8/12/2019 Wesak Message Rev Josho Adrian Cirlea 2014

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Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Association from Romania

March 24 th 2014

Dear brothers and sisters in the Dharma

We, the sangha of Shakyamunis disciples may face many challenges in this modern 21 st

century but still the main problems of humanity and of all sentient beings remain the same asin ancient times, and more than this, the same as eons ago: suffering and dissatisfaction isstill here, and it will go on after the present life is over.

Many wise or not so wise people invented various ideologies to create heaven on earth yetthey never acomplished it. Some proponents of these ideologies, politicians or politicalinstitutions may look to us, Buddhists, to give our contribution and work side by side withthem to acomplish their goals. We may give a helping hand sometimes, to sincere people,when we are sure that their intentions and effects of their plans and actions are good anduseful to other sentient beings and for the spreading and preservation of Buddha Dharma,but we should never forget that the only true goal of our religion is freedom from birth anddeath.

We may live inside the world, help people inside the world, try to create a safe as possibleenvironment for the Dharma, but in the same time, we should point to the freedom thatexists beyond the minds and means of this world. As Buddhists, we know that there can beno true happiness unless perfect Enlightenment is achieved and that anything which is basedon an unenlightened mind cannot last long. This world in which we live, this plane of

existence, is the product of our karma and the inter-related karma of all beings. This impurecommon karma gave rise to an impure environment which also influences us and in which itis hard to have a true spiritual evolution, not to mention to create a perfect free and happyworld. The truth must be told and retold - unenlightened minds cannot create enlightenedcountries nor change this samsaric world into a Pure Land. True liberation is not social orpolitical, but religious - release from the repeated births and deaths and attainment ofNirvana.

With these in mind, I wish to transmit my best wishes to all the participants of the UnitedNations Wesak celebrations in Vietnam, 2014. I hope it will be a successful meeting in whichBuddhists around the world will help the world with the benefit that is true and real thewords of the Buddha.Namo Amida Butsu

Rev J sh Adrian CrleaHead priest and representative of Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Association from Romania