Vesak Festival-Guide Book

I. Foreword

  • By Venerable Bhikkhu Jayamedho Thera

    • Greetings to all. Namo Buddhāya. It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the previous Vesak Festival. As the patron of YBA and a senior member of the Buddhist community, I recently reunited in March with fellow pioneers of the first Buddhist youth organization in Indonesia to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Indonesian Buddhist Youth Movement (GPBI). Today, I see many young people—the next generation—continuing the efforts we once began.

     

    Youth are vital seeds within any organization, especially today. The diorama depicting the birth of the future Buddha symbolizes the young generation descending to earth to do their utmost for humanity. Equally important is the birth of the Buddha himself, which we commemorate on Vesak. Sukho Buddhānam Uppādo—“Blessed is the birth of a Buddha”—for the coming of a Buddha brings not calamity, but peace, serenity, and prosperity for all. That is why the birth of a Buddha is celebrated worldwide on Vesak, and we are grateful that Vesak is now a recognized national holiday in Indonesia—thanks to the tireless efforts of our predecessors. Vesak has even become an international symbol, honoring the birth of a Buddha who embodied compassion without violence. We also remember that the Buddha, toward the end of His life, prepared successors—not based on family ties, as He did not appoint His son Rāhula or His brother-in-law, but instead chose those with Bāhusaccañca Sippañca Vinayo Ca Susikkhito—vast knowledge, skill, and disciplined morality. These were Sāriputta and Mahāmoggallāna.

     

    Before His passing, the Buddha declared, “My successor is the Dhamma and Vinaya; they will be your guide for a long time.” This is His message, especially for YBA and other Buddhist organizations. As I too will eventually reach the end of life, I strive to guide YBA and others to prepare themselves with Bāhusaccañca (knowledge), Sippañca (skill), and Vinaya (discipline)—so they may become responsible leaders, not for personal gain, but for the benefit of all.

     

    May we all be blessed. Keep moving forward, never retreat. May the Triple Gem always grant us strength and blessings. Sabbe Sattā Bhavantu Sukhitattā. May all beings be happy.

  • Venerable Bhikṣu Bhadrapāla Mahāsthavira

    • Namo Śākyamuni Buddhāya. May we all dwell in the love and compassion of the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas. The Vesak Festival held by the Young Buddhist Association is a remarkable effort, full of dedication, determination, and adhiṣṭhāna. We truly appreciate YBA’s heartfelt commitment—mind and soul—to the Buddha’s teachings, enabling us to celebrate the spirit of Vesak, especially here in Surabaya. Buddhist youth have come together in unity, regardless of differences, to share happiness with all beings—Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. This is the true practice of compassion—not merely in words, but in action. When we radiate this compassionate energy to all beings, starting from our families to wherever we go, it brings peace and happiness. Hatred, jealousy, and conflict have no room in such an atmosphere. Compassion must be paired with wisdom. Āmìtuófó.

    II. Young Buddhist Association of Indonesia

    The Young Buddhist Association of Indonesia (YBAI) is a Buddhist organization dedicated specifically to the development of young Buddhists across the nation. Grounded in the compassionate and virtuous teachings of the Buddha, YBAI aims to empower youth to grow in accordance with the Dhamma, enabling them to navigate the challenges and obstacles of worldly life. YBAI is committed to continually evolving and contributing to the spread of the Buddha’s teachings at the national level by propagating the Dhamma to the younger generation and providing platforms for leadership training among Indonesian Buddhist youth. With these strong foundations, Buddhism in Indonesia can continue to flourish—benefiting both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. YBAI is determined to gradually develop Buddhism in Indonesia through modern and inclusive methods that resonate with all elements of society.

    III. 10 Years of Vesak Festival 

    Each year, the Vesak Festival presents a theme that is relevant to the current social and spiritual climate. In 2025, marking the festival’s tenth anniversary, the chosen theme is “Light of Compassion: Guiding the Next Generation.” This theme emphasizes the importance of compassion and care as guiding forces to strengthen and empower the younger generation—our collective responsibility in facing humanity’s future challenges through Buddhist principles. Through this theme, we hope to spread the values of empathy and loving-kindness that lie at the heart of the Buddha’s teachings, in order to cultivate a generation that is more loving, empathetic, and committed to the greater good.

