Bringing the teachings into the world: the Medicine Buddha mandala in Indonesia

In the summer of 2026, Edward Sczudlo, founder of The Maitri Project, brought a group of monks around Indonesia to create the Medicine Buddha mandala and share their practice with communities beyond the monastery. The group included monastic PhD candidates.

A shared intention

The tour was guided by the aspiration to plant seeds of peace, prosperity, enlightenment, and loving-kindness. Bringing the monks and the mandala to communities across Indonesia created opportunities for people to encounter a living Buddhist tradition together.

This work reflects an important part of Maitri’s purpose: supporting the people who sustain these teachings while helping the teachings reach others. The Indonesia journey brought those two commitments together through shared practice and personal connection.

Hundreds gathered

The events welcomed hundreds of attendees. Edward describes communities as deeply moved and transformed by the experience—a reflection of the meaning these gatherings held for those who took part.

The tour offered a way to bring the teachings into the world through direct encounter: monks and participants coming together with an intention of loving-kindness and peace.

Continue exploring Maitri’s work

Learn more about Edward’s work bringing the teachings into the world, explore Maitri’s support for monastic communities, or watch Rise of the Geshe-Ma, a documentary about women pursuing advanced Buddhist scholarship.

Tour account and photograph provided by Edward Sczudlo.