02/06/2026
Harnessing Buddhist Wisdom for Human Well-being
Vesak Speech by
Ven. Dr Tawalama Dhammika Mahāthero
Geneva International Buddhist Center
UN Day of Vesak, China-Wuzi
27 May 2026
Buddhism is often described as a philosophy of life, a way of life, or the art of living; all of these definitions are meaningful and reflect the teachings of the Buddha.
However, based on our own experience—having embraced the Buddhist way of life as a monk for well over 60 years- we are convinced that Buddhism is more than that: it is truly a path to happiness and a way to inner peace. It is this that really proves that Buddhist wisdom is for the well-being of individuals and humanity as a whole.
In our search for well-being, we often look outward—toward success, knowledge, and achievement. But the teachings of Buddhism invite us to look inward.
We are taught three kinds of wisdom:
1) The wisdom we gain from learning. (Sutamaya Ñāṇa)
2) The wisdom we develop through thinking and reflection. (Cintāmaya Ñāṇa)
3) The wisdom we experience directly through the practice of mental training and mindfulness, here and now in the present moment.(Bhāvanāmaya Ñāṇa)
The first two help us succeed in the modern world. They provide us with education, innovation, progress, and a wide range of scientific achievements. They build our societies. They indicate the way to consume the happiness of sensual experience. But the third kind of wisdom—experiential wisdom—is the one that transforms our lives.
As taught by the Gautama Buddha, true well-being comes not only from what we know but also from what we experience within ourselves. Every moment of our lives, we are breathing.
We are thinking. We are aging.
These are not obstacles—they are opportunities. Through awareness of breathing, we develop calm and balance. Through understanding our thoughts, we gain clarity and insight.
Through accepting aging, we discover wisdom and peace. In order to understand the cycles of birth and death, rebirth -the cycle of Saṃsāra. And through this deep practice, we move toward true freedom—a state beyond suffering, known as Nibbāna.
This is not just philosophy. It is a practical path. A path to inner peace. A path to lasting happiness. A path to true human well-being.
I conclude my presentation with a verse from the Sukha Vagga of the Dhammapada in the Kuddhaka Nikaya.
《Ārogya parama lābhā》“Health is the greatest gain,” referring to physical well-being.
《Santuṭṭhi paramaṃ dhanaṃ》“Contentment is the greatest wealth,” referring to mental
《Vissāsa parama ñati》well-being. “Trustworthy people are the best of relatives,” referring to social well-being.
《Nibbānaṃ paramaṃ sukhaṃ》“Nibbāna is the highest happiness,” referring to spiritual well-being.
This stanza beautifully illustrates how Buddhist wisdom integrates the different dimensions of human well-being—physical, mental, social, and spiritual.
Thank you.
