President Mohammed Shahabuddin today greeted the Buddhists on the occasion of their religious festival "Prabarona Purnima" to be celebrated tomorrow.
Shahabuddin also conveyed greetings to the members of the Buddhist community on the occasion of three- month long 'Kathin Chibar Dan' (Yellow Robe Offering Ceremony) on the day after the Purnima.
In his message, the President said Gautom Buddha, throughout his life, preached the eternal message of equality, friendship, compassion, peace and
humanity in building a peaceful world.
"Buddha's ideal of sacrifice is full of humanity. His non-violent words and love of life are still widely admired around the world," he said.He said the learning of Buddha can play an important role in addressing ongoing global instability and establishing world peace.
Shahabuddin said the Buddhist tradition has been blended with the people and soil of this country for the last thousand years, while ancient Buddhist bihars located in different parts of the country have been bearing the testimony of it.
Chibar is an outfit worn by Buddhist monks, he said, adding that the 'Kathin Chibar Dan' is called the best donation (Dan-Sreshtho).
With the participation of Buddhists, this 'Kathin Chibar Dan' festival helps build unity, solidarity and harmony among all, he said.
The President said the 'Kathin Chibar Dan', celebrated through sacrifice, restraint, discipline and firm meditation, plays an important role in turning the devotees into true followers of Buddhism.
He hoped that the message of peace and harmony of Buddhist community would spread across the world through celebration of 'Kathin Chibar Dan'. Shahabuddin described Bangladesh as a country of communal harmony and the harmony flowing from time immemorial is the tradition of Bangalees. He urged the people of all communities to stand by poor and hapless people as they have been suffering a lot due to the upward trend of inflation globally.
The President wished all programmes of Prabarona Purnima and Kathin Chibar Dan a success.
