Buddhism and Borobudur

Facts about Borobudur
Borobudur is a ninth century Buddhist monument and is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument and follows a path circum-ambulating the monument while ascending to the top through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, namely, the world of desire, Kamadhatu, the world of forms, Rupadhatu, and the world of formless, Arupadhatu.

The monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. A main dome is located at the centre of the top platform. It is surrounded by seventy-two perforated stupas, each containing one sitting Buddha statue.

Evidence suggests Borobudur was abandoned following the fourteenth century decline of Buddhist kingdoms in Java and the gradual Javanese conversion to Islam. It was rediscovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Raffles, the British ruler of Java. Since then, Borobudur has been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1984 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO. In 1985 a bomb attack gave minor damages to the temple again. Since 1991, Borobudur has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Indonesia.

‘ To the people of Java, Hinduism gave the rituals, Islam the concept of God, and from Buddhism the Javanese got the way of ascetic life and meditation’. (Buddhist Monk)

Meeting with the Monk in Temple of Mendut
Before we went to see the spectacular Borobudur, we visited the temple of Mendut to meet with Monk Bhikkhu Jotidhammo Mahathera, M. Hum. The Monk gave us information about Buddhism in general, in Indonesia and especially in Java. And he provided us with more specific information about Borobudur’s history and the story built into the architectural structure and the decorations of the monument.

In our discussion with the Monk, he told us about Buddhism and explained that the key word of Buddhism is suffering. There is no personal god; - it is only your own actions and thoughts that will decide your fate/karma. Within Buddhism there are three main areas that can help the people achieve a better karma; Wisdom, Moral and Meditation.

The Monk explained his views on why Buddhism is still important in Indonesia, although only 1% of the population is registered as followers. Most of the information we got was related to Java and the impact of both Hinduism and Buddhism there. He explained it with the historical aspect, that Buddhism has been present in Indonesia for so long. On the question about syncretism in Java, the monk answered that all the religions have strong traditions and long history in Java, and that it is the normal way that more than one religion would influence the society at the same time. One religion doesn’t just stop when another is adopted by the people. Religion is also in the culture and will keep on affecting the people’s life, because some elements from previous religions become the people’s culture.

Borobudur

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