Indonesian Buddhist Youth Association and Indonesian Buddhist Women Hold Cultural Show with African Buddhist Children

The Indonesian Buddhist Youth Association and Indonesian Buddhist Women (Wanita Buddhis Indonesia) made history on July 14 by organizing the “Humanitarian Cultural Exchange Tour 2024: African Children's Show” in Surabaya. The event was part of a tour during which a delegation of African Buddhist children will perform cultural performances in four cities in Indonesia: Surabaya, Makassar, Bangka and Batam.

The Young Buddhist Association (YBA) is Indonesia's leading Buddhist youth organization. Through its deep belief in the Buddha's message of compassion, growth and liberation, the association promotes a positive lifestyle among young people in order to cultivate a society based on wisdom, compassion and gratitude. The association is involved in the establishment of nationwide Buddhist organizations, the propagation of Dharma study among youth, and leadership training.

During their performance in Surabaya on Sunday, the children attracted a crowd of almost 2 spectators, who were amazed by the various performances of the children, all from the southern African kingdom of Eswatini.

YBA President Limanyono Tanto explained that this event was particularly special because it was organized in collaboration with the Amitofo Care Center Foundation and Indonesian Buddhist Women. The event was attended by the founder of Amitofo Care Center, Master Hui Li, who has been propagating Buddhist teaching on the African continent for 20 years.

“We believe that the arrival of these African children is not only an artistic and cultural exchange, but that it has brought a dose of enthusiasm and inspiration because this is a group of children who , amidst the difficulties of their life in Africa, still managed to fill their childhood with happiness in Buddhadharma,” remarked Limanyono. “As young Buddhists in Indonesia, and in the city of Surabaya in particular, we take this as a source of motivation to inherit their spirit and fighting strength by persevering and learning Buddhism. »

Despite a surplus of infrastructure and opportunities in Indonesia, many have not chosen to seriously study the Buddha Dharma to find happiness, Limanyono said, emphasizing that these young children in Africa were all capable to read and recite Buddhist scriptures in Mandarin, which is very rare among young Buddhists in Indonesia.

“So the most important point is that we can absorb the spirit and fighting strength of our African brothers and sisters to become lotus flowers that bloom gracefully in the middle of a muddy pond,” he stressed. .

Limanyono also expressed gratitude for the presence of Master Hui Li as the founder of the Amitofo Care Center, who raised these children into ambassadors or dharma propagators, easily accepted by the community. He expressed hope that Master Hui Li's work would inspire Buddhists in Indonesia to establish Amitofo health centers in remote areas of the country to help alleviate poverty and improve access to education.

“We are confident and optimistic about the rapid development of Buddhism if supported by the formal education sector, where Buddhism can become a foundation for the morals and mindset of students from an early age », added Limanyono. “This is what we see as our great common task in Indonesia, especially in big cities like Surabaya.

President of the Indonesian Buddhist Women's Association Lucy Salim called the cultural exchange extraordinary and unexpected, and praised the association for its role in organizing the event. “I hope we can continue to work together and succeed, moving forward to do our best for the good of our community,” she said.

Chairperson of the Indonesian Buddhist Women of East Java Province, Jaswiati, agreed, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and praising the greatness of the YBA members: "I hope that my children from the YBA and Buddhist Women Indonesians can continue to be united and organize more big events in the future. »

Although officially secular, Indonesia is home to a diversity of religious and spiritual communities and traditions. Islam is the most widespread religion, practiced by 87% of the population, according to 2022 national data. Christian traditions represent 10,5% of the country, Hinduism 1,7% and Confucianism, popular traditions and other traditions represent 0,07% of the country.

Buddhism, practiced by 0,73% of the population, or approximately two million people, is Indonesia's second oldest spiritual tradition after Hinduism. According to historical accounts, Buddhism began to flourish on the archipelago around the XNUMXth century, followed by the rise and decline of a number of powerful Buddhist empires, including the Shailendra dynasty (c. XNUMXth-XNUMXth centuries). , the Srivijaya empire (approximately XNUMXth-XNUMXth centuries) and the Mataram empire (approximately XNUMXth-XNUMXth centuries). Today, the majority of Indonesian Buddhists are affiliated with Mahayana Buddhist schools, although there are also communities of Theravada and Vajrayana practitioners.

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Indonesian Buddhist Youth Association
Young Buddhist Association (YBA) of Indonesia (Instagram)
Indonesian Buddhist Youth Association (Facebook)
Wanita Buddhists Indonesia (Instagram)
Amitofo International Care Center

Indonesian Buddhist Youth Association and Indonesian Buddhist Women Hold Cultural Show with African Buddhist Children

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