India Tells UN: Buddha’s Middle Path Holds Wisdom for Today’s Global Uncertainty

India's UN Permanent Representative P. Harish underscored the eternality of Buddha's middle path philosophy in an age where global volatility is growing.

In his speech at the International Day of Vesak 2025, he pointed out how Buddha's wisdom continued to be inspirational beacons in dealing with the challenges of the contemporary age.

"Lords Buddha's teachings can be a beacon of guidance to uncertain times of today," Harish stated.

He maintained that "the principle of moderation, or the middle path, is more relevant today than ever before," and that Buddha's teachings, though plain in form, contain profound messages that bring harmony and understanding among cultures. "The Buddha's teachings, plain but profound, invite us beyond our differences to a shared bond of loving kindness," he further said.

The event, co-sponsored by Thailand and Sri Lanka, took place in the Economic and Social Council chamber of the UN, which echoed with devotional prayers offered by monks and nuns clothed in ochre and white robes. The room was electric with spiritual reverence as blessings were invoked for world harmony.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a video message, stated, "The Buddha's teaching of compassion, tolerance and selfless service resonates deeply with the values of the United Nations." He went on to say, "In an era of great global challenges, these enduring principles must shape our shared path forward."

Harish researched India's well-documented connection to Buddhism, penning that it is where it began. "Vesak is a day for us to celebrate our common Buddhist heritage, a day to re-assert and reaffirm the cultural and civilisational connections which unite nations of our region," he stated.

He also pointed to recent travels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Buddhist monasteries in Thailand and Sri Lanka, focusing on India's attempts to promote these ancient and sacred connections.

In Thailand, Harish stated, Prime Minister Modi, together with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, paid their respects at Bangkok's iconic Wat Pho temple, where he paid respects to the Reclining Buddha and offered 'Sanghadana' to senior monks.

During his visit to Sri Lanka, Modi accompanied President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to the ancient Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura to worship. Harish identified the religious importance of the temple, as it contains a sapling of the original bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, symbolizing the strong civilisational links between Sri Lanka and India.

In the days ahead, India's Permanent Mission to the UN is requested to organize a special session called 'Teachings of Gautama Buddha – A Path to Internal and Global Peace' on Thursday with an eye towards further examining how Buddha's message can enhance peace inside and among nations.