritual depth of Buddhism but also its enduring contributions to global ethical leadership, human rights, and sustainable development.

Sri Lanka’s leadership in this initiative also reflects the country’s deep-rooted historical ties to the preservation and promotion of Buddhism. As a country that has long been a center of Theravada Buddhism, Sri Lanka’s efforts to internationalize Vesak align with its broader mission to spread the Buddha’s message of compassion, tolerance, and wisdom to the global stage. By ensuring that Vesak is celebrated annually at the United Nations and other international forums, Sri Lanka has helped to create a global platform where Buddhist principles intersect with modern-day challenges, offering solutions that emphasize ethical governance, non-violent conflict resolution, and social equity. The recognition of Vesak is not just a testament to Buddhism’s historical legacy but also a commitment to its relevance in addressing the critical issues of today’s interconnected world.

4. Thailand's Leadership and the Evolution of Vesak

Thailand has played a key role in elevating Vesak into an influential global event, positioning it as a platform for addressing pressing issues such as peace, sustainability, and ethical leadership. Under the leadership of Most Venerable Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit, the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV) has been instrumental in transforming Vesak from a religious observance into a summit that attracts world leaders, scholars, and religious figures. Since the United Nations hosted its first Vesak celebration in 2000, while Buddhist communities in 2004, Thailand has used the event to bridge Buddhist teachings with contemporary global challenges, including climate change, conflict resolution, and sustainable governance.

The Thai government's support has been critical in internationalizing Vesak. By providing logistical backing and promoting the event on the global stage, the government has ensured that Vesak aligns with global priorities like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This partnership has established Thailand as a central hub for Buddhist diplomacy, where spiritual insights meet global governance.

The Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand, as the highest Buddhist authority in the country, ensures that Vesak remains rooted in authentic Buddhist practice. Their spiritual guidance and participation lend credibility to the event, enhancing its significance both as a religious and international occasion.

Together, the Thai government, the Supreme Sangha Council, and the ICDV have successfully integrated Buddhist values of compassion, mindfulness, and interdependence into global conversations. Thailand’s approach to Vesak promotes not only spiritual reflection but also actionable solutions to global crises, reinforcing the relevance of Buddhist ethics in modern governance. Through these efforts, Vesak has become an essential platform for fostering international peace, interfaith dialogue, and sustainable development.

5. VIETNAM’S ROLE IN HOSTING THE INTERNALIONAL BUDDHIST CONFERENCE ON BUDDHA VESAK DAY 2025: A BEACON OF BUDDHIST LEADERSHIP

Since its recognition by the United Nations in 1999, the United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV) has grown into a global celebration of Buddhism’s values, its cultural significance, and its enduring wisdom. While several countries have played key roles in hosting this event, Vietnam has emerged as a particularly influential host, with its leadership in organizing the UNDV in 2008, 2014, 2019, and now preparing for the 2025 celebration. Each occasion in Vietnam has been marked by a distinct professionalization of the event, deepening the global resonance of Vesak as both a spiritual celebration and a platform for international dialogue on peace, compassion, and sustainable development. This part will explore how Vietnam’s contribution to the UNDV has evolved over time, highlighting the significance of each event and how Vietnam has elevated the Vesak celebration into a major vehicle for promoting Buddhist teachings.

5.1. Vesak 2008: Vietnam’s Debut as a UNDV Host – A Historic Milestone

Vietnam first hosted the UN Day of Vesak in 2008 at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, marking a historic milestone not only for the country but for the global Buddhist community. The theme for the 2008 UNDV was "Buddhist Contribution to Building a Just, Democratic and Civil Society," underscoring Buddhism’s relevance in contemporary societal development. With over 4,000 delegates from 87 countries, including religious leaders, scholars, and representatives from the United Nations, the event successfully positioned Vietnam as a key player on the international Buddhist stage.

This initial hosting was a profound demonstration of Vietnam’s organizational capabilities and its ability to uphold the sacredness of Vesak while also promoting meaningful dialogue on global issues. The seminars and workshops held during this celebration focused on Buddhism’s role in preventing conflict, fostering social justice, and promoting sustainable development. Topics such as environmental responsibility and the role of Buddhism in responding to climate change further cemented Vietnam’s reputation as a nation capable of integrating Buddhist philosophy with contemporary challenges. The success of the 2008 event set a precedent for future Vesak celebrations in Vietnam, demonstrating that the country could not only host such an event but also elevate its significance on the global stage.