Buddhist Guidance Directorate Invites Making Vesakha Sananda a Momentum for Strengthening Spirituality
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Religious Affairs is inviting the entire Buddhist community to make the Vesakha Sananda 2026 momentum a strengthening of spiritual practices that have a tangible impact on social, economic, and environmental life.
“Today gives meaning that religion is not only manifested in rituals alone, but religion can be prepared as a guide, and we realise it in life. Thus, it is meaningful for oneself, society, the nation and state, and the universe,” said the Director General of Buddhist Community Guidance (Bimas) Supriyadi in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The statement was delivered by Supriyadi during the Borobudur Workshop titled “Reading, Understanding, and Living the Spiritual Values of Borobudur”, held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs building in Jakarta.
The Borobudur Workshop is one of the series of Vesakha Sananda 2026 or a full month of spirituality and social activities to welcome the Holy Tri Suci Vesak Day 2570 BE/2026.
The Borobudur Workshop Roadshow activities stem from the understanding that Borobudur is not only a cultural heritage but also a source of rich meaningful spiritual values.
“This workshop also serves as an interaction space involving government elements, academics, religious figures, Buddhist religious organisations, and the general public, to encourage the exchange of ideas and strengthening of comprehensive perspectives,” he said.
Supriyadi stated that the commemoration of the Holy Tri Suci Vesak 2570 BE, falling on 31 May 2026, carries the theme “Dharma Safeguarding World Peace”, as part of support for the Minister of Religious Affairs’ Eight Priority Programmes.
The series of activities begins with the opening by the Indonesian Supreme Sangha on 30 April 2026 and closes on 29 May 2026.
The Indonesian Theravada Sangha has organised a series of activities on 1 May 2026, including devotional worship, Atthangasila practice, meditation, and Dhamma classes.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Maitreya Buddhist Pandita Council invites the faithful to observe vegetarian Upavasa throughout 1 to 31 May 2026.
In addition, as a form of environmental concern, eco-theology activities and cleaning movements for places of worship are carried out, including the 3R movement (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse) in Buddhist religious environments, Buddhist religious higher education institutions, Dhammasekha, and schools, as well as Fang Shen activities or the release of living beings.
Other activities include the Upavasa and Berdana Paramita Movement as manifestations of virtuous practices and self-control, the Eco Enzyme Movement through education on making environmentally friendly liquids, the National Pindapata Gema Waisak as a means to strengthen relations between the Sangha and the faithful, and the organisation of the Vesak Festival 2026 as a space for cultural and spiritual expression of the Buddhist community.
“In addition, social activities are also carried out, including simultaneous community service to clean Heroes’ Cemeteries, blood donations and/or free medical treatment, as well as assistance for Buddhist orphans,” said Supriyadi.
Other series of activities include the Nusantara Silence Movement, Borobudur Workshop Roadshow in various regions, and the Indonesia Walk for Peace 2026 spiritual journey from Bali to Borobudur Temple.
The peak of the Vesak commemoration will be held through Puja Bhakti on 31 May 2026 at viharas, cetiyas, schools, and/or Buddhist temples throughout Indonesia.