Pilgrimage to Jambi & Borobudur, Indonesia

12 Days, 11 Nights

Duration

GESHE ZOPA & TARA MEDITATION CENTRE, BUNBURY

PILGRIMAGE TO JAMBI & BOROBUDUR, INDONESIA

This pilgrimage starts in Jakarta, Indonesia, and is being led by esteemed teacher Geshe Zopa. On the pilgrimage we will visit two of the most important locations for Buddhists in Indonesia, Jambi and Borobudur.

Our first pilgrimage destination is Jambi, on the island of Sumatra, formerly known as Svarnadwipa, the Golden Island. Jambi was once the center of Buddhist learning in the kingdom of Srivijaya, and many key Buddhist scholars visited the region.

Bhiksus came to seek enlightenment, and the well-known Chinese Master Teacher I Ching also studied here from the year 671 on. One thousand years ago, in the early 11th century, the great master Buddhist teacher Atisha is said to have spent 11 years studying under Lama Serlingpa in order to receive advanced teachings on Bodhichitta.

Our other pilgrimage destination is Borobudur. We will visit the UNESCO listed Stupa for practice, meditation, teachings, and discussion sessions. We will visit other nearby Buddhist temples such as Mendut and Pawon, and the famous Hindu temple at Prambanan.

Prayers at the holy places of Jambi and Borobudur – Geshe Zopa will lead prayers and practices at the holy places of Jambi and Borbudur (texts will be provided).

Geshe Zopa will also lead a Guru Puja in Jambi and Borobudur.

There will be time for personal reflection during the pilgrimage, and we will conclude our journey in Yogyakarta.

TOUR DATES	17-28 August 2024
TOUR COST	A$3,050 per person, twin share A$3,500 single supplement *Costs include a AUD$500 donation to Tara Meditation Centre, Bunbury
DURATION	12 Days, 11 Nights
TOUR ROUTE	Jakarta – Jambi – Borobudur – Yogyakarta

Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Geshe Tenzin Zopa holds the honoured Geshe (Doctorate) degree from Sera Jey Monastic University, South India. He was born in the remote Himalayan region of Tsum valley in Nepal and was ordained at the age of 9 in Kopan Monastery by the late Great Mahasiddha Geshe Lama Konchog.

Geshela possesses vast scriptural knowledge, holds many rare transmissions and initiations lineages, has completed many retreats, extensive teaching experience and is skilled in rituals and astrology. Geshela has also undertaken many meaningful projects for many years.

Since 2000 he has been actively teaching in FPMT centers as a visiting and resident teacher. Currently, he is serving as a touring teacher for the FPMT centers.

Day 1

17 August 2024

Arrive in Jakarta and make your way to the hotel close to the airport. After checking in, spend the rest of your day at your leisure exploring the local area or relaxing in the hotel. Meet in the evening in the hotel lobby for dinner.

Overnight: Hotel, Jakarta

Day 2

18 August 2024

After an early breakfast, head to the airport for your flight to Jambi (depart 10.30, arrive 11.50). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Overnight: Hotel, Jambi

Day 3-6

19-22 August 2024

We’ll spend the next four days exploring and practicing at the Muara Jambi complex. Each day after breakfast we’ll take a jeep to Muara Jambi, where Geshe Zopa will be leading prayers and discussions on site. In the early afternoon we’ll return to the hotel for a late lunch and some rest. Later in the day Geshe Zopa will host question and answer sessions in the hotel conference room.

Overnight: Hotel, Jambi

Day 7

23 August 2024

Today we’ll take a rest day to explore the city of Jambi. There is the possibility of a visit to the Lama Serlingpa Bodhicitta Study Group. In the evening we’ll meet for dinner (optional).

Overnight: Hotel, Jambi

Day 8

24 August 2024

Today we’ll leave Jambi and fly to Yogyakarta via Jakarta. On arrival we’ll take a bus to Borobudur (approximately 2 hours). We’ll arrive by late afternoon and check into the hotel located close at the Borobudur Stupa complex. Rest until dinner.

Overnight: Hotel, Borobudur

Day 9

25 August 2024

We’ll spend the morning at the Borobudur Stupa complex for practice and circumambulation. The Borobudur complex is a massive Buddhist temple with intricate carvings and a symbolic layout. We’ll return to the hotel for teachings and lunch. In the afternoon we’ll visit Pawon and Mendut temples, both of which are spiritually liked to Borobudur. In the evening we’ll have a discussion session with Geshe Zopa.

Overnight: Hotel, Borobudur

Day 10

26 August 2024

We’ll spend the morning exploring and circumambulating Borobudur Stupa. Geshe Zopa will confer refuge and Boddhisatva vows to those who are interested in taking vows for the first time or refresh current ones. We’ll return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon we’ll visit Prambanan Temple, 35kms from Borobudur. Prambanan is a complex of Hindu temples with towering spires and depictions of Hindu mythology. In the evening we’ll have a discussion session with Geshe Zopa.

Overnight: Hotel, Borobudur

Day 11

27 August 2024

This morning we’ll make a final visit to Borobudur Stupa for practice and circumambulation. After breakfast we’ll leave for Yogyakarta. On arrival, check into the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner (optional).

Overnight: Hotel, Yogyakarta

Day 12

28 August 2024

Our pilgrimage ends after breakfast. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Notes: This is a guide to what our days will be like.

B. (Breakfast) is included every day of the pilgrimage. We can organise other meals at the hotel.
Pre-trip travel: Fly to Jakarta, Indonesia. There is a shuttle bus from the airport to the hotel in Jakarta. Please advise when booking if you require this (not included in the pilgrimage cost).
Changes may be made as we go along and will be announced as well as posted (when possible) in the hotel reception area. These changes will be based on local conditions, health concerns, and hotel availability.
Contact information is current and subject to change.
Trip notes to be provided for the group prior to departure.
We will try to ensure that the hotels have a refillable water supply for the group, however this may not always be possible. It will be the participants responsibility to ensure they keep well hydrated during the pilgrimage.
Please book your flight to arrive at Soekarno – Hatta International Airport Jakarta (CGK) and depart from Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA).

Conditions of Quote: The trip price is based on costs and exchange rates current at the time of preparation. We reserve the right to adjust the prices due to exchange rate fluctuations and other costs (such as taxes) until a AUD$800 deposit has been made.

INCLUDES

Teachings, meditations, and discussions by Geshe Zopa

11 nights’ twin share accommodation with breakfast

Domestic flights from Jakarta to Jambi, and Jambi to Yogyakarta

Ground transfers as follows:
To Jakarta airport for departure to Jambi
Jambi airport arrival and departure
Yogyakarta to Borobudur returns

Sightseeing and entrance fees as follows:
Muara Jambi & surrounds – 4 days
Borobudur Temple – 3 days
Prambanan Temple – 1 day
Mendut and Pawon Temples – 1 day

Donation to Tara Meditation Centre, Bunbury

EXCLUDES

Return airfares to Indonesia

Indonesian tourist visa

Travel insurance (compulsory)

Transfers on arrival and departure

Occasional optional items, activities and transport not identified in itinerary description

All lunches and dinners

Personal expenditure such as drinks (including bottled water), laundry service and souvenirs

Tipping

ACCOMMODATION

Nights Hotel/Guest House or Similar Place