Hundreds Of Buddhists Hold Prayers Of Happiness At Borobudur, Venerable Bhikkhu: Make It A Religious Tourism Destination

Photo via Ministry of Religion

JAKARTA - The government has agreed with the use of Prambanan and Borobudur Temples as religious activities for Hindus and Buddhists worldwide on February 11, 2022. Since then, Borobudur has begun to be used for religious activities, including Prayers of Happiness.

"Today we are happy. This is the first Happiness Prayer momentum at the Borobudur temple, hopefully it will bring goodness to the Indonesian people," said Venerable Bhikkhu Dittishampanno, at Borobudur, Saturday, April 2, quoted from the Ministry of Religion website.

"We do this Prayer of Happiness with hundreds of Buddhists," he added.

YM Bhikkhu Dittishampanno conveyed that this morning's prayer for happiness was centered on Borobudur Temple. The series starts from Mendut Temple, Pawon Temple, and ends at Borobudur Temple.

"We pay respects. And support government programs, in particular making Borobudur a religious tourism destination," said HE Bhikkhu Dittishampanno.

As Banthe, Dittishampanno always provides guidance to the people spiritually. According to him, the ritual carried out this morning has many meanings. For example, Pudja Mandala at Borobudur on Uposatha day.

"Upo means approaching and Satha means Guru. This is a good day to do good things. This is the first step to a world-class ritual destination. Motivating Buddhists with the Pudja Mandala program at Borobudur Temple," explained Banthe Dittishampanno.

Banthe Dittishampanno hopes that in the future at least twice a month they can carry out prayers at Borobudur, so that Buddhists get used to it.

"In fact, later, at any time Buddhists can pray at Borobudur. Travel and do Pudja and prayers. Go around the temple three times (Pradakshina). And read verses and Gathas, also worship the temples," explained Banthe Dittishampanno.

Not only that, continued Banthe Dittishampanno, Buddhists can also do meditation, sit for about 15 minutes, and continue with the reading of the Sutras, Gathas and Parithas to ask for happiness.

"May the Indonesian people always be in goodness," concluded Banthe Dittishampanno.

Appearing to be present in this prayer of happiness were the Director of Buddhist Affairs, Supriyadi, representatives of community leaders, ASN of the Directorate General of Buddhist Guidance, and Buddhist religious leaders.