This booklet contains a lecture given by Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi at the United Nations on Vesak Day, 2001. Ven. Bodhi gives an overview of the life of the Buddha and his message of truth and peace, which is valid and applicable for all of humanity. Included are chapters on the birth of the Buddha, the quest for enlightenment, the aim of the Buddha's teaching, the methodology of the teaching, and the parinibbana and afterwards.