NEW YORK, May 19 — As the followers of Sakyamuni Buddha observe the birth, enlightenment and demise of their Teacher by redoubling efforts at meritorious deeds, the Vatican sends its greeting to the “Buddhist friends”, wishing them joy “as individuals, as families and as communities”.
The massage, signed by Archbishop Michael L. Fitzgerald, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, expressed the belief that “in many places where Buddhists and Catholics live together they will use the moment to consolidate the good relations which already exist between them.”
“In countries where Buddhists and Christians live and work side by side, the resulting `dialogue of life’ allows them, while witnessing to their own beliefs, to deepen their understanding of one another, to foster goodwill and to promote a spirit of neighbourliness.”
Expressing delight with the ongoing dialogue and interaction between the Catholics and Buddhists, the Vatican’s message said “a particular bond has developed between many Buddhist and Catholic monks and nuns. They have welcomed one another into their respective monasteries and convents joining together in silence, meditation and reflection. Some communities have been able to cooperate in the social field and, in a world marked by violence, are working together in the cause of peace.”
Invoking Nostra Aetate, the Vatican reaffirmed that this “Magna Carta” of the Catholics’ relations with people of other traditions rejects nothing of what is true and holy in other religions.
Nostra Aetate (meaning “In Our Time”) is the Vatican’s Declaration on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religions.
Passed by a vote of 2,221 to 88 of the assembled bishops at the Second Vatican Council, and promulgated on October 28, 1965 by Pope Paul VI, the declaration recognized that “Buddhism, in its various forms, realizes the radical insufficiency of this changeable world; it teaches a way by which men, in a devout and confident spirit, may be able either to acquire the state of perfect liberation, or attain, by their own efforts or through higher help, supreme illumination.”
Likewise, Nostra Aetate proclaimed Catholic Church’s sincere respect for Islam, Hinduism and Judaism, mentioning that these religions too “try to counter the restlessness of the human heart, each in its own manner, by proposing `ways,’ comprising teachings, rules of life, and sacred rites.
Following is the full text of the Vatican’s message:
Dear Buddhist Friends,
1. Once again the time of Vesakh comes, and on this occasion I wish to convey to you my heartfelt greetings. May this feast bring joy to you as individuals, as families and as communities. I am certain that in many places where Buddhists and Catholics live together they will use the moment to consolidate the good relations which already exist between them.
2. This year the Catholic Church celebrates the Fortieth Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration on the relationship of the Church to other religions, Nostra Aetate. This document can in some ways be considered as the “Magna Carta” which guides Catholics in their relations with people of other traditions. Mentioning Buddhism and many other religions, it states that “the Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions” (NA 2). Accordingly, Buddhists and Catholics are able to meet together, in a spirit of openness, sincerity and mutual respect, engaging in many different forms of dialogue.
3. In countries where Buddhists and Christians live and work side by side, the resulting “dialogue of life” allows them, while witnessing to their own beliefs, to deepen their understanding of one another, to foster goodwill and to promote a spirit of neighbourliness. In fact, a particular bond has developed between many Buddhist and Catholic monks and nuns. They have welcomed one another into their respective monasteries and convents joining together in silence, meditation and reflection. Some communities have been able to cooperate in the social field and, in a world marked by violence, are working together in the cause of peace.
4. Nowhere has the need for collaboration been felt more keenly than in the countries of South and Southeast Asia which were affected by the earthquake and the ensuing tsunami of 26 December 2004. This disaster elicited an outpouring of prayers, expressions of compassion and acts of generosity on a scale the world has rarely witnessed. Buddhists and Christians have worked together hand in hand to help the victims; religious organisations have cooperated by bringing immediate relief and assessing future needs. The long-term requirements of reconstruction call, however, for a continuation of these interreligious expressions of solidarity. There are also many other situations which require cooperation among people of good will so that solutions can be found which conform to human dignity and which respect human rights.
5. This year’s feast of Vesakh will find many families missing some of their members. I wish to assure them that their loved ones will not be forgotten but will be remembered in our prayers. The dialogue which Nostra Aetate has helped to promote encourages us to share with one another in times of joy and sorrow. It is in this spirit that I again wish all of you a blessed feast.
Archbishop Michael L. Fitzgerald
President
