Waisak, Message of Brotherhood

KOMPAS/KRISTIAN OKA PRASETYADI

Two monks at the Dhammdipa Temple, Manado, North Sulawesi, Bhante Dhammavudho and Bhante Abhasaro, toured around the temple to receive alms from the people in the alms tradition. This tradition is part of the Vesak Trisuci Day celebration which is celebrated on Sunday on (19/5/2019).

Waisak 2020/2564 on Thursday (7/5/2020) commemorates the three holy events of Siddharta Gautama. Birth, perfect enlightenment and death.

In his lifetime, Siddhartha (Buddha) Gautama (623-543 BC) through these three holy events, not only taught the law of glory (Dhamma), but also developed kindness, brotherhood and humanity. The difference among humans is not an obstacle to develop together in brotherhood and peace.

Finally there are only three things left, namely how much you love, how soft you live your life and how willingly you let go of something that is destined not for you.

As a wise man, there are many messages from Buddha Gautama that are relevant to current conditions. For example, the message that "Finally there are only three things left, namely how much you love, how soft you live your life and how willingly you let go of something that is destined not for you."

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The message has become increasingly relevant as the world, including Indonesia, has been struck by the Covid-19 pandemic. From 212 countries/regions, the new coronavirus has infected more than 3.66 million people with 253,157 of them having died and around 1.21 million recoveries. Worldometers.info reported that in Indonesia, there were 12,071 positive cases of Covid-19 with 872 fatalities and 2,197 recoveries.

Although without excitement, when compared to Waisak celebrations in previous years, the three holy events of Gautama Buddha serve as a vehicle for humans to reflect on their lives and humanity.

KOMPAS/BAHANA PATRIA GUPTA

Members of the Mojokerto Resort Police wear a corona virus shaped helmet when checking the body temperature of a motorcycle rider. This was done in the context of socializing the use of masks to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak in the Sawahan Market, Bangsal District, Mojokerto Regency, East Java, on Wednesday (8/4/2020).

The Covid-19 pandemic is like an opportunity for humans to attain enlightenment, even though it is not as perfect as Buddha Gautama, after his birth and before his death. No one, not even the country, can overcome the spread of Covid-19 alone. They need other people and other nations directly or indirectly. Humans need the support of other humans to escape the pandemic. Togetherness among humans, in the form of brotherhood, can only happen if there is abundant love; tenderness in life, not violence; and sincerity to give to others.

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Around 6 million Indonesians have the potential to lose their jobs and income due to the new coronavirus outbreak. They need our attention.

The message of humanity, glory and peace of Waisak celebrations needs to be realized. Based on data from the Manpower Ministry as of 20 April 2020, workers and small businesses that have lost their incomes due to the Covid-19 pandemic reached more than 2.08 million people. As of 8 April 2020, 74,430 companies had laid off 1.2 million workers. Around 6 million Indonesians have the potential to lose their jobs and income due to the new coronavirus outbreak. They need our attention.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

A member of the Family Welfare Movement in Loji subdistrict distributes foods and face masks at community unit (RW) 01 in the subdistrict in West Bogor district, Bogor municipality, West Java, on Friday (17/4/2020).

It is impossible for the government to work alone. Citizens of this country who are able, with all their limitations, need to join hands, help others in the spirit of brotherhood. There is no need to be noisy, while continuing to strive to end the pandemic as soon as possible.

Happy Waisak 2020/2564!