Borobudur, the Biggest Buddhist Temple in the Ninth Century

Who does not know Borobudur? This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief panels and
504 Buddha effigies in its complex. Millions of people are eager to visit this building
as one of the World Wonder Heritages. It is not surprising since architecturally and
functionally, as the place for Buddhists to say their prayer, Borobudur is attractive.
Borobudur is constructed as a ten-terraces building. The height before being
renovated was 42 meters and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest
level was used as supporting base. The first six terraces are in square form, two
upper terraces are in circular form, and on top of them is the terrace where Buddha
statue is located facing westward. Each terrace symbolizes the stage of human life.
In line with of Buddha Mahayana, anyone who intends to reach the level of Buddha's
must go through each of those life stages.
The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu, symbolizes human being that are still
bound by lust. The upper four stories are called Rupadhatu symbolizing human
beings that have set themselves free from lust but are still bound to appearance and
shape. On this terrace, Buddha effigies are placed in open space; while the other
upper three terraces where Buddha effigies are confined in domes with wholes are
called Arupadhatu, symbolizing human beings that have been free from lust,
appearance and shape. The top part that is called Arupa symbolizes nirvana, where
Buddha is residing.
Each terrace has beautiful relief panels showing how skillful the sculptors were. In
order to understand the sequence of the stories on the relief panels, you have to
walk clockwise from the entrance of the temple. The relief panels tell the legendary
story of Ramayana. Besides, there are relief panels describing the condition of the
society by that time; for example, relief of farmers' activity reflecting the advance of
agriculture system and relief of sailing boat representing the advance of navigation in
Bergotta (Semarang).
All relief panels in Borobudur temple reflect Buddha's teachings. For the reason, this
temple functions as educating medium for those who want to learn Buddhism.
YogYES suggests that you walk through each narrow passage in Borobudur in order
for you to know the philosophy of Buddhism. Atisha, a Buddhist from India in the
tenth century once visited this temple that was built 3 centuries before Angkor Wat in
Cambodia and 4 centuries before the Grand Cathedrals in Europe.
Thanks to visiting Borobudur and having supply of Buddha teaching script from
Serlingpa (King of Sriwijaya), Atisha was able to improve Buddha's teachings after
his return to India and he built a religion institution, Vikramasila Buddhism. Later he
became the leader of Vikramasila monastery and taught Tibetans of practicing
Dharma. Six scripts from Serlingpa were then summarized as the core of the
teaching called "The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" or well known
as Bodhipathapradipa.
With the existing greatness and mystery, it makes sense if many people put
Borobudur in their agenda as a place worth visiting in their lives. Besides enjoying

the temple, you may take a walk around the surrounding villages such as
Karanganyar and Wanurejo. You can also get to the top of Kendil stone where you
can enjoy Borobudur and the surrounding scenery. Please visit Borobudur temple
right away...