07/06/2026
VESAK SPEECH BY VEN SECK KWANG PHING, PRESIDENT OF SINGAPORE BUDDHIST FEDERATION ON 7 JUN 2026
Guest of Honour Mr Jeffrey Siow; Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance, Venerables; lay devotees; religious leaders; distinguished guests:
Good morning!
First and foremost, on behalf of the Buddhist communities of Singapore, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister,Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers including Mr Jeffrey Siow, our G.O.H. today, Senior Ministers of State and Ministers of State, Parliamentary Secretaries, the Speaker of Parliament, Members of Parliament, governmental agencies, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, ASEAN Office, leaders of our religious communities, our fellow schools, business and community organizations etc for your countless Vesak Day well wishes that have poured in like snowflakes. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all good health, peace of mind, and every success in your endeavours.
As members of society, we should cultivate wholesome affinities and positive relationships to create harmony in our families, communities, and the world. Buddhism teaches that the mind is the source of all actions. When we think kindly, speak gently, and act with integrity, we naturally foster understanding and goodwill.
We should also practise generosity by helping those in need, sharing wisdom, and offering comfort to others. Such acts reduce selfishness, expand our compassion, and cultivate blessings.
Equally important are tolerance and gratitude. By accepting others’ shortcomings and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, we develop greater wisdom and compassion.
Finally, let us do good without expecting anything in return. When our actions arise from sincere compassion and are carried out consistently, we contribute to a more harmonious society and a more peaceful world.
Lastly, I sincerely wish everyone a Joyful Vesak. May you be blessed with wisdom, merit, peace, and happiness.
Thank you.