I ask all Buddhists in Indonesia to always reflect on what the Buddha has said and spread kindness to othersJakarta (ANTARA) - This year’s Vesak 2566 Buddhist festival is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of helping each other and maintaining harmony, Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani has said.
"This year's Vesak reminds us all to do more and continue to maintain inter-religious harmony," Maharani added in a press statement here on Monday.
She also conveyed Vesak wishes to Buddhists across Indonesia and asked them to help build the noble values of the nation while reflecting on the teachings of Siddharta Buddha Gautama.
Maharani said that the Vesak 2566 theme, namely "Moderation for a Happy Indonesia” is in line with the teachings of the Buddha, which encapsulate universal values, a deep philosophy of life, and knowledge of the nature and meaning of true Buddhist life.
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The Buddha's values are important for building a sovereign and independent country.
"I ask all Buddhists in Indonesia to always reflect on what the Buddha has said and spread kindness to others," she added.
The chairman of the DPP PDI-P Party noted that this year's Vesak celebration is again taking place amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the Buddha's teaching to help each other in this difficult time remains very relevant.
"Buddhist knowledge with the aim of social justice and world peace is a commitment that Buddhists want to form," Maharani added.
Quoting a speech given by the first Indonesian President, Soekarno, Maharani also invited Buddhists and all people to believe in God culturally, without “religious selfishness.”
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"Let us practice and live a religious life in a civilized way, namely with respect for one another," she urged.
She invited all Buddhists in the country to use Vesak 2566 as an opportunity to build the nation's noble values to maintain the sesanti of Sutasoma, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, and Hana Darma Mangrwa.
"Happy Vesak Day. May all beings always live in peace, serenity, and happiness," she added.
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Translator: Syaiful Hakim, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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