Waisak celebrations emphasize peace, tolerance

Mon, May 20, 2019 / 06:13 pm

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Candles are lit around an altar during Waisak at Sewu Temple in Klaten, Central Java, on Saturday. JP/Magnus Hendratmo
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Hitching a ride to a Waisak celebration on a pick-up truck. JP/Boy T. Harjanto
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Silhouettes of Buddhist monks at Lumbung Temple in Central Java. JP/Boy T Harjanto
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Buddhists put up umbrellas for a Waisak celebration in Lumbung Temple’s courtyard, Central Java. JP/Boy T Harjanto
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People carry harvest into Sewu Temple in Central Java/ JP/Boy T Harjanto
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Waisak observance at Sewu Temple in Klaten, Central Java, on Saturday. JP/Magnus Hendratmo
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A praying altar moments before Waisak observance commenced at Sewu Temple in Central Java. JP/Boy T Harjanto
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Buddhist monks repeat mantras and meditate as they walk around Borobudur temple in Central Java clockwise three times as part of the Pradaksina ritual in the early hours on Sunday. JP/ R Berto Wedhatama
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Novice Buddhist monks prepare for the Pindhapata ritual at Dhamadipa Arama Temple in Batu, East Java, on Sunday. This year’s Waisak celebrations were held within the temple’s compound in respect of Muslims observing Ramadan. JP/Aman Rochman
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Novice monks receive alms from fellow Buddhists during the Pindhapata ritual at Dhamadipa Arama Temple in Batu, East Java, on Monday. JP/Aman Rochman

Aman Rochman and Boy T. Harjanto

Waisak celebrations were carried out peacefully across the archipelago last weekend, with Buddhists conveying messages of peace and tolerance in a politically tumultuous period.

Buddhists in Klaten, Central Java solemnly observed Buddha’s Day of Enlightenment by praying at Sewu Temple.

This year’s Waisak celebrations in Malang, East Java, which coincided with Ramadan, were slightly different from previous years.

Buddhists in the region used to celebrate Waisak by holding a series of art performances and carnivals on the streets around the city.

However, in respect for Muslims observing Ramadan, which began earlier this month, this year’s festivities were postponed until June 16.

On the holy day of Waisak, Buddhists observe the birth, transcendence and death of Gautama Buddha. Waisak encourages introspection and compassion for all living creatures.

The word “waisak” is derived the Pali language word “vesakha”or “vaisakha”in Sanskrit. “Vesakha”refers to a period on the Buddhist calendar that typically falls in May. [evi]