Thai monk praises "harmonious coexistence among differences" during spiritual journey to Indonesia
Semarang, Indonesia — Thirty-six monks from Thailand fullfilled their grueling 2,500 kilometer journey, trudging on foot from their homeland to Indonesia, marking the conclusion of International Thudong 2025. This monumental spiritual pilgrimage was a testament to their dedication and veneration, reaching its pinnacle at Borobudur Temple on May 8th, 2025, to celebrate Vesak Day.
Beginning at Sanam Luang in Bangkok on February 6th, 2025, these resilient monks traversed four nations — Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia — in the name of spiritual renewal and unity. Their arduous journey took three months in total, blending physical stamina with inner peace and meditation.
The monks entered Indonesia through Batam city on April 16th, subsequently catching a flight to Jakarta before embarking once more towards Borobudur Temple. Warm welcomes were extended to them by believers from various faiths who gathered with flowers to fete their arrival at the temple's entrance at 4:20 PM on May 8th.
These diverse attendants included Muslims and Christians, all united in offering peaceful meditation as a symbol of interfaith harmony and spiritual solidarity. Gugun Gumilar, Special Staff to the Minister of Religious Affairs, pledged the Indonesian government's commitment to safeguarding the monks during their stay within the country.
Phra Khru Wichai, a senior monk from Wat Khao Phiseu Thongkham in Phetchabun province, feeling deeply moved, described the experience as reminiscent of returning home.
"Though I've never been to Indonesia before, it feels strangely comforting, almost familial. Standing before the majestic Buddha statue housed within the temple's main stupa was like wrapping up a missing piece in my life," Phra Khru shared.
Praising Indonesia's harmony, Phra Khru expressed admiration for its unity in diversity, despite varying faiths and languages.
"Despite our differences in faith and language, everyone strives for a single ideal — achieving peace through tolerance," he stated emphatically.
Initially, Buddhists constituted a small percentage of Indonesia's religious landscape. However, with the nation's vast population, their numbers are significant. Phra Khru expressed optimism about the growth of Buddhism in the region.
The pilgrimage encapsulates a broader significance, particularly as Thailand and Indonesia commemorate seventy-five years of diplomatic relations. Phra Khru noted the potential of religion acting as a bridge between countries.
During his journey, he had the fortune to engage in productive discussions with a Catholic pastor shortly after the election of a new pope in the Vatican. These talks revolved around fostering peace, harmony, and mutual respect across differing religions from various countries.
"This Thudong goes beyond being a mere physical journey; it's a guiding light prompting us to work collaboratively across faith lines to bring peace to a fragmented world," Phra Khru asserted.
The monks' spiritual pilgrimage, marked by their exhausting travel, was not just a testament to their physical stamina but also their dedication to achieving peace through tolerance. In Phra Khru's view, this Thudong journey served as a symbolic bridge, fostering interfaith harmony and unity, a lifestyle perfectly aligned with the ideals of interfaith solidarity and peace.
