Prayers for end of the economic crisis<\/p>\n
By P.J. Leo<\/p>\n
MAGELANG, Central Java (JP): Under the full moon on a windy
\nnight, thousands of Buddhists from across Indonesia and abroad
\nprayed solemnly at the Borobudur temple. It was the most
\nimportant ceremony of Waisak, the Buddhist Day of Enlightenment.<\/p>\n
The ritual began with a procession from nearby Mendut to the
\nBorobudur Temple.<\/p>\n
This year's Waisak had a somewhat different mood compared with
\nlast year's. For security reasons, the organizing committee
\nsimplified the itinerary: there were no dances, as is usual.<\/p>\n
The event focused on rituals and meditation. The congregation
\noffered its prayers for the safety of Indonesia in its struggle
\nto survive the current crisis.<\/p>\n
The series of ceremonies began with the collection of holy
\nwater from Jumprit Spring on May 5, 2001, in Temanggung regency,
\nCentral Java, some 65 kilometers west of Borobudur. The next day,
\nthe main ritual was the collection of the holy fire from Mrapen,
\nPurwodadi, some 120 km northwest of Borobudur.<\/p>\n
The holy water and fire were blessed at Mendut Temple before
\nbeing taken to Borobudur.<\/p>\n
The Mendut-Borobudur procession started at 4 p.m. on Monday
\nwhen thousands of Buddhists walked to Borobudur. The event was
\njust like a carnival, with many thousands of residents lining the
\nroadsides to watch the procession.<\/p>\n
Upon reaching Borobudur, the faithful headed for their tents.
\nThere were eight denominations and the followers of each
\ndenomination had their own tents.<\/p>\n
At the peak of the ceremony on Monday night, all members of
\nthe congregation solemnly bowed their heads in meditation. The
\nlighting by candles was accompanied by songs, and monks sprinkled
\nholy water on the congregation as a token of their blessing.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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