Named ‘Peaceful Soul’ for the serenity of its setting in Central Java’s cultural heartland, Amanjiwo celebrates this year’s Vesak with curated experiences tailored to honour this important day for Buddhists.
From 15-17 May 2022, the resort invites guests to be part of a three-day cultural and spiritual event and immerse in captivating experiences led by Buddhist monks, as well as delve into inspiring lectures on the history of Gautama Buddha. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a ‘Pradakshina’ ceremony led by a monk within the surrounding area of the world’s largest and most spiritually resonant Buddhist monument, Borobudur, and appreciate the special Apsara dance by Indonesian dance maestro, Didik Nini Thowok.
Sacred Vesak Rituals
Also known as Wesak or Buddha Day, Vesak is one of the most important Buddhist festivals, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha. The majestic Borobudur temple is a central gathering place for Buddhists from across the country and around the world to celebrate this day. Located just minutes from Borobudur, Amanjiwo collaborates with Veluvana Vihara, a Buddhist monastery in Boyolali, Central Java, as part of the itinerary which allows guests to engage with the monks in the shadow of this intriguing monument.
The experience commences with the presence of monks who chant gracefully to show devotion to the Buddhist teachings as guests step into the serene lobby of Amanjiwo. In the evening, guests are invited to join ‘The Birth of Buddha’ lecture led by Amanjiwo’s resident anthropologist, Patrick Vanhoebrouck, who has a deep understanding of Indonesian culture and is passionate about sharing his vast knowledge of Borobudur and Javanese spirituality.
As the sun rises on the horizon on Vesak day, guests are invited to take a walk around the Borobudur temple, also known as ‘Pradakshina’, led by the monks from Veluvana Vihara, a spiritual act that assures peace of mind. Guests participating in this procession receive exclusive access to the Borobudur temple together with the monks.
The day continues with an afternoon tea and lecture on Nirvana by Patrick Vanhoebrouck. He will share his knowledge of Buddha’s enlightenment and how it has become synonymous with self-realisation, the true self and the false self. Afterwards, take part in a guided Semedi Meditation – a method of meditation that attains calmness and clarity of mind through perfecting one’s life.
Samedi in ancient Sanskrit language means ‘mental absorption’ and was considered a yogic foundation for the understanding of truth. It is achieved by a series of exercises, which sequentially bring a practitioner through stages of breath optimisation, mudra concentration, awareness meditation and calmness of body, spirit and mind.
An exquisite Vesak vegetarian dinner is prepared for guests before ending the day. Indulge in the hearty dinner specially curated by the Veluvana Vihara’s monks while enjoying the performance of the alluring Mahakarya Dance. As a form of gratitude, 10% of the dinner’s profit will be donated to the Veluvana Vihara monastery.
On the third day, Amanjiwo welcomes guests for a yoga class by the Pool Club to align the mind, body and soul. With its tranquil ambiance and uplifting spirit, Amanjiwo is the ideal setting in which to experience the benefits of yoga. At noon, enjoy spectacular views of the Progo River while having a picnic lunch set on the banks of the river and absorb the energy of the watercourse that creates a sense of tranquillity.
The day continues with the mesmerising performance from Didik Nini Thowok at the Rotunda, while indulging in a soothing afternoon tea, a healthy fusion of Javanese basil and local spices from the Menoreh Hills, served overlooking the Borobudur temple. Didik Nini Thowok will perform a dance called Apsara, telling a story about the human life cycle: from birth to death, inspired by the relief paintings in the Dunhuang Buddhist Cave in China.
Donning white costumes, the dancer symbolises that human were born clean and later the costumes will be stained with colours, picturing dynamic human life which is depicted through the colourful scarf from Apsara.
With three-days to experience this otherworldly location, guests are offered a fully immersive stay with a curated itinerary inspired by the spirit of Vesak. During their stay at Amanjiwo, guests are served daily breakfast overlooking the striking vistas of the Menoreh Hills, creating lasting memories amidst blissful surroundings.
Veluvana Vihara
Veluvana Vihara is a Buddhist monastery founded in 1989 and established as a form of expression and dedication by the Venerable Y.A Ashin Jinarakkhita Mahathera to Smaratungga College. It is a place for education and training for monks in the development of Buddhism in Indonesia. Located in Boyolali, Central Java, the Veluvana Vihara complex consists of a Dharmasala, a boarding house for monks, and various other facilities to support it.
The vihara is the house of a pagoda dedicated to sangha teachers and elders including Y.A. Ashin jinarakakhita Mahathera (Relic), Y. A. Wiku Dewa Dharmaputra Mahasthavira, YES. Dharmasuryabhumi Mahathera, Y.A. Dharma Aji Uggadhammo Mahasthavira, and other elders of the Indonesian Supreme Sangha.
Didik Nini Thowok
Didik Hadiprayitno, better known by his stage name Didik Nini Thowok, is considered Indonesia’s most famous dancer who is continuing the long tradition of cross-gender dance. His choreographic creations combine comedy, classical and modern dance, and traditional dances such as the Topeng (mask dance), Sundance and Cirebon, as well as the dances of Bali and Central Java.
As he has studied dance in several countries, including Indonesia, India, Japan, and Spain, he often also incorporates styles from many cultures in his choreographies. His body of artistic work and teaching spans more than 20 years and has received numerous awards, as well as performing for the world’s highest dignitaries.
