Mahavira News:

Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic three years ago, the government eventually opened in 2023. Therefore, this year, our association celebrated Vesak Day full of vibrant and joy. Buddhists in Indonesia and the world gathered at the monasteries to celebrate the birth, and enlightenment of Lord Buddha on this sacred Vesak Day, a time of joy, peace, and reflection.

The temple grounds are decorated with colorful banners, flowers, and various offerings, creating a memorable and solemn ambiance and at the same time bringing Dharma joy to everyone.

More than ten Sangha solemnly led the devotees to recite mantras. Most Venerable Hui Xiong, the President of the Indonesian Buddhist Center Association, the abbot of the temple, and the vice president cum secretary-general of the World Buddhist Sangha Council, teaches the devotees to train the mindcalm, tranquil, and ready for concentration with awareness, recite the Buddha’s name devoutly, and making great vows. The ringing sound of the bell is echoing, such tranquility filled the entire auditorium with a solemn atmosphere.

Venerable Abbot mentioned the theme of this year’s Vesak is about nature: “Return to Nature, Harmonious Coexistence”.

“Vesak”, the Day of the Full Moon also represents both self-benefitting and benefitting of others as well as complete fulfillment of Buddha-hood and Enlightenment.

This is a symbol of the combination of compassion, wisdom, and supreme Bodhi.

In addition to its religious and cultural importance, Vesak Day conveys a profound message that resonates with the urgent need for environmental restoration and protection.

Our modern way of life has resulted in a staggering disregard for environmental sustainability. In this digital era, everybody is living in a digital world, everything is interconnected and “fast”, the speed is so fast that we can’t extricate ourselves from “rapidity to desire“.

Human activities such as deforestation, industrialization, and overconsumption disrupt the delicate ecological balance. The consequences of this imbalance are evident in climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and the degradation of natural resources.

Vesak Day reminds us that promoting harmony with the environment is vital to our collective well-being and that of future generations.

Buddhism recognizes the importance of harmony with the environment and overall well-being.

The Lord Buddha – Shakyamuni Buddha‘s teachings emphasize compassion, mindfulness, and respect for all beings. These teachings promote a deep sense of interconnectedness and harmony with nature.

Vesak Day reminds us that promoting harmony with the environment is vital to our collective well-being and that of future generations.

Mindfulness practice is one of the most important elements of Buddhism philosophy and psychology and fits perfectly with sustainable living. Mindfulness is, however, a specialty of Buddhism.

Vesak Day reminds us to cultivate mindfulness in our actions toward the environment. By being fully aware and conscious of our ecological impact, we can make conscious choices that promote recovery rather than further degradation.

Vesak Day calls on people to have compassion for all living things.

Compassion is not limited to humans but also includes the well-being of animals, plants, and ecosystems. By cultivating compassion, we can actively work to restore and protect the environment and live in harmony and peace.

The essence of Vesak Day is not only about changing oneself but also about collective action.

The festival provides a platform for Buddhists and non-Buddhists together to address environmental challenges. Awareness initiatives, tree planting campaigns, environmental cleanups, and sustainability projects are all examples of Vesak-inspired practical actions.

By emphasizing the need for harmonious coexistence, Vesak Day calls on individuals and communities to work together toward a sustainable and mutual respect future.

In order to resonate with Vesak’s message, the Venerable Abbot leads all devotees in passing lamps ceremony, hoping that through passing lamps, the spirit of Vesak will spread throughout the universe and propagate the teachings of the Lord Buddha with our hearts and cultivate compassion and wisdom in our daily lives.

The association celebrated the sacred Vesak day in various countries and regions, including: Nanjia Temple in Los Angeles USA, Shengquan Temple in Los Angeles, Beeh Low See Temple in Singapore, Lian Chee Kek Buddhist Temple in Singapore, Wihara Mahavira Graha Buddhist Building in Jakarta Indonesia, Mahakaruna Buddhist Center Medan, Wihara Purva Vaidurya Mahavira Graha Buddhist Center Kalbar, Indonesia and other regional branches held Vesak Day commemoration at the same time.

By being fully aware and conscious of our ecological impact, we can make conscious choices that promote recovery rather than further degradation.