Borobudur

Borobudar is the largest Buddhist monument in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It is open to tourists 364 days each year—But, on the full moon in May, the monument is open only to Buddhist monks who come to celebrate the Buddha’s birth and death on this day.  Borobudur was built between the 8^th and 9^th centuries, and was then lost under volcanic ash beginning in the 14^th century.  The monument was rediscovered in 1814. 

Borobudar has nine platforms or levels, each representing a stage of enlightenment in
Buddhist cosmology.  The base represents the world of desire.  Here, people live out their lives fluctuating between attachment to desires and aversion to that which they do not desire.  The next five levels represent the world of form.  At these levels, people live in the world of form without being driven by various attachments and aversions.

The top three levels represent the formless ocean of nirvana where Buddhas reside.  Each of the top platforms supports a row of perforated stupas arranged in concentric circles.  The stupas are upside down rice bowls, representing meditation and fasting, enclosing a nice surprise inside . . .

Approximately 2,670 bas reliefs cover the facades and balustrades of Borobudar.  The narrative panels tell the story of Buddha's birth and life, and also depict the workings of karmic law.  For my drinking, dancing machine friends, the karmic writing is (literally)on the wall:

Cause:  Drinking/dancing machines:

Effect:  Hungry, beggars (who spent all the money on the good French wine!):

Not to worry too much . . . The message of Borobudur is balance and justice, blessing and protection!

My Prayer:

All Buddhas who grace this sacred land, who have attained perfect wisdom,

  who are here to bless and protect

All Bodhisattva's, full of heart, who vow to return again and again

  until all sentient beings are free from suffering

All beings--monks, nuns, lay people--who have made a pilgrimage to this sweet place

  who come to meditate and pray, to touch the stars within, and the stars in the midnight sky

  who come to greet awe and reverence, Selemat Datang

Stepping gently onto your path, I pray:

May all beings be safe

May all beings, especially my friend Moses, be happy

May all beings, especially my friend Denny, be healthy

May all beings live with ease and well being.

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Peace, Peace, Peace!