The Indonesian public has been captivated in recent weeks by the presence of 40 monks from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, as well as hundreds of devotees, stopping in several cities as part of a spiritual pilgrimage which started during Vesak last month, on May 23.
The pilgrims traveled about 80 kilometers on foot from the Buddha Jayanti Wungkal Kasap Temple in the port city of Semarang in Central Java to the historic Borobudur Temple Complex in Magelang Regency, about 40 kilometers away. northwest of Yogyakarta.
The term tudongderived from Pali dhutanga (austere practices), refers to the solitary, wandering, ascetic and meditative lifestyle of certain monks. The practice has gained popularity in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries in recent years. Thudong involves a spiritual or religious pilgrimage that follows in the footsteps of the Buddha during his life.
“This Buddhist practice has been kept alive for generations, even after modern facilities were available to support the journey,” noted Bhikkhu Dhammavuddho Thera, head of the Indonesian Buddhist organization Sangha Theravada Dhammayut Indonesia. (The star)
Monks do not carry money when undertaking tudongThey also don't sleep in hotels, but rather in Buddhist places of worship, such as monasteries and temples. They usually receive offerings of food or alms from Buddhists along their journey or at rest stops.
“Indonesia is home to people of many different religions and monks traveling to Thudong They will often receive support and hospitality from everyone they meet along the way, regardless of their religious background,” said Thudong 2024 Committee Chairwoman Susy Yang. “We hope (this pilgrimage) will serve as an inspiration to the world that people of different beliefs can live together in kindness.” » (The star)
According to Bhante Kamsai Sumano Mahathera of Thailand, who led the tudong ritual, the pilgrims were impressed and encouraged by the warm welcome they received in Indonesia.
“In one day we can walk up to 30 kilometers and, although we are tired at the end, we find the energy to continue our journey the next day thanks to the kindness of the people we met,” said Bhante Kamsai. “They gave us food, sandals, medicine and much more. » (The star)
“We never felt like we were alone during the execution tudong“Every day we left at 5 a.m. to start walking and even at that time there were already people awake cheering us on, giving us water and flowers… all to help us get through it. reach our destination safely. » (The star)
Bhante Chuan from Malaysia remarked: “I am so happy to be here with the bhikkhus directed by Bhante Kamsai. Thudong is easy (for some), while for others it can be a challenge. tudong is meant to strengthen and purify the heart, but what really helps is the support of the community around us. » (The star)
Arriving at Borobudur, the monks climbed to the upper levels of the 35 meter high monument and engaged in pradakshina, a Buddhist ritual that involves walking clockwise around the temple three times during meditation. After the Vesak festivities, the group traveled to Muaro Temple in Jambi Province, Central Sumatra, to conclude their pilgrimage to Indonesia.
See more
This Buddhist walking ritual teaches patience and promotes religious acceptance (The star)
With Robes and a Bowl – Insights from the Life of Thudong Bhikkhu (Access to Insight)
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Article Thudong : Buddhists hold spiritual pilgrimage in Indonesia appeared first on Buddhist News Global.
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