Thousands Of Buddhists Participate In Asdha Procession In Central Java

Minggu, 9 Juli 2017 07:18 WIB

Ribuan umat Buddha dari berbagai daerah di Indonesia mengikuti prosesi Asadha dengan berjalan kaki dari Candi Mendut menuju Candi Borobudur di Kabupaten Magelang, Sabtu (8/7). (Foto: ANTARAJATENG.COM/ Heru Suyitno)

Magelang, ANTARA JATENG - Thousands of Buddhists from various regions in Indonesia took part in the Asadha procession from Mendut to the Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, on Saturday.

They walked for about four kilometers preceded by a car carrying the "Pancasila" banner, which is the symbol of Indonesian national unity, followed by a "Unity in Diversity" car carrying participants wearing a variety of traditional costumes. The cars were followed by participants holding the national Red and White flags, the flag of the Indonesia Theravada Buddhist Council, cone of produce, and finally a cart with a Buddha relic on board and clerics.

Chief of the Indonesia Theravada Buddhist Executive Board Bhikku Subha Pannyo Mahathera Sanghanayaka stated that Asadha is a feast celebrated by Buddhists after Waisak to mark the first day when Gautama Buddha preached about dharma, or truth, to his first five students at the Isipatana Antlers Park in ancient India.

"The essence of his teaching is in principle all teachings of Buddha about suffering and freedom," he noted.

He remarked that Buddha taught about a noble path covering the eight elements of right view, mind, speech, act, life, effort, attention, and contemplation to free people from suffering.

He stated that the commemoration this time was themed "Love Guards Diversity," with the hopes that Buddhists across Indonesia would forego all cravings that could create divisions and disrupt brotherhood, peace, and happiness of the Indonesian people.

He pointed out that the spirit of love, solidarity, and empathy must continue to be preserved, adding that diversity in the country, in terms of religion, ethnicity, or race, must not pose a hurdle for the people to be able to lead a harmonious life.

Before the Asadha, hundreds of Bhikkus had read the Tripitaka book since Thursday. After arriving at Borobudur, the participants held the Asadha 2561 service at the Borobudur Temple grounds.