'Freedom From War Only If We Follow the Path of Buddha,' Says PM Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today attended the International Buddha Purnima Diwas celebrations in Delhi and offered prayers for the people affected by the earthquake in Nepal. He later addressed the gathering which was attended by ambassadors, MPs, scholars and Buddhist monks from across the globe.

Here are the highlights of the Prime Minister's address:

• Today is a special day yet we feel a bit burdened. That is because Nepal, a land we all love, is facing difficulty.
• The country where Lord Buddha was born is going through a tough phase
• Don't know how long Nepal will have to suffer
• I would like to pay tribute to Nepal's people for facing the earthquake bravely
• The message that Buddha has given for human kind - it is time to live those ideals
• Those ideals, principles can help wipe out the tears of Nepal
• If we want freedom from Yudh, it can be through the Marg of Buddha
• Whenever we discuss Buddha, it is evident that in today's world, his life and his message is relevant
• Imagine the courage and conviction to leave everything, money, power and work towards Manav Kalyan (Public Good)
• Buddha, who spent his entire childhood in the comforts of a royal lifestyle, represented compassion
• Everyone knows that 21st century is Asia's century. But without Buddha's teachings, the 21st century would not have been ours.
• In times like these, where will the message of Karuna (compassion) come from? The answer lies in Buddha.
• The solution to the problems which people are facing across the world lies in Buddha
• The teachings of Buddha showed Gyan Marg (the path of knowledge), and that's why they are still relevant
• The issues that we talk about today in India,2500 years back Buddha also talked about same things
• Whether its caste system or anything good or bad, Lord Buddha was sensitive on every issue
• Buddha wanted evolution, he wanted the world to be united