In recent years, the sight of groups of Buddhist monks walking on foot to Borobudur Temple has become a tradition that consistently draws public attention. Monks from various Southeast Asian countries are willing to travel hundreds to thousands of kilometers to reach the world’s largest Buddhist temple complex in Magelang, Central Java.
What makes it even more remarkable is that they do not use vehicles during the journey. Most of the monks begin their pilgrimage in Thailand, then pass through Malaysia and Singapore before finally arriving in Indonesia. For days, they walk with great perseverance and patience.
Understanding the Thudong Tradition
This spiritual practice is known as Thudong. The word “thudong” comes from the Pali term dhutanga, which means austere practice or ascetic discipline.
In Buddhist teachings, Thudong is understood as a spiritual journey to draw closer to the teachings of Gautama Buddha. Beyond being a form of inner training, the tradition also teaches patience, self-control, and simplicity in life.
The journey itself is far from easy. During Thudong, monks are only allowed to eat once a day, and only in the morning before noon. At the same time, they must continue walking through various regions under hot weather conditions for days at a time.
Not only is the amount of food restricted, but the types of food they consume are also regulated. Monks are not allowed to eat fruit larger than the size of a clenched fist, and overeating is strictly prohibited.
In addition, they do not carry money or other valuable belongings. This is practiced as a form of self-discipline and as a way of carrying out the highest dharma in Buddhist teachings. On the other hand, Thudong is also regarded as a form of meditation through connecting and becoming closer to nature.
Usually, the monks only carry simple necessities such as robes, medicine, and modest supplies for the journey.
Why Does Borobudur Become a Thudong Destination?
The main purpose of the monks’ Thudong journey to Borobudur Temple is to commemorate Vesak Day. As the largest Buddhist site in the world, Borobudur serves as a highly important center for Vesak celebrations for Buddhists in Indonesia and abroad.
Every year, the Vesak celebrations at Borobudur are held with great grandeur and deep spiritual meaning. The procession begins with the collection of holy water from the Jumprit spring, followed by the lighting of torches from the eternal flame of Mrapen, and concludes with a mass meditation session at the top of Borobudur Temple.
The Thudong tradition itself is commonly practiced in places considered sacred by Buddhists, such as Thailand, India, and Indonesia. In Indonesia, Borobudur holds a particularly important position as a place of worship and a sacred site for Buddhists.
It is therefore not surprising that monks choose Borobudur as the destination of their spiritual journey. The temple is regarded as sacred and is believed to represent a Mandala, a depiction of the universe in Buddhist cosmology.
The History of Vesak Celebrations at Borobudur
Vesak Day is a sacred celebration for Buddhists commemorating three important events in the life of the Buddha: the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha.
In Indonesia, the peak of Vesak celebrations is generally centered at Borobudur Temple. The temple is widely recognized as one of the world’s most famous Buddhist heritage sites and an important symbol of Indonesia’s cultural legacy.
Vesak celebrations at Borobudur have actually been held for a long time, dating back to 1929. According to historical accounts, the celebration was first initiated by the Dutch East Indies Theosophical Society.
However, the tradition was temporarily halted during the Indonesian National Revolution. Once conditions became stable again, Vesak celebrations resumed around 1953.
There is also an interesting historical fact related to the celebration. In 1973, the Vesak ceremony, which is usually held at Borobudur, was temporarily moved to Mendut Temple because Borobudur was undergoing a major restoration process. Mendut Temple itself is located not far from Borobudur.
Although Vesak celebrations had existed since the colonial era, Vesak Day was only officially declared a national holiday in 1983 during the presidency of Soeharto. The decision marked both recognition of and respect for the Buddhist community in Indonesia.
Vesak celebrations at Borobudur have also become increasingly special because they are attended by Buddhists from many countries. Pilgrims and Buddhist devotees from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar regularly come to Borobudur to celebrate Vesak together with Indonesian Buddhists.
