Hello everyone.

Today, Buddhists in Canada and around the world will celebrate Vesak.

Vesak is the most important of the Buddhist festivals.

I know it’ll be hard to celebrate differently this year.

Normally, you’d be heading to your local temple to pray, and offer gifts to show respect and gratitude for the Buddha’s life and wisdom.

But I also know that as we face the biggest challenge of our generation, Buddha’s teaching of peace, selfless service, and showing compassion towards others have never been more important.

These shared values unite us as Canadians and they will help us get through this pandemic.

Let’s be inspired by Buddha’s message and continue to put the needs of others before our own.

By looking out for one another and connecting with our family and friends virtually, we can still celebrate this sacred day and the Buddha’s life and teachings.

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