Buddhist Pilgrimage Unites Faiths in Indonesia during Thudong
In recent weeks, Indonesia has been captivated by the spiritual pilgrimage of 40 monks from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, accompanied by hundreds of devotees.
This journey, known as Thudong, began during Vesak last month and covered about 80 kilometers from Semarang’s Buddha Jayanti Wungkal Kasap Temple to the iconic Borobudur temple complex in Magelang Regency.
Thudong, rooted in the Pali term dhutanga, signifies a tradition of solitary wandering and ascetic practices followed by Buddhist monastics.
Despite modern conveniences, monks on Thudong do not carry money or sleep in hotels, relying instead on the support of Buddhist communities who offer food and shelter at monasteries and temples along the route.
The pilgrimage serves as a reminder of Indonesia’s religious diversity, with monks receiving hospitality from people of various faiths.
Susy Yang, head of the Thudong 2024 Committee, highlighted the journey’s potential to inspire global harmony through mutual kindness among different belief systems.
Reflecting on their journey, Bhante Kamsai Sumano Mahathera from Thailand expressed gratitude for the warm reception and support received, which sustained the pilgrims through daily walks of up to 30 kilometers.
The culmination at Borobudur involved a deeply meditative ritual of circumambulation, reinforcing the spiritual significance of Thudong as a practice to purify and strengthen the heart amidst community support.
