The End of Bhikkhu Thudong's Spiritual Journey at Borobudur Temple

A total of 40 Thudong monks who traveled in the framework of Tri Suci Waisak 2568 BE have arrived at Borobudur Temple. InJourney Destination Management (IDM) as the manager of Borobudur Temple welcomed the arrival of 40 monks who came from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and also Indonesia.

The Thudong monks arrived at zone II of Borobudur Temple through the Kalpataru gate and then headed to the Marga Utama area of ​​Borobudur Temple. In this area, the monks were immediately greeted with the grandeur of the largest Buddhist temple in the world, a legacy of the Syailendra Dynasty. Then, the monks went straight to the top of Borobudur Temple to perform prayers for almost an hour. The prayer was closed with a pradaksina procession or a clockwise rotation three times at the top of Borobudur Temple.

"InJourney welcomes the Thudong Bhikkhus to Borobudur Temple. We hope that the Bhikkhus can carry out their worship smoothly to welcome the 2024 Waisak celebration at Borobudur Temple, and have an impressive experience amidst the friendliness of the Indonesian people," said Maya Watono, InJourney's Director of Marketing and Tourism Programs.

Previously, on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 43 Thudong Bhikkhus began their journey on foot from Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jakarta, to Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java. To ensure the smooth journey of the Bhikkhus, InJourney collaborated with stakeholders. In each area passed, the Bhikkhus carried out a series of religious activities.

The monks also stopped at several places of worship such as mosques and monasteries. In Magelang, which is the last city before arriving at Borobudur Temple, the monks had the chance to visit the Tri Dharma Worship Place (TITD) Liong Hok Bio, Magelang. Upon arriving in Magelang, the monks were greeted with a typical Chinese art, the barongsai.

The journey of these monks also received direct escort from the police. Throughout the journey, these Thudong monks received a warm welcome from the residents. The residents were seen enthusiastically giving encouragement and also flower arrangements for the monks.

"We respond to the deep joy and tolerance during the journey of Bhikkhu Thudong that we continue to monitor and follow. As the manager of the largest Buddhist spiritual destination in the world, it is certainly our obligation to pay tribute to the Bhikkhus with excellent service at the destination," explained Hetty Herawati, Director of Marketing and Business Development of InJourney Destination Management.

InJourney Destination Management would like to thank the local government and police who have escorted and welcomed the monks. "We would also like to thank the community who were very enthusiastic in welcoming the monks' journey. We hope that the monks remain healthy and can get the best experience while traveling to Borobudur Temple, to then celebrate Waisak 2024," added Hetty.

The National Vesak Tri Suci Celebration 2568 BE/2024 will be centered at Borobudur Temple. This year, the Vesak seconds will fall on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 20.52.42 WIB. The theme of the 2024 National Vesak is "To Live Happily as Beings and Humans, Let Us Increase the Awareness Taught by the Buddha; Avoid Worldly Greed, Ignorance, Anger, and Hatred."

The peak event of the Waisak celebration will be held on May 23, 2024 with the Waisak Parade from Mendut Temple to Borobudur Temple, commemoration of the Waisak moments, pradaksina of Borobudur Temple, and the release of Waisak lanterns, and for the general public can take part in mindful walking meditation, namely feeling the sacredness of Borobudur Temple through pradaksina and meditation on May 24-25, 2024.