Developing Noble Values through Borobudur Spiritual Activities
Magelang, August 18, 2024 – Management of the World Cultural Heritage of Borobudur Temple in addition to conservation, education, tourism, is also prioritized for spiritual interests. Activities organized by various assemblies, sanghas and Buddhist associations, present the embodiment of Buddha through noble values, policies and spirituality contained in Borobudur Temple.
The series of spiritual activities at Borobudur Temple consists of several major agendas, including Yobanna Borobudur, Ulambana Borobudur and Upasika Rattana. These activities were initiated by various organizations and assemblies and attended by hundreds of Buddhists from various regions and several countries in Asia.
The Yobbana Dhamma Samaya (YDS) activity was held by the Directorate General of Buddhist Community Guidance of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs as a meeting place for young Buddhists from various countries to study together the teachings of Buddhism in the Borobudur area. The agenda was themed “Spiritual Entrepreneurship" which was opened directly by the Deputy Minister of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia Saiful Rahmat Dasuki is also intended to motivate young people in facing global competition, especially in the fields of technology, communication, economics and development.
Participants of Yobbana Dhamma Samaya (YDS) 2024 are delegates of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth (WFBY) from various countries, including Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. The activity was also attended by 300 youths from various regions in Indonesia.
Borobudur Ulambana National 2024 50 Thousand Lamp Light Puja at the Great Borobudur Temple is a collaborative agenda of three sanghas, Theravada, Mahayana and Tantrayana. The ceremony initiated by the Indonesian Nyingma Community Council (MUNI) is a ceremony of respect as a sign of family devotion for the transfer of merit (Pattidana) to the ancestors.
Devotees from three sanghas took turns chanting prayers and were attended by around 50 monks. The Mahayana Sangha is led by Venerable Bhikkhu Samantha Kusala Mahasthavira, the Theravada Sangha is led by Venerable Bhante Wongsin Labhiko Mahathera while the Tantrayana Sangha is led by Venerable Serling Tulku Yongdzin Rinpoche.
Ulambana participants also read the Ulambana Sutra, perform devotional services and meditation, offer paramitha offerings to sangha members, and perform penance procedures. kshamayati for the bad karma done and instilling goodness for the ancestors and all beings.
The highlight of Borobudur Ulambana is the lighting of 50 thousand lamps in the form of five Buddhas and prayers by the three sanghas present. At the event candle light ceremony This also includes prayers for the names that have been registered.
Meanwhile, Upasika Rattana is an activity to deepen the values of Buddha Dhamma to carry out the eight precepts which will be held on August 17-21, 2024. This activity includes the ordination ceremony, pradaksina, candle lights and meditation at Dagi Hill, in the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park complex.
InJourney Destination Management as the manager of the Borobudur Temple tourist destination encourages the implementation of religious activities in the Borobudur Temple area. The use of Borobudur Temple for religious activities is a real step by the government in realizing the strategic program of Super Priority Tourism Destinations initiated by President Joko Widodo.
"Borobudur Temple as the largest sacred Buddhist mandala in the world is a source of spiritual values, nobility, and universal humanity. Through these spiritual activities, it is hoped that people can understand more deeply about Borobudur which plays a role in preserving, not only its physical form, but also the noble values within it," explained GM of Borobudur AY Suhartanto in Borobudur, Magelang, Sunday (18/8/2024).
The development and utilization of the Borobudur Temple religious destination in an integrative manner must be interpreted as one of the important aspects in the World Cultural Heritage preservation program.
"As a cultural heritage of the noble ancestors of the Indonesian nation, the preservation of Borobudur Temple needs to be maintained by expanding the existing insights and noble values. This is in line with efforts to present quality tourism in the region.
