THEY knew that their journey would be a challenging one, but two Theravada monks and about 15 volunteers embarked on an 87-day spiritual journey on foot from Johor to Perlis.
The core team members departed from the Santi Forest Monastery in Ulu Tiram, Johor, on Nov 2 last year, and arrived at their destination, the Perlis Buddhist Society, on Jan 28 this year.
It is learnt that several people joined the core team members along their journey.
In total, the group travelled 1,205km on foot to promote and inculcate the spirit of dhutaṅga.
According to a media release by the United Buddhist Order of Malaysia (UBOM), dhutaṅga in Pali, is made up of the word dhuta (to abandon) and aṅga (state of mind); consisting of a set of 13 practices that can help shake off one’s defilements if observed appropriately, leading to the purification of the mind.
UBOM, aimed at reviving an interest in the practice of dhutaṅga, organised the ‘Thousand KM Dhamma Walk’ from Johor to Perlis.
UBOM also held a 13km public walk from the exit of Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge to Karpal Singh Drive, to enable the public to take part and experience the spirit of dhutaṅga today. Some 250 people registered for the 5km and 10km categories.
The public walk organising chairman Brian Teh said the two monks and the core members also took part in the public walk, totalling up their distance to 1,218km in 88 days.
Speaking about the public walk, United Buddhist Order of Penang adviser John Ooh thanked the organising committees and volunteers for their effort and contribution in making the event a success.
“It is the first time such an event is organised here in Penang,” he said.
Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, who delivered the speech on behalf of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, said inclusiveness and harmony are intricate parts of the Penang2030 vision.
“We want to build a society that is united under the universal values of mutual respect, peace, and freedom to practice each individual belief and faith.
“I am glad to witness here today that we are progressing in the right path.
“What we have here is testament to that vision.
“In a multiracial and multicultural community such as ours, harmony and mutual respect are the foundation that this nation is built upon.
“Hence, the state government has established the Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee whereby issues pertaining to faiths such as Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and others can be addressed,” she said in her speech.
Lim also announced that the land rezoning of Vihara Boon Raksa Monastery under the United Buddhist Order of Penang has been approved.
“We hope that this will serve the Buddhist community well,” she said.
Lim congratulated UBOM for successfully organising the ‘Thousand KM Dhamma Walk’, and commended those who have participated in the spiritual journey.
“It is indeed not an easy feat,” she added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix courtesy of United Buddhist Order of Penang
