Day of Enlightenment<\/p>\n
Religious services not only bring peace and serenity, but also
\nare displays of harmony and elegance.<\/p>\n
This was true of the services held to mark the Buddhist Day of
\nEnlightenment on May 24.<\/p>\n
Buddhists from around the country took part in services at the
\nBorobudur and Mendut temples in Yogyakarta to commemorate the
\nthree most important days in the life of Sidharta Gautama: his
\nbirth, the day of his enlightenment and his death.<\/p>\n
The services lasted from May 21 to May 24, starting with the
\ncarrying of sacred water from a water source in Parakan,
\nTemanggung, to Mendut Temple. This was followed by taking fire
\nfrom the eternal flame in Mrapen, Purwodadi, to the temple.<\/p>\n
The services, which were attended President Susilo Bambang
\nYudhoyono, ended at Borobudur Temple in Magelang. -- Text and
\nphotos by P.J. Leo<\/p>\n
Photo A: Waisak<\/p>\n
Local residents, including Muslims, watch a procession of
\nBuddhists taking sacred water from the Umbul Jumprit water source
\nin Parakan, Temanggung.<\/p>\n
Photo B: Waisak<\/p>\n
Ceremony leaders solemnly carry jugs containing the sacred water
\nto Mendut Temple.<\/p>\n
Photo C: Waisak<\/p>\n
Buddhists line up at Mendut Temple to pray for the purification
\nof water taken from Umbul Jumprit and fire taken from Mrapen.<\/p>\n
Photo D: Waisak<\/p>\n
Buddhist priests lead a ceremony to purify the sacred water and
\nflame inside Mendut Temple.<\/p>\n
Photo E: Waisak<\/p>\n
Dancers from the Bagong Koesoediardjo art institute perform
\nduring the celebrations at Borobudur Temple.<\/p>\n
Photo F: Waisak<\/p>\n
Buddhists pray while walking around Borobudur Temple.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/day-of-enlightenment-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }