President Jokowi Wishes Happy Vesak Day

JAKARTA - The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, wished all Buddhists a Happy Vesak Day 2566 BE (Buddhist Era).

The President made the remarks via the official Instagram account @jokowi, as quoted in Jakarta, Monday.

"Health and progress are the biggest dreams that we want to achieve today in a life full of peace and togetherness," said President Jokowi.

The President prayed that the light of happiness would always illuminate the paths of all Indonesian people.

"May the light of happiness always illuminate our paths," said President Jokowi.

Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas previously invited Buddhists to strengthen religious moderation in commemorating the Tri Suci Vesak which falls on Monday.

"Let's continue to strengthen religious moderation and strengthen ties of brotherhood between each other," said Yaqut in commemoration of the 2566th Buddhist anniversary of the Tri-Holy Vesak Day to all Indonesian Buddhists.

This, Yaqut said, as taught also in the holy book Dhammapada verse 194, that the birth of Buddhas is the cause of happiness, the spread of true courtship is the cause of happiness, the union is the cause of happiness, and the struggles of those who have united are the cause of happiness.

The Tri Suci Vesak always reminds Buddhists of three important events, namely the birth of Prince Siddharta, Prince Siddharta attaining Great enlightenment and becoming a Buddha, and Gautama Buddha Parinibbana, he said.

"Prince Siddharta has taught Buddhists about Majhima Patipada, teachings about the importance of practicing religious life with the principle of the middle or moderate path. This principle is very much needed in maintaining harmony and peace," said the Minister of Religion.