Among the grandeur of the over 1,200-year-old Borobudur Temple, the tradition of releasing sky lanterns becomes a special moment in the Vesak celebration. Thousands of lanterns released into the night sky resemble giant fireflies, emitting beautiful light that captivates visitors.
More than just an enchanting tradition, this moment holds deep significance for Buddhists.
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ToggleThe History of Vesak Celebration at Borobudur
Borobudur Temple, a magnificent masterpiece of Buddhist architecture in Central Java, has been a silent witness to the grand celebration of Vesak Day for years. It is not only Buddhists from Indonesia but also from various countries who consider Borobudur Temple a prime destination to commemorate this important event.
The celebration of Vesak at Borobudur Temple is intertwined with a long history. It began in 1929 when the Dutch East Indies Theosophical Society initiated the Vesak celebration at this temple. Initially, it was attended by only a few Buddhists from around Yogyakarta and Magelang.
The celebration was interrupted during the Japanese occupation and the independence war. It wasn’t until 1953 that the Vesak tradition at Borobudur was revived, and since then, it has become a national celebration attended by Buddhists from all over Indonesia.
The selection of Borobudur Temple as the center for Vesak celebrations is not without reason. For Buddhists, this temple holds profound spiritual meaning. Beyond its architectural beauty, Borobudur embodies the noble values of Buddhism and is believed to be a sacred site.
- Symbol of Grandeur and Holiness: Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, standing at 35.4 meters tall with a base area of 121×121 meters. Its grandeur makes it a symbol of the glory and sanctity of Buddhism.
- Historic Site: Borobudur Temple holds a long history and priceless cultural value. Built in the 8th century, this temple is tangible evidence of the development of Buddhist civilization in Indonesia.
- Believed to House Buddha’s Relics: According to beliefs, Borobudur Temple contains Buddha’s hair relics, making it a revered and sacred place for Buddhists.
Each year, Borobudur Temple becomes a sea of people during the Vesak celebration. Thousands of Buddhists gather to perform various religious rituals such as meditation, scripture reading, and lantern release.
Understanding the Tradition of Vesak Sky Lanterns
According to the Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), a lantern is a paper lantern (illuminated by a candle), used in festivals (celebrations).
The tradition of releasing sky lanterns during Vesak has deep meaning and originates from Buddhist teachings. This practice is believed to have existed for over 2,000 years, beginning in China during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC – 25 AD).
Initially, this ritual was performed exclusively by Buddhist monks to honor the Buddha on the 15th day of the first lunar month, known as the Yuan Xiao Festival. Eventually, this festival was celebrated by the general public, and the tradition of releasing lanterns became a popular folk custom.
Lanterns released during Vesak symbolize the enlightenment of the Buddha and the effort to achieve a clear mind. Releasing lanterns is seen as a way to train the mind and attain enlightenment, the ultimate goal in Buddhist teachings. These lanterns are often decorated with wishes or messages, believed to come true if the person does good deeds throughout the year.
Today, the tradition of releasing sky lanterns has been adopted by various cultures, including in Asia and beyond. For example, in Thailand, the Yi Peng Lantern Festival is a significant celebration where thousands of lanterns are released into the night sky, symbolizing the release of past misfortunes and the beginning of a new year.
Similarly, in Indonesia, the Vesak celebration at Borobudur Temple includes the ritual of releasing lanterns, which has become a highlight of the Buddhist holiday.
In Indonesia, the tradition of releasing Vesak lanterns was first introduced at Borobudur Temple in 1966. Since then, this tradition has become a major event in the Vesak celebration at Borobudur Temple, attracting tourists from around the world.
The Significance of Lanterns in Vesak Celebrations
Beyond being a beautiful tradition, these lanterns hold profound symbolic meaning in Buddhist teachings. Let’s explore these meanings:
1. Light of Inner Enlightenment
Lanterns symbolize inner enlightenment, the moment when Siddhartha Gautama attained perfect understanding of the universe and the path to liberation from suffering. The light of the lantern is a tangible symbol of this enlightenment, illuminating the spiritual path of Buddhists.
2. Rebirth and Transformation
The flight of the lanterns symbolizes the process of rebirth and self-transformation. Imagine lanterns illuminating the darkness; Vesak lanterns remind us of the potential to rise from worldly attachments to brightness and peace. These lanterns depict the spiritual journey, releasing oneself from inner darkness and radiating the light of wisdom.
3. Symbol of Kindness and Compassion
The light of the lanterns also symbolizes kindness and compassion. The core of Buddhist teachings is to cultivate love and kindness towards all living beings. By releasing lanterns, Buddhists radiate their intention to spread the light of compassion throughout the world.
4. Respect for the Buddha’s Teachings
Lanterns symbolize respect for the Buddha’s teachings. During Vesak celebrations, Buddhists carry lanterns as a form of respect to Siddhartha Gautama and his teachings that bring enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
The Symbolic Meaning of Releasing Vesak Lanterns
Releasing Vesak lanterns at Borobudur Temple holds deep symbolic meaning for Buddhists. Here are some symbolic meanings of this tradition:
- Symbolizing Buddha’s Enlightenment: The release of lanterns into the sky symbolizes the spread of Gautama Buddha’s teachings that illuminate the darkness of ignorance.
- Representing the Release of Negative Elements: Buddhists believe that by releasing lanterns, they also release negative elements within themselves, such as hatred, greed, and inner darkness.
- Symbol of Hope and Prayer: Lanterns released into the sky carry the prayers and hopes of Buddhists for peace, happiness, and enlightenment.
- Spreading Peace and Happiness: The light of the lanterns illuminating the sky is hoped to bring peace and happiness to all living beings.
Schedule of Vesak Lantern Release Event 2024 at Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple will once again be enlivened with a series of events for the Vesak Celebration 2024, starting on May 18 and culminating on May 23. Various religious and cultural activities have been prepared to celebrate this important moment for Buddhists.
Main Event:
Vesak Procession and Vesak Moment Puja Bakti: The solemn Vesak procession will guide Buddhists from Mendut Temple to Borobudur Temple on May 23.
- At precisely 20:52:42 WIB, the Vesak Moment Puja Bakti will be the highlight of the celebration, followed by the release of a thousand lanterns illuminating the night sky.
Other Events:
- May 18-19: Free medical services at Taman Lumbini, Borobudur Temple.
- May 20: Various Buddhist religious rituals, such as the Mahayana Tradition Three Steps One Bow and Welcoming the Arrival of Thudong Monks.
- May 21: Theravada Tradition Pradaksina, Dharma Fire Retrieval, and Full Moon Lantern Float.
- May 22: Mahayana Tradition Atthasila, Pindapata Welcoming Vesak Day, and the 3rd Borobudur Peace and Prosperity Festival.
- May 24: Mindful Walking Meditation at Borobudur Temple.
- May 25-26: Medang Market at the Main Gate Plaza, Borobudur Temple.
The tradition of releasing Vesak sky lanterns at Borobudur Temple is a beautiful and meaningful tradition. It not only serves as a tourist attraction but also reminds Buddhists to continue practicing the noble values of Buddhism in their daily lives.
References:
https://studycli.org/chinese-culture/chinese-lanterns/
https://www.asiahighlights.com/thailand/loy-krathong-festival/light-festivals
https://www.muigarden.com/party-tray/86-blog/90-origins-of-the-lantern-festival.html