Day of Enlightenment

Day of Enlightenment

Religious services not only bring peace and serenity, but also
are displays of harmony and elegance.

This was true of the services held to mark the Buddhist Day of
Enlightenment on May 24.

Buddhists from around the country took part in services at the
Borobudur and Mendut temples in Yogyakarta to commemorate the
three most important days in the life of Sidharta Gautama: his
birth, the day of his enlightenment and his death.

The services lasted from May 21 to May 24, starting with the
carrying of sacred water from a water source in Parakan,
Temanggung, to Mendut Temple. This was followed by taking fire
from the eternal flame in Mrapen, Purwodadi, to the temple.

The services, which were attended President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono, ended at Borobudur Temple in Magelang. -- Text and
photos by P.J. Leo

Photo A: Waisak

Local residents, including Muslims, watch a procession of
Buddhists taking sacred water from the Umbul Jumprit water source
in Parakan, Temanggung.

Photo B: Waisak

Ceremony leaders solemnly carry jugs containing the sacred water
to Mendut Temple.

Photo C: Waisak

Buddhists line up at Mendut Temple to pray for the purification
of water taken from Umbul Jumprit and fire taken from Mrapen.

Photo D: Waisak

Buddhist priests lead a ceremony to purify the sacred water and
flame inside Mendut Temple.

Photo E: Waisak

Dancers from the Bagong Koesoediardjo art institute perform
during the celebrations at Borobudur Temple.

Photo F: Waisak

Buddhists pray while walking around Borobudur Temple.