In May, I visited a Buddhist temple in Pamenang Timur for the first time. At that moment I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the Waisak celebration. Without any knowledge of the schedule, I went purely on chance, not knowing what to expect. There, by coincidence, I met the head of the Buddhist community, a lucky encounter that made the experience even more memorable. Though I missed the first ceremony, I was invited to return later that day.

With time to spare, I went to a smaller, quieter temple. A local there welcomes us and allows me to participate in a symbolic ritual involving pouring holy water over a Buddha statue. Afterward, he introduces us to his friends, and we take photos by the large standing Buddha, enjoying the stunning views of the nearby islands in the distance.

That evening, his wife dressed me beautifully, and I had the privilege of meeting some incredibly kind people at the temple. Wearing traditional attire, I followed the directions given by some amazing girls. Around the golden Buddha statue, four rows of devotees wait to pour holy water over a smaller Buddha statue. When it’s my turn, I follow the motions I practiced earlier, feeling truly immersed in the ritual. Although I must leave soon after, the experience far exceeds my expectations. The warmth of the Buddhist community fills me with gratitude. The next day, they even invited me to join in the parade. Just before I left the temple, I received a new nickname. It’s still because of that night I’m living my life here on Lombok now, known as the “Bule Local” (local foreigner).

Since moving to Lombok, I’ve been at the temple multiple times. Either it was to show tourists the Vihara or because I’ve been frequently invited to different events. Each visit holds a delightful element of surprise, as no one reveals what’s planned in advance. Recently, a friend gifted me my own kebaya, deepening my connection to this experience. I'm truly grateful for the openness and kindness of this community. With each visit, I learn more about Buddhism, and any initial discomfort I felt has faded. Their generosity has made me feel right at home and that makes that I will hold on to these experiences for a life time.