Holiday Ayo - Dozens of bhantes or monks from a number of countries in Southeast Asia walked from Thailand to Borobudur Temple, Central Java. This is done in order to carry out the Thudong religious ritual to welcome Vesak Day.

The group consists of 32 monks from various countries who carry out the Thudong ritual, aka walking from Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, to Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java.

According to the official website of the Director General of Buddhist Guidance at the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag RI), the monks started their journey from Thursday (23/3/2023) from Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, passing through Malaysia and Singapore to arrive at Borobudur Temple on Sunday (4/6 /2023) is coming.

Thudong is a spiritual journey undertaken by bhantes or monks on foot for thousands of kilometers. This religious journey was undertaken to follow in the footsteps of the Buddha during his lifetime when there were no monasteries, shelters and transportation.

Thudong is carried out by walking into the forest while contemplating. Before traveling, the monks must stay in one place and fast for four months during the rainy season. When it is entering the dry season or spring, new Thudong is implemented.

"So in a year they will walk like this for four months to carry out this tradition. Incidentally because in Indonesia there is the Borobudur Temple, it coincides with Vesak Day and they travel from Thailand," explained Bhante Dhammavuddho, quoted from the official website of the Ministry of Religion's Directorate General of Buddhist Community Guidance.

Through this trip, Bhante hopes that the monks can practice patience. Because, the Buddha taught that patience is the highest dhamma practice. For information, dhamma is a noble teaching that contains moral and philosophical guidelines that lead us to happiness.

"They are exposed to heat, rain, eat once a day, and drink in moderation," said Bhante.

The monks are said to continue to meditate throughout their journey and rest. On their way, the monks will visit places of worship of various religions, such as monasteries, temples, and Islamic boarding schools as resting places.

According to Google Maps records, the distance from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Borobudur Temple is around 2,797 km.