Buddhist Heritage
Amazing Facts about Borobudur
- It was a royal project built at the peak of the Sailendra dynasty. Built on a bedrock hill using lava stones from nearby rivers, its construction spanned 70 years from 760 to 830 A.D. It was deserted 100 years later, around 928 A.D. probably due to severe volcanic eruptions which forced the centre of power to shift to East Java.
- Rediscovered by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1814. The Indonesian Government and UNESCO restored the monument between 1975 and 1982. It is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Built in the shape of a Mandala, it has ten levels signifying the ten stages of enlightenment in Mahayana Buddhism. Made up of a hidden foot, six square platforms and three circular platforms, it totals 115ft in height. Adorned with 2,670 beautifully carved relief panels, 504 Buddha statues, and 72 perforated stupas concealing within each, a life-sized sitting Buddha statue.
Borobudur - A Monument to Faith & Devotion
Article by Yvette Wong
Buddhist arts and culture have a way of warming itself into our hearts. Three years ago, Borobudur is a destination that will never find its way into my ‘top 20 holiday’ list. It is ironic how it has now become a place I wish I could visit again and again. In July, I had the good fortune to be part of the study entourage to Borobudur conducted by the Institute, and led by Bro. Tan Ho Soon. I did some research on the mystical and majestic monument prior to our trip. This contributed to my appreciation of the art and Dhamma imprinted on Borobudur’s crafted lava panels.
Borobudur was designed to provide learning and realization of the Dhamma to one who scales its structure. One starts the journey through the eastern gate, keeping the monument to our right all the time as in Buddhist custom. One then proceeds to study the carvings on the main wall from right to left and the carvings on the balustrade wall from left to right. As one circumambulates the structure while studying the carvings on the walls, one gains understanding of the Dhamma and hence, spiritual progression. This exercise prepares one for the ultimate realization of Dhamma at the top. Upon reaching the top, one meditates to gain final liberation.
Meeting with Ven. Paññavaro Maha Thero, the Chief Monk of Indonesia, at Vihara Mendut.
An enchanting sunset at Parang Tritis in South Java, facing the Indian Ocean.
A Gamelan performer in the Yogyakarta Sultan’s Kraton.
Borobudur is the biggest Buddhist monument found on earth. It is a miracle and a puzzle to this day on how this great civilization can be found in central Java 1,200 years ago. It was built on a bedrock hill on a fertile plain between two rivers - Progo and Elo; and two pairs of volcanic mountains - Sundoro-Sumbing and Merbabu-Merapi.
The Javanese communities then were farmers and not full-time artisans. They did not have modern technology, tools and machinery to lug lava masses from nearby rivers, cut them into square boulders, and haul them to the construction site. Yet they knew enough to stack and position millions of stone slabs without having them gave in to the weight, and without using any form of adhesive. One could only imagine the hardship, endurance and determination of those ancient Javanese people in seeing through the completion of this massive monument.
The Malaysian party brought along gifts of stationeries for Dharma School students in Solo and Klaten. Seen above is the formal offering ceremony and blessings. Some cash were also presented to the Schools to run their activities.