Waisak prayers, processions in pursuit of enlightenment

Wed, May 25, 2016 / 12:14 am

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Dozens of Buddhist priests and priestesses take holy water from the Umbul Jumprit fountain in Temanggung, Central Java, on May 20. JP/Suherdjoko
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Several priests follow the Pindapata procession to beg along Jl. Pemuda in Magelang, Central Java, prior to the Waisak ceremony. JP/Tarko Sudiarno
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Muslim residents give alms to the priests. JP/Tarko Sudiarno
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A priestess, or biksuni, on her phone. JP/Tarko Sudiarno
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Thousands of worshipers join in the procession to circle Borobudur Temple as part of Pradaksina ritual. JP/Tarko Sudiarno
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Several priests and priestesses join the Pradaksina ritual. JP/Tarko Sudiarno
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Worshipers await the countdown to Buddha’s Day of Enlightenment at Borobudur Temple early on Sunday morning. JP/Tarko Sudiarno
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A priest blesses worshipers with holy water. JP/Tarko Sudiarno
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Worshipers sleep while waiting for the dawn of Waisak, at 4:14 a.m. on Sunday, 2016. JP/Tarko Sudiarno
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Thousands of worshipers and visitors release 5,000 lanterns symbolizing prayers. JP/Tarko Sudiarno

Thousands of Buddha followers solemnly join the two-day ritual to commemorate Waisak, Buddha’s Day of Enlightenment, on Saturday and Sunday at Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java.

Waisak commemorations, organized by the Indonesia Buddha Congregation [Walubi], began with a procession to take holy water from the Umbul Jumprit fountain in Temanggung and the eternal flame from Mrapen, Purwodadi. The water and flame were placed at nearby Mendut Temple before later being carried in procession, along with Buddha’s relics, to Borobudur Temple.

Waisak emphasizes the three important events in the life of Gautama Buddha; his birth, enlightenment and perfect liberation.

The peak of the procession was held close on midnight, marked by the release of 5,000 lanterns.

In the morning, the congregation meditated, reminisced on the Buddha’s life and received a blessing with holy water. This was followed by Pradaksina, a procession to circle the Borobudur Temple three times on foot. [dmr]

JP/ Tarko Sudiarno