YOGYAKARTA, May 22 – In a spiritual tribute to Wesak Day, a group of 40 devoted monks from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia successfully completed the Thudong pilgrimage that culminated at the revered Borobudur Temple in Yogyakarta, here on Monday.
Among the venerable pilgrims was Bhante Chuan, a 67-year-old monk hailing from Johor Bahru, who contributed to the journey through his unwavering devotion and determination.
The monks completed the journey, spanning 60 kilometres, along the route from Buddha Jayanti Wungkal Kasap Temple in Semarang to Borobudur Temple Complex in Magelang.
Bhante Chuan said the Thudong journey is a profound spiritual experience and is a testament to their commitment to the path of enlightenment.
“It feels good, we walk without any pain because we think of ‘Buddha’ as if there’s no pain, walking slowly, happily, and seeing many people following our path. Wherever we go there are people following the path and we are happy,” he told media when met at the Borobudur Temple.
”My Bhante from Singapore said wherever they go (monks), they are warmly welcomed by local residents during their pilgrimage and at the local temple; even the pain of walking is gone,” he said.
Chairman of Thudong 2024 Bhante Kamsai Sumano Mahathera said their pilgrimage may have ended, but their spiritual journey continues.
Thudong is a ritual performed by Bhantes (Buddhist monks) in which they walk long distances — sometimes up to a thousand kilometres — to emulate the Buddha.
This year’s Thudong took the theme of “Journey with Awareness of Diversity for an Honorable, Harmonious and Happy Way of Life”.
Wesak Day, which is celebrated by Buddhists globally in honour of the birth, enlightenment and passing of Gautama Buddha, provided a poignant backdrop for this spiritual undertaking.
