Candi Borobudur: An Example of the Splendor of Asian Civilization

When I arrived here in Indonesia I was told that I should visit the famous Buddhist Temple near Yogyakarta. Well, I have able to manage to visit the place and see this temple.

At the foot of Candi Borobudur - from the East door.

An image that caught my attention in the whole Buddhist
architectural design -  a CROSS! 

            Indeed, the temple which is called by the Indonesians as “Candi” was superb and excellent. The temple or the Candi Borobudor was dedicated to the Lord Buddha. Candi Borobudur was built in the 8th century. To be precise, it was in 750 AD that the construction of the temple started and it was opened to the public in the year 825 AD. The temple was said to have abandoned and destroyed due to the historical changes. When the island of Java was Islamized the old buddhist tradition slowly died. Moreover, probably also because of some natural calamities particualrly of volcanic eruptions, the temple was later on destroyed and abandoned. However, in the late 18th century an English archeologist was informed by the natives regarding this temple. Truly, that English archeologist discovered this great masterpiece of human genius that was fully covered by volcanic ashes and trees and grasses. Yet, the restoration of the temple only started in the late 20^th century initiated by the UNESCO and the government of Indonesia. At present the temple – Candi Borobudur is completely restored to its original form and structure.

Images of the Lord Buddha.

            Certainly, the restoration process that took so long had borne fruit that at its present structure the Candi Borobudur rose proudly. Nevertheless, I am quite disappointed by the fact that this temple ceases to be a temple. Candi Borobudur has now become a mere tourist spot where people would take pictures. Its historical value has not been that of importance to the visitors. The great images and stones carvings around the temple have been not of importance at all. It ceases to be a temple also for there is no sacredness given to the temple. People are more interested in taking pictures alone (of course including me).

            However, looking at this magnificent temple, one could realize how genius were the people at that time. Surely, there was also a spiritual inspiration that made the people to create such beautiful human creation. This is also an evidence and an example of the greatness of the Asian civilization.

Candi Borobudur at the distance.

with the fantastic Candi.

            The temple itself has plenty of images and symbols that surely suggest meanings. The four doors in the north, east, west and south point as well to the four directions of the world. The walls were filled with every stone carvings depicting realities of human life from birth to death and beyond. There were images of human beings, animals and the spirit world and of course the many statues of the Lord Buddha attaining nirvana. In addition, temple itself stood in a higher ground as if a lotus in the whole place.