Yogyakarta – Bhikkhu Thudong, or Bhikkhu Thudong, is a tradition that attracts attention during Vesak celebrations in Indonesia. This tradition involves walking thousands of kilometers, even across multiple countries.
The monks practice a spiritual tradition full of simplicity, perseverance, and self-control. It’s no wonder this journey often arouses both admiration and curiosity among many, not just Buddhists.
What exactly is the meaning of the Biksu Thudong tradition, and how did it begin? Let’s find out more in the article below.
Understanding the History of the Biksu Thudong Tradition
Biksu Thudong is a Buddhist practice that involves living a simple, nomadic lifestyle while deepening meditation and spiritual practice. During the journey, the monks typically carry only the bare necessities and rely on community food.
The purpose of Thudong is to train the monks’ patience. During this journey, the monks are exposed to the heat of the sun and rain, and are limited to eating only once a day, drinking only what is available, and living or resting in makeshift accommodations.
This spiritual journey symbolizes the Buddha’s struggle before he had a monastery, a place to live, and transportation. Therefore, the monks who spread Buddhism at that time had to travel from forest to forest.
Before the journey begins, the monks typically fast and remain in one place for four months during the rainy season. Then, in the summer, Thudong is performed.
The Meaning of Simplicity and Patience in the Thudong Monastic Tradition
Thudong is more than just a journey; this tradition carries a deep meaning of patience, endurance, and sincerity when traveling long distances. This tradition teaches that every religious person must return to their faith to practice their respective religious teachings.
This spiritual journey also demonstrates tolerance between religions, as seen during the monks’ journey to Indonesia. Throughout the journey, in various regions, the monks received support from communities of various religious backgrounds. This can also symbolize interfaith peace.
During the journey, many people welcomed the monks and offered them offerings of food, drinking water, fruit, and even watering the path they would pass to cool them down. And it wasn’t just the Buddhist community that welcomed them, but the entire community at large. It truly demonstrates the beauty of diversity, doesn’t it?
Monk Thudong and Vesak 2026
The first Monk Thudong was held in Indonesia in 2023. At that time, monks traveled from Thailand to Indonesia to commemorate the Tri Suci Vesak holiday at Borobudur. To this day, Thudong remains a key component of the Vesak celebration at Borobudur.
However, unlike previous years, the 2026 Monk Walk adopted a new concept called the Indonesia Walk for Peace (IWFP). This theme symbolizes that the monks’ journey is not merely a religious ritual but also carries a message of peace and humanity.
This activity will take place along the Thailand-Bali-Borobudur Temple route and will involve monks from various countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, and Indonesia, symbolizing international brotherhood. It also reflects the spirit of peace and togetherness that transcends national and cultural boundaries.
The journey from Bali to Borobudur Temple, covering a distance of approximately 666 km, will begin on May 9, 2026, and will arrive on May 28, 2026, before participating in the peak Vesak celebration (Full Moon Festival) on May 31, 2026, at Borobudur Temple.
Welcoming the End of the Thudong Monks’ Journey to Borobudur
After a journey of approximately 20 days, the monks will be welcomed at Borobudur Temple on May 30, 2026. Before heading to the peak of the Vesak celebrations, the monks will perform various rituals, including the San Pu Yi Pay (San Pu Yi Pay), the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo Indonesia (Indonesian Nyingma Monlam), the bringing of the Mrapen Fire to Mendut, and the bringing of blessed water from Umbul Jumprit to Mendut.
At the peak of the Vesak celebrations at Borobudur on May 31, 2026, the monks will begin the San Bu Yia Bai (San Bu Yia Bai), a parade, the Vesak ritual, the lighting of incense, meditation and the Vesak moment, praise and prayer, circumambulation, and the evening Vesak ceremony.
The Vesak celebrations at Borobudur conclude with the release of lanterns, a moment eagerly anticipated by visitors. Each year, this moment has become an iconic part of the Vesak celebrations. This lantern release is open not only to Buddhists but also to all tourists, both domestic and international.
Would you like to be one of the thousands of people who experience this experience?
Want to experience this sacred event in person? If so, don’t miss out! Tickets for the lantern release at Borobudur can be purchased online through the official Injourney Destination website. Check out Borobudur Vesak Tickets now.
Book your tickets now and witness the beautiful Vesak celebration with thousands of visitors from various regions and countries at Borobudur Temple!
