In Vesak Day, President Jokowi Reminds All to Unite in Facing Hard Time

Happy Vesak day greetings from President Jokowi. (Photo by: Twitter @jokowi)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo wishes all Indonesian Buddhists a Happy Vesak Day and told that brotherhood and unity will allow us to pass this hard time and challenges.

“Happy Vesak Day 2564. May all living beings live with mutual affection,” President Jokowi said in his official Twitter account @jokowi on Thursday (7/5).

In the meantime, Minister of Religious Affairs Fachrul Razi appreciated the Buddhists for celebrating Vesak Day at viharas in a small scale and simple manner amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minister expressed hope that the celebration of Vesak Day 2564 which adopts a theme ‘Through the Dhamma (teachings of the Buddha), We can Raise Social Awareness for the Unity of the Nation’ will remind all Buddhists about the virtues of the Dhamma.

The virtues are self-sacrifice, wisdom in life, and perfections as taught by the Buddha.

“The virtues of the Dhamma that you believe can answer challenges and changes in life along with the development of the world,” he said adding that people can solve their problems if they find inner peace and determination to believe and emulate the Dhamma in their lives.

He also reminded all Indonesian Buddhists to spread the light of the virtue of Dhamma by following six acts:

First, have compassion in deed.

Second, have compassion in word.

Third, have compassion in mind.

Fourth, promote social awareness, have sympathy, and sacrifice to each other.

Fifth, conform to social norms.

 Sixth, have a broad view and open-mindedness in understanding changes. (Ministry of Religious Affairs PR/EN)

Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana