Under the watchful eyes of towering ancient stupas, thirty-six Thai monks finally set foot on the sacred grounds of Borobudur Temple in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This monumental moment wasn’t just the end of a journey spanning over 2,500 kilometers, but a triumphant testament to unwavering faith and interfaith camaraderie. These intrepid monks embarked on this pilgrimage from Thailand, destinations etched in the heart as they celebrated Vesak Day, a festival honoring the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.
The International Thudong 2025, a remarkable Buddhist pilgrimage that challenges both spirit and soles, saw its inception on February 6th at Bangkok’s Sanam Luang. Winding their way through Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, the monks persevered, their gazes fixed on Indonesia’s iconic Borobudur — a Unesco World Heritage site admired as the largest Mahayana Buddhist temple in the world.
Supriyadi, the director general overseeing Buddhist Community Guidance within Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, noted with pride that this journey marked the third occasion of the International Thudong event, following successful expeditions in 2023 and 2024. This year’s trek expanded hearts and horizons as it threaded through diverse cultural tapestries.
The monks entered the heart of Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim nation, via Batam on April 16. From there, a brief respite in the air carried them to Jakarta before resuming their spiritual odyssey to Borobudur on foot. Upon their arrival at 4:20 PM on that unforgettable Saturday, an air of serene celebration greeted them. Here, people of different creeds — Muslims, Christians, and more — gathered with open hands and hearts, presenting flowers and basking in peaceful meditations, symbolizing a unity that transcends religious borders.
Gugun Gumilar, from the Minister’s Special Staff on Religious Affairs, reassured the world of the government’s commitment to ensuring the monks’ safety during their enlightening sojourn. Every step they took resonated with a message of peace and reflection, harmonizing with Indonesia’s cultural symphony.
One voice among the monks, Phra Khru Wichai, painted a poignant picture of awe. A senior monk from Wat Khao Phiseu Thongkham in Thailand’s Phetchabun province, he expressed how discovering Borobudur felt akin to finding a long-lost family member. The Buddha statue within the main stupa mirrored a spiritual puzzle piece, snapping into place with a profound sense of belonging.
“Each brick of this temple chronicles a testimony of people coming together to build something beyond imagination,” reflected Phra Khru Wichai with reverence. His words resonated with admiration for Indonesia’s mosaic of faiths. “Peace through tolerance is a shared dream,” he mused, emphasizing a unity that thrives amid diversity. Here, Buddhists might be few, but their presence is palpable and poised for growth.
This pilgrimage symbolized much more than physical endurance; it was a bridge strengthened by faith, connecting Thailand and Indonesia, as they celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations. Along the way, an enlightening exchange flourished when monks conversed with a Catholic pastor, reflecting on a newly elected pope’s vision and the shared responsibility of fostering global peace.
“This thudong is more than just a trek,” Phra Khru Wichai concluded, eyes shimmering with wisdom. “It’s a beacon of spiritual light, urging us across faiths to collaborate for peace and unity amidst a divided world.”
This pilgrimage sounds beautiful, but I’m curious about the carbon footprint of such an undertaking. How many flights did they take to make this journey, and could everything have been done on foot?
Anna, they did take a brief flight, but the focus was really on the long stretches of walking. The journey was mostly a spiritual one, meant to inspire peace.
Even one flight can have a big impact. Spiritual journeys should consider environmental responsibilities too, don’t you think?
I see your point, Anna, but maybe the spiritual message outweighs that single flight? Sometimes we have to balance ideals.
This interfaith event is just amazing. It’s so rare to see different religions come together in celebration. I wonder if we could have more peace in the world if more leaders embraced these kinds of interactions.
I agree, Tom. It’s about time people prioritize peace over division. These monks are setting a great example!
That’s a lovely thought, Tom, but let’s be realistic. Not everyone is ready to join hands and sing kumbaya. There’s too much history for some people.
I’m just a kid but I think it’s nice that people from different places are nice to each other. I hope everyone can be friends like that one day!
That’s a wonderful perspective, WhizKid. We adults have a lot to learn from the simplicity of your thoughts.
Impressive as this may be, these kinds of pilgrimages need to be more inclusive of women. Too often these stories focus on male monks.
Gabby, you make a great point. It’d be wonderful to see more women on such spiritual journeys!
Sure, this is nice and all, but I wonder how much taxpayer money is supporting this security detail for monks.
Ben, we have to ensure everyone’s safety, especially when there’s a chance to spread peace through cultural exchange. It’s worth the investment.
I guess, but shouldn’t we focus on local issues first before spending on international events?
Amazing! Faith as a bridge is truly powerful. Imagine if this kind of unity could influence politics.
Joy, if only it were that easy. Politics is a dirty game, much more complicated than these spiritual gatherings.
How can you not feel inspired by this journey? We could apply these principles of patience and understanding in our own lives.
Inspirational for sure, but when was the last time anything like this changed the world? Small scale doesn’t always translate to large change.
Was truly moved by Phra Khru Wichai’s words on peace through tolerance. It’s a dream worth dreaming.
As much as I admire the dedication of these monks, are we not romanticizing their effort? What tangible changes do these pilgrimages bring?
I have to wonder about the environmental impact of these gatherings. Are there ways for these spiritual journeys to promote sustainability?
It’s a valid concern, NatureLover. We need to bridge spirituality with eco-consciousness.
The symbolism of this pilgrimage cannot be overstated. It represents not only spiritual unity but a commitment to peace and understanding.
Interesting cultural event, but don’t you think these pilgrimages might distract from more pressing socio-economic issues in these regions?
Cultural enrichment can be a foundation to address broader socio-economic issues, Economist43.
Also, I’m curious about the future of these pilgrimage events. Could this become an annual peace-promoting tradition?
Linda, it seems the seeds are sown. Hopefully, it does take root as an annual occasion to inspire more unity.
This simply restores faith in humanity. More actions like this, less hate and division.
Still, can we justify the costs involved here, especially in countries with economic struggles?
Ben, spiritual and cultural investments often yield intangible returns that benefit society at large.
I think it’s all about balance. We can support both economic development and cultural harmony.
Seeing different faiths come together is amazing. It challenges the typically contentious religious discussions and gives hope.
Good point, Sylvia. More interfaith activities could disrupt stereotypes and foster dialogue among nations.