     

    Vesak Festival 2025 will feature an art exhibition, dioramas, and various performances from monasteries in Surabaya, Jakarta, and surrounding areas. Through cross-tradition and cross-community collaboration, this year’s festival will serve as a platform to strengthen solidarity, enrich understanding, and embody compassion as the foundation for harmonious living. As we celebrate a decade of Vesak Festival, this event is more than a commemoration—it is a call to reignite the spirit of compassion and togetherness to create meaningful positive change in our nation, building an Indonesia that thrives in harmony and mutual respect through the ever-burning light of compassion.

    IV. Vision and Mission of Vesak Festival

  • Vision

    • To serve as a celebration and appreciation of the Buddha-Dhamma, held annually on Vesak Day to introduce the teachings of the Buddha to the broader public—both Buddhists and non-Buddhists.

  • Mission

    • To deliver the tangible benefits of the Buddha’s teachings to society through the universal values imparted by the Enlightened One—values that directly address the challenges of everyday life. These teachings are presented in engaging ways through the medium of spiritual art.
    V. The Meaning of Vesak Celebration
    Vesak is a sacred and deeply meaningful occasion for Buddhists around the world. The three major events it commemorates are not merely historical milestones but symbols of the spiritual journey toward ultimate liberation. The essence of these moments is as follows:

  • The Birth of Prince Siddhārtha: The Emergence of True Loving-Kindness

    • In the peaceful gardens of Lumbini, Queen Māyā gave birth to an extraordinary child, later known as Siddhārtha Gautama. According to legend, the newborn immediately took seven steps, with lotuses blooming beneath each footstep, and declared his noble purpose—to liberate all beings from suffering and to kindle the light of compassion in the world.

     

    This was not merely the birth of a prince, but the arrival of pure love destined to be a beacon of liberation for all beings—a symbol of hope, compassion, and the inherent potential for Buddhahood within every person.

  • Siddhārtha’s Enlightenment: The Attainment of Supreme Wisdom

    • Under the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgayā, Siddhārtha meditated deeply and attained complete enlightenment. He pierced through the veil of ignorance and discovered the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path—the keys to ending suffering. Yet he did not keep this insight for himself. Out of boundless compassion (karuṇā), he shared the Dhamma with all beings to help free them from suffering.

     

    One of the most touching demonstrations of his loving-kindness was teaching the Abhidhamma to his mother, Queen Māyā, in the Tāvatiṁsa Heaven—an act of transcendental love that proved enlightenment is not for oneself alone but for the welfare of all beings.

  • The Parinibbāna of the Buddha: Ultimate Freedom from Suffering

    • In Kusinārā, beneath blooming sala trees, the Buddha entered Parinibbāna peacefully. In his final moments, he reminded his disciples that all conditioned things are impermanent (anicca) and urged them to strive diligently.

     

    Parinibbāna is not the end, but the ultimate liberation from the cycles of birth and death. Even the gods from the ten thousand world systems, including Queen Māyā herself, witnessed his passing. She understood that this farewell was the highest form of love—not rooted in attachment, but in release. The Buddha’s compassion extended not to just one being, but to the entire cosmos.

    VI. Compassion in Life and Its Benefits

  • The Meaning of Compassion

    • Compassion—karuṇā in Buddhist terminology—is known as welas asih in Indonesian. It is one of the Four Sublime States (Brahmavihāra), alongside loving-kindness (mettā), empathetic joy (muditā), and equanimity (upekkhā).

     

    Compassion is closely linked with love, like the unconditional affection a mother shows her child. Unlike mere pity, compassion not only recognizes the suffering of others but is accompanied by the sincere desire to alleviate it. True compassion compels one to act—not out of obligation, but out of heartfelt care and concern. Therefore, the practice of compassion naturally involves both sympathy and a commitment to help.

  • Practicing Compassion in Daily Life

    • Below are several examples of how compassion can be practiced in everyday life:
    Education
    • Patience in teaching
    • Help friends who don’t understand the lesson
    • Do not embarrass students
    Social
    • Friendly
    • Pardoner
    • Listen with empathy
    Relationship with Nature
    • Doesn’t hurt animals
    • Actively caring for the environment
    Religious
    • Praying for the happiness of other beings
    • Do not discriminate
    • Love for others
    Concern for Future Generation
    • Educate with patience and understanding
    • Create a safe, comfortable and open environment for communication
    • Direct children to understand their mistakes
    • Teaches the nature of compassion
    • Not comparing

  • Benefit of Practicing Compassion

    • There are several benefits of developing compassion, such as:

    • Stay away from hatred and bad intentions
    • Creating a peaceful environment around us
    • Have a harmonious relationship
    • Provides inner peace
    • Encourage yourself to do good and actively help others
    • Scrape the ego in yourself
    • Become a person who is liked by people around you
    VII. Bathing Buddha

    Bathing Buddha (浴佛 yùfó) is an important ceremony in the Buddhist tradition, especially commemorating the birth of Prince Siddhārtha Gautama, later known as Śākyamuni Buddha. This ceremony is usually performed on Vesak Day, which is celebrated by Buddhists around the world as a day of birth, enlightenment, and parinibbāna of The Buddha.

