T

housands of people were present to celebrate Waisak, Buddha’s Day of Enlightenment, at Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, on Sunday. They came to watch the release of 5,000 lanterns, symbolizing light for the world and hope for a better life.

Under the full moon, against the backdrop of the world’s largest Buddhist temple, thousands of lanterns were released into the air from the candlelit Gunadharma field.

The lanterns, released in several stages, ascended slowly through the sky.

Thousands of local and international spectators shouted in excitement as the lanterns were released, many capturing the rare moment on camera. A bout of heavy rain failed to dampen spirits prior to the event.

Monks arrived from Indonesia and neighboring countries such as Thailand and Nepal to participate and Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin and Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo were also in attendance at the event.

Buddhist monk Sri Pannavaro Mahatera said mankind must try to emulate the attitude of the Gautama Buddha who could not bear to see the suffering of mankind.

“Those who cannot stand to see suffering are great men,” he said on Saturday evening.

Mahathera also called on the nation’s leaders to be a role model for the people, like parents are to their children.

“We hope that our leaders are unable to bear to see people suffering. Provide them the guidance to become independent, noble minded and prosperous people,” he said.

Sri also reminded the audience of the teachings of Buddhist philosopher Empu Tantular, who inspired the national slogan Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), in the Sutasoma book. He said the philosophy remained relevant and useful for the Indonesian nation.

Kalla used the occasion to remind people that all religions taught love and brotherhood in order that people could live happily.

“The world faces many problems, economic and welfare issues and conflicts. We all need to unite, to work together to resolve these issues irrespective of religious leanings,” he said.

Waisak celebrations began on May 20 when holy water from the Umbul Jumprit spring in Temanggung and sacred fire sourced from Mrapen in Purwodadi were taken to Mendut Temple.

Before the Buddhist gathering at Borobudur Temple, thousands performed rituals at Mendut Temple, some 3 kilometers to the east. The ceremony continued into the early hours of Sunday morning at Borobudur Temple with a parade, followed by a meditation session that ended seconds before the dawn of Waisak at 4:14 a.m. As morning light broke, 1,000 lanterns were released into the air.

The renowned beauty of Waisak at Borobudur Temple attracted a stream of visitors. Housewife Reni came from Jakarta with her family to witness the release of the lanterns.

“This is my first time here. I purchased three lanterns, each at Rp 100,000 (US$7.50),” she said.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Buddhists gathered in Semarang, Central Java, to celebrate Waisak on Sunday at two temples, the Watugong and Vihara Tanah Putih temples on Jl. Dr. Wahidin, Semarang.