The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Vesak:

“Today, we join Buddhists in Canada and around the world to celebrate Vesak, the most important of the Buddhist festivals. 

“Vesak is an occasion to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

“Traditionally, Buddhists would visit their local temples to pray, and offer gifts to show respect and gratitude for the Buddha’s life and wisdom.

“This year, as we celebrate differently because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reminded of the importance of the Buddha’s universal teachings of peace, selfless service, and compassion to those in need. Now more than ever, we see these teachings put into practice as we take care of one another during this pandemic. We will get through this together.

“On this occasion, I invite all Canadians to honour our Buddhist communities and to recognize their important contributions to our country.

“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a happy and peaceful Vesak.”