  • The Origin of Bathing the Buddha (浴佛 yùfó)

    • According to Buddhist scriptures, especially the “Lalitavistara Sūtra” and other Mahāyāna text, it is said that once Prince Siddhārtha was born in Lumbini Park. He immediately stood up and walked seven steps in 4 directions (north, south, east, and west). Each step is accompanied by the growth of a lotus flower, which is a symbol of purity and Buddhahood.

     

    Then, He pointed towards the sky and the earth, and said: “I am the leader in this world, I am the oldest in this world, I am the greatest in this world, This is my last birth, There will be no more births.” which is interpreted symbolically as the enlightened potential in all beings. Afterwards, two dragons came down from the sky and poured warm and cold water to bathe him. This story then become the basis of the tradition of bathing the Buddha, which symbolizes purification of body and mind, as well as respect for the birth of the Buddha.

  • The Meaning of Bathing the Buddha (浴佛 yùfó)

    • Bathing the Buddha is not just a ritual, but also a meaningful spiritual exercise. The meaning of Bathing the Buddha as follows:
    • Honoring the Birth of the Buddha
      • Buddhists perform the Buddha Bath to commemorate the birth of the holy figure who brought teachings about peace, compassion, and enlightenment. By pouring water over the image of the baby Buddha, people show their gratitude and respect for him.
    • Symbol of Self Purification
      • The water used symbolizes purity and freshness. When people water the image, they are also engaged to cleanse their minds of negative things such as: lobha (greed), sin (hatred), and moha (ignorance). This ritual is a reminder that everyone can “bathe” internally, meaning improving themselves and becoming better.
    • Remembering Buddha’s Teachings
      • Bathing the Buddha also engaged people to reflect on Buddhist teachings, such as: The Middle Way (neither excess nor deficiency), the Four Noble Truth, and the Noble Eightfold Path. This is a moment to strengthen your determination to carry out these teachings in your daily life.
    • Train Concentration and Good Intentions
      • The process of pouring water slowly, while praying or meditating, helps people practice concentration and awareness (mindfulness). Buddhists are invited to build good intentions in life: helping others, keeping a clean mind, and living with compassion.
    • Symbol of Hope and Peace
      • In the Buddhist tradition, Buddhists also offer prayers for world peace, health, and happiness of all beings. Bathing the Buddha is a shared moment to spread positive energy, not only for oneself, but also for society and the universe.
    VIII. Main Diorama: The Buddha Teaches the Abhidhamma to Queen Mahāmāyā
    In the spirit of the holy Vesak, we commemorate one of the great events of the Buddha, namely achieving enlightenment. After the Buddha attained enlightenment, he ascended to the Tāvatiṁsa Heaven to repay his mother, Queen Mahāmāyā, by teaching the Abhidhamma. This occurrence illustrates the Buddha’s compassion that transcends the human world. This moment depicts the Buddha as a great teacher who full of compassion replies parents’ services, not with material things but with wisdom that frees them from suffering.

  • The Meaning of the Main Diorama

    • This diorama is not only the main image of Vesak Festival 2025, but also carries its own meaning, namely :
    • The Buddha as an Example of Devotion and Compassion
      • This diorama shows that spiritual teachings are not only for personal liberation, but also as a form of respect for parents and ancestors.
    • Dhamma as a Universal Heritage
      • Dhamma which is a universal teaching that can be learned and practiced by all beings without the limitations of the realm of existence.
    • Wisdom as a Bridge between Worlds
      • Wisdom can transcend the barrier between earthly and heavenly, connecting us to the genuine truth.

