New Bogor monk to be anointed

New Bogor monk to be anointed

BOGOR: Hundreds of Buddhists will gather here to witness the
appointment of 150 new bhiksu (monks) from Indonesia, China, and
Singapore at the Vihara Vajrabodhi on Sunday, the first such
event to be held in Indonesia for 500 years, Antara reported.

"This is the first time a procession like this has been done
in Indonesia, and it is a historical moment for Buddhists, to be
able to sow the seeds of goodness by giving alms to the monks,"
said Lim Njozk Tjoz, 56, from Sabang, Aceh.

The rituals include giving Buddhist monks alms and everyday
utensils, following the way of the Buddha during his lifetime.

"During his lifetime, the Buddha walked from village to
village and received food from residents as a way to spread
goodwill and teach about good karma," the organizer, Bhiksu
Bhadra Pala, said.

The procession is the last in a series of rituals, spread over
three weeks, before the final appointment into monkhood. The 150
new monks will visit several Buddhist temples around Jakarta
before returning to their own countries. -- JP