Message of H.E. the Governor of Sikkim on the Fifth World Buddhist summit held at Japan.

     I am happy to learn that the Fifth World Buddhist Summit is going to be held in Japan from 1st to 13th November, 2008 to discuss and formulate a comprehensive plan to disseminate teachings of Lord Buddha

     We are living in a world marked by terrorism and violence, deprivations and uncertainties. Concerned citizens and religious leaders are pondering over devising ways and means to build a better future for our children and grand-children. In such a world the story of Gautama Buddha has particular relevance.

     Like Sakyamuni’s, ours is an age of political violence and we have had terrifying glimpses of man’s inhumanity to man. In our society too there is widespread malaise, ecological devastation, urban despair and anomie, and we are sometimes fearful of the new world order that is emerging.

     The Buddhist approach of the middle path, of non-violence, love and compassion, influences people of a large number of countries in the world and has power to unite us further to constructive pursuits. The Buddhist faith in rational self-enquiry also enables a person to achieve a higher state of discipline and harmony beyond narrow sectarian and national prejudices. All these become axiomatic when seen in the light of the well-known Buddhist maxim: ‘Be a lamp unto yourself’ (Appa Deepo Bhav).

     I extend my greetings to the organizers and to all participants and wish that this august summit will be a grant success in transmitting the message of Lord Buddha's noble teachings.

(B.P. SINGH)