Message on the Day of Vesak
卫塞节致辞
20 May 2016
2016年5月20日
At this time of mass population movements, violent conflicts, atrocious human rights abuses and hateful rhetoric aimed at dividing communities, the sacred commemoration of the Day of Vesak offers an invaluable opportunity to reflect on how the teachings of Buddhism can help the international community tackle pressing challenges.
面对当前存在的大规模人口流动、暴力冲突、残暴的侵犯人权行为和旨在分裂社群的仇恨言论，纪念神圣的卫塞节提供了一个宝贵的契机，我们可以借此思考佛教教义如何能够有助于国际社会处理各种紧迫挑战。
The fundamental equality of all people, the imperative to seek justice, and the interdependence of life and the environment are more than abstract concepts for scholars to debate; they are living guidelines for Buddhists and others navigating the path to a better future.
人人平等的基本理念、寻求正义的必要性以及生命与环境的相互依存关系，不只是学者辩论的抽象概念，也是佛教徒和其他人在走向更加美好未来的道路上所践行的准则。
One Sutra tells the story of Srimala, a woman who pledged to help all those suffering from injustice, illness, poverty or disaster. This spirit of solidarity can animate our global efforts to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, carry out the Paris Agreement on climate change, and promote human rights while advancing human dignity worldwide.
佛经中讲述了一个名叫胜鬘的妇女立誓帮助所有遭受不公、疾病、贫穷或灾难的人的故事。这种团结精神可以激励我们在全球努力实现《2030年可持续发展议程》，执行关于气候变化的《巴黎协定》，促进人权，增进人类尊严。
The actions of Srimala also illustrate the primary role that women can play in advocating for peace, justice and human rights. Gender equality and the empowerment of women remain urgent priorities that will drive progress across the international agenda.
胜鬘的作为也表明，妇女可以在倡导和平、正义和人权方面发挥主要作用。性别平等和妇女赋权依然是紧迫的优先事项，将推动整个国际议程取得进展。
In just a few days, the United Nations will convene the first-ever World Humanitarian Summit, where leaders will join activists and other partners to address the needs of millions of vulnerable people in crisis. Buddhists and individuals of all faiths who are concerned about the future of humanity can help advance the Summit’s aims to uphold humanitarian law, protect civilians in conflict, and improve the global response to emergencies.
再过几个星期，联合国将召开有史以来第一次世界人道主义问题首脑会议，世界各国领导人届时将与活跃人士和其他伙伴合作一道，解决身处危机之中的数百万弱势民众的需求。关心人类未来的佛教徒和所有信仰的信奉者都可以协助推动实现这次首脑会议在维护人道主义法、保护冲突中的平民和改善全球紧急情况应对工作方面的目标。
On this Day of Vesak, let us pledge to reach out to bridge differences, foster a sense of belonging, and show compassion on a global scale for the sake of our common future.
值此卫塞节之际，让我们承诺为我们的共同未来着想，在全球范围内主动弥合分歧，增强归属感，展现悲悯之心。