Mindful Festival Promotes Interfaith Harmony in Indonesia’s East Java Province
The collaborative effort between the Young Buddhist Association of Indonesia (YBA) and Kertarajasa Buddhist College in hosting a mindful festival on April 20th marks a significant stride in promoting mindfulness and interfaith understanding within Indonesia’s East Java Province.
Attended by over 300 ascetics and multi-faith residents, the event unfolded at the XXI Lounge Ciputra World Surabaya, serving as a platform for fostering awareness of mindfulness practices and Buddhist teachings among local communities.
The YBA, as a vanguard in advocating Buddhist principles among the youth, spearheaded the event with a commitment to instilling compassion, growth, and liberation in society.
Through initiatives spanning nationwide establishment of Buddhist organizations, Dharma education for the youth, and leadership development, the association embodies the essence of Buddhist teachings in contemporary contexts.
The festival featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including motivational figures like Andrie Wongso and specialists in mindfulness such as Samanera Abhisarano.
Their presentations, ranging from integrating mindfulness into daily life to mindful leadership in business, reflected a concerted effort to make mindfulness accessible and applicable across diverse lifestyles.
Anthony Orodiputro, YBA Daily chairman, underscored the inclusive nature of the event, emphasizing its relevance for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
By fostering a holistic understanding of mindfulness through various perspectives, the festival aimed to equip participants with practical tools for conscious living.
Samanera Abhisarano highlighted the importance of creative pedagogy in disseminating mindfulness teachings to a broader audience, echoing the sentiment that mindfulness transcends religious boundaries.
In a nation as diverse as Indonesia, where Islam predominates but various faiths coexist, initiatives like the mindful festival serve as conduits for promoting mutual respect and understanding among different religious communities.
As Indonesia continues to embrace its rich tapestry of spiritual traditions, events like these contribute to nurturing a more harmonious and enlightened society.
