SEMARANG, KOMPAS — Harmony in diversity blossoms in Thekelan hamlet, Batur village, Getasan district, Semarang regency, Central Java. Differences of faith serves as a strength among the people in the hamlet located 1,600 meters above sea level.
During Waisak on Sunday (19/5/2019), Buddhists wore white and stood neatly in line on the roadside, as adherents of other religions greeted them warmly. The tradition has been upheld for the past three years and is also observed on Idul Fitri and Christmas.
It was a poignant scene as the villagers hugged and shook hands with one another. It was a moment to forgive one another. “As humans, sometimes we say the wrong thing and might offend others. We sincerely sought one another’s forgiveness. We always prioritize dialogue to prevent conflict,” said Mandar, 50, a Buddhist and Thekelan hamlet elder.
Thekelan hamlet is located on the hills of Mt. Merbabu. A majority of its residents are Buddhists and there are also Muslims, Christians and Catholics. The village has three houses of worship, namely the Abu Bakr as-Siddiq Mosque, the Buddha Bhumika Temple and Thekelan Church.
Thekelan hamlet head Supriyo, 44, said interfaith harmony had continuously strengthened in the hamlet. This helps create a harmonious life, where villagers remain solid despite differences of faith.
“We are glad if we can motivate people out there who are mired in conflict – especially political ones. We hope everyone can unite,” he said.
Thekelan-based Buddhist Tugimin, 50, said harmony had been preserved as people did not focus on their differences when interacting with one another. On the contrary, people respected one another and always lent a hand whenever their neighbors went through hardships. Such values of tolerance have been fostered for a long time.
“Despite differences of religion, we always strive to remain solid. Events like this [forgiving one another] are routinely held on various religious holidays, including Buddhist, Islamic, Christian and Catholic ones. People look forward to gatherings like this,” he said.
Waisak celebration
In his Waisak contemplation speech in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesian Buddhists Association (Walubi) chair Bhante Tadisa Mahasthavira said many human hearts were neglected in sickness and darkness. This was because humans were too focused on external conditions.
In the end, this makes it difficult for people to get in touch with their true selves. “Humans cannot see their inner true selves clearly and, therefore, have a hard time committing to introspection, evaluation and self-correction,” he said.
The Waisak moment arrived on Sunday at 4:11 a.m. Western Indonesian Time. The Waisak commemoration of the year 2569 BE/2019 was attended by around 10,000 Buddhists and hundreds of monks from around Indonesia and abroad. Other than from Indonesia, the monks and Buddhists also came from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Singapore and Tibet.
The Waisak commemoration’s theme this year is “Understanding the Heart, Finding the True Self”. Buddhists carried out a series of events in celebration of Waisak from Saturday (18/5) to Sunday (19/5) morning. Starting with a devotional service and pindapatta on Mendut Temple in Mungkid district, Buddhists then joined a parade of various offerings and moved to do various services in Borobudur Temple.
In the Muaro Jambi complex, Buddhist monk Bhadraputra, the Jambi regional secretary of the Shangha Agung Indonesia, encouraged the people to look at diversity among Indonesian people objectively. Everyone must wisely nurture the nation’s long-held diversity. Religious teachings are important to bring forward peace and exemplary behaviors.
In Manado, North Sulawesi, around 100 Buddhists joined the Waisak celebration at the Dhammdipa Temple. Hindu and Buddhism organizer of the Manado Religious Affairs Office, Lieke Makanale, said that Waisak was a momentum to appreciate and respect one another for the sake of a progressive Indonesia.(DIT/EGI/ITA/OKA)