Meira Kumar greets nation on Buddha Purnima

NEW DELHI - Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar has greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima that India celebrates Thursday.

In her message, the speaker Wednesday reminded the nation of the noble path shown by Gautam Buddha and asked the people to rededicate themselves to “the Buddha’s noble emphasis on non-violence, equality, peace and the pursuit of spiritual liberation” on this day.

Meira Kumar said: “Lord Buddha’s middle path is as relevant today as it was when he first talked about it in his Dharmachakra Parivartana sermon at Sarnath.”

“It is important because it shuns the ideas of extremism and violence, but instead lays great stress on ahimsa, compassion and universal brotherhood.”

“I also hope that forgiveness and loving-kindness lead and influence our actions always.”

Buddha Purnima, which falls on a full moon night in the month of Vaisakha, commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha.