When each thing in the world is designed to tell a story, Syailendra Dynasty has made all the differences. Etching 2,672 relief that entail virtuous Ramayana tale on the inimitable massive stone temple, the devoted kingdom spent almost an entire century in crafting the Buddhist scintillating fascination to life. What still stands erect now is a contender to world's other greatest monuments, to name of few such as great Pyramids in Egypt and Anchor Wat in Thailand,
albeit this largest Buddhist shrine on the planet does not contrive conceited meanings in its name since Candi Borobudur
(Borobudur Temple) modestly refers to a monastery on high place.
The long-existed 504 Buddha effigies permeated over the ten-terrace sublimity have called most Buddhists in the world to at least make a visit whenever
Vesak, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha, is emblazoned on the year calendar. And so forth the perennial customs of circumambulating the impressive ninth-century architecture reoccur once more, portraying wisely-trained disciples queuing in an ascending adventure through the terraces with simple-fashion clad
a style-savvy duo of earth tone and auburn cloths clipped loosely covering one's usual slender curvy.
Enchanting buildings and panoramic setting are nothing to compare to the message of each terrace in Borobudur Temple envelops for the newcomers. The first base, after the supporting ground, is a trip around
Kamadhatu, the world of desire. It is the zinging start that leaps one off human bounds over satisfaction and lust. If bigotry and prejudice have seized their stranglehold on your moral virtues, journey through
Rupadhatu, the world of forms, in the upper four levels will surely cleanse your soul. The narrative sculpture along the sturdy walls in Borobudur Temple preaches ways to achieve a better persona, which at the end directs to Buddha, an innocently blessed being. A free mind that sees what is inside rather than bodily distinction is the perfection
Rupadhatu's square platforms yield on a fervent follower.
Circular stages mark Arupadhatu, the world of formless, the penultimate chapter. Pertaining to a complete series of three levels, this sanctifying phase concerns everything that is abstract. As any details bring varied pieces to fill in a larger picture perfect of the world, the devout believer is taught to appreciate the essence of all things. At the peak awaits no one else besides an ample perforated stupa conveying seventy-two Buddha statues. This highest ground is named
Arupa, an alias for heaven. Undeniable sense of blessings shall inconceivably invade in your every nerve, as well as the idyllic surrounding scene which is just beyond words. Often as it is, the calm sunset welcomes and celebrates most successful pilgrims with melancholic dash of orangish horizon in clear blue sky.
To anyone who loves beauty in life, Borobudur Temple is not to be missed. But if you bet that there is always a humbling story behind every beauty, this temple is a longed home for your precious heart.
