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