  • Implementation of the Meaning of the Main Diorama with Your Inner Journey

    • We can analogize this story in our own inner journey: The Buddha as an enlightening teacher, Dhamma as the light of wisdom, Queen Mahāmāyā as a reflection of unconditional love, and all of us as inheritors of noble values that are practiced in life. By making the Dhamma a foundation, we not only respect the teachings, but also revive the inner relationship with our ancestors, elders, and all beings.

     

    “With Dhamma, we return the favor. With practice, we carry on the light passed down.”

    IX. Relics as Embodiment Compassion for Buddhists
    In Buddhism, relics are physical remains or objects believed to have a direct connection to the Buddha or other holy beings. The relics are considered a sacred symbol representing Buddha’s spiritual presence in the world after parinibbana. Buddhists revere relics not for the objects themselves, but for the great qualities they present – wisdom, serenity, and especially compassion. Through veneration of relics, people are engaged to reflect on the noble teaching of Buddha and cultivate virtuous values in everyday life.
    X. Saṅghadāna on Vesak Day

  • Meaning of Saṅghadāna and Its Benefits

    • Saṅghadāna is a form of giving specifically dedicated to the Saṅgha. Unlike general acts of generosity, the dāna given in Saṅghadāna is not intended for an individual monk, but for the Saṅgha community as a whole. The offerings typically consist of essential items for the monastics or the monastery, such as food, robes, medicine, daily necessities, or support for temple maintenance and repairs.

     

    The Saṅgha is regarded as an incomparable field of merit, as it plays a vital role in preserving and spreading the Buddha’s teachings—thus, the benefits extend to all Buddhists. Practicing generosity toward the Saṅgha also helps reduce personal attachment to any individual member of the monastic community.

    Benefits of Practicing Saṅghadāna:

    • Strengthens one’s faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Saṅgha
    • Accumulates tremendous merit
    • Supports the continued transmission of the Buddha’s teachings

  • Saṅghadāna Souvenir Statue

    • As an expression of appreciation for the merits performed, the Vesak Festival presents a Saṅghadāna Souvenir Statue depicting the Buddha attaining enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree. This statue reflects the Buddha’s great compassion in guiding all sentient beings toward liberation from Saṃsāra and the realization of perfect enlightenment. It is this compassion that we are encouraged to emulate and radiate in all directions—especially to the younger generations—so that seeds of compassion and a sense of responsibility may flourish within them as they walk through life and uphold the noble mission of preserving and spreading the Buddha’s teachings.

    XI. Light of Compassion from Indonesia to Myanmar

    By supporting the Vesak Festival 2025, participants of the Vesak Festival 2025 have also taken part in the Light of Compassion movement from Indonesia to Myanmar. The funds collected will be channeled through IBEC Myanmar to support the construction and renovation of monastic buildings, Buddhist higher education institutions, monasteries, as well as the operational needs of the saṅgha members in Myanmar affected by the earthquake on March 28, 2025.

    XII. Tuberose Flowers as an Offering to Buddha

    The use of flowers as offerings in Buddhist tradition has deep roots dating back to the time of the Buddha. Although the tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) is not native to India, its symbolic meaning aligns with long-revered values in Buddhism.

  • Origin and Symbolic Meaning

    • Although not native to Indonesia, the tuberose originates from Mexico and has spread to many countries, including Indonesia. In India, it is known as “Rajanīgandha”, which means “fragrant at night”, reflecting its characteristic of blooming and releasing a strong scent during the evening.

  • The Meaning of Flower Offerings in Buddhist Tradition

    • In Buddhism, offering flowers to the Buddha symbolizes reverence, awareness of impermanence, and the intention to attain enlightenment. Fresh yet short-lived, flowers serve as a reminder of life’s fleeting nature and inspire sincere spiritual practice.The Dhammapada contains several verses that use flowers as symbols to reflect the nature of life and spiritual practice:
    • Dhammapāda 46:
      • “Knowing that this body is like foam, realizing its illusory nature, one should destroy the flower of craving and lust, and escape the sight of the King of Death.”
    • Dhammapāda 53:
      • “Just as from a heap of flowers many arrangements can be made, so too, from a human life, many good deeds can be performed.”
    These verses emphasize the impermanent nature of life and encourage individuals to make the most of their time by cultivating virtues and letting go of worldly attachments.

  • The Tradition of Flower Offerings in the Time of the Buddha

    • During the Buddha’s lifetime, devotees often offered flowers as a gesture of reverence. This tradition continues today, with Buddhists presenting flowers as a symbol of respect to the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Saṅgha.

    TRANSLATE