A Giant Tantric Buddhist Mandala

Buddhist Mandala

Borobudur temple represents many layers of Buddhist theory. From a bird’s eye, it is viewed in the shape of a giant traditional Buddhist mandala. A mandala is central to a great deal of Buddhist and Hindu art, the basic form of most Hindu and Buddhist mandalas is a square with four entry points, and a circular center point.

Working from the exterior to the interior, the three zones of consciousness are represented, with the central sphere representing an unconsciousness or Nirvana. Chandi Borobudur takes a quite different view of its structural composition.

The big stupa is to be erected on a multiple base, but hardly in such a way that it is wholly dwarfed in size and importance by that base. In the center of the base there is a pit, at the bottom of which a ritual deposit box was placed. The box contained the pripih which consisted of several pieces of metal, precious stones and various seeds, symbolizing the earthly elements.

Over the pit, in the temple - chamber, he image of the God was enthroned. In the superstructure of solid stone, a small space was reserved for another pripih which represented the divine elements. Buddhism lays particular stress on the stages of mental preparation to be undergone before attaining the ultimate goal, the definitive liberation from all earthly bonds and the absolute exclusion from being reborn.

Borobudur's Mandala

Chandi Borobudur differs completely from the general design of such structures. It is not a building erected on a flat horizontal base, and leaving an inner space for the enthronement of a statue, but it is a stepped pyramid, consisting of nine superimposed terraces, and crowned by a huge bell - shaped stupa.

Borobudur is built as a single large stupa and, when viewed from above, takes the form of a giant tantric Buddhist mandala, simultaneously representing the Buddhist cosmology and the nature of mind.

It has nine platforms, of which the lower six are square and the upper three are circular. The upper platform features seventy-two small stupas surrounding one large central stupa. Each stupa is in a bell-shaped and pierced by the numerous decorative openings. The statues of the Buddha sit inside the pierced enclosures.

The design of Borobudur took the form of a step pyramid. Previously, the prehistoric Austronesian megalithic culture in Indonesia had constructed several earth mounds and the stone step pyramid structures called punden berundak. Borobudur had a shape taking the form of a giant Mandala.

Borobudur ground plan taking the form of a Mandala.

Borobudur the form of a Mandala.
Source: Guiding Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Foto arisguide.

The monument's three divisions symbolize the three "realms" of Buddhist cosmology, namely Kamadhatu (the world of desires), Rupadhatu (the world of forms), and finally Arupadhatu (the formless world). Ordinary sentient beings live out their lives on the lowest level, the realm of desire.

Those who have burnt out all desire for continued the existence leave the world of desire and live in the world on the level of form alone: they see forms but are not drawn to them. Finally, full Buddhas go beyond even the form and the experience reality at its purest, most fundamental level, the formless ocean of nirvana.

The liberation from the cycle of Samsāra where the enlightened soul had no longer attached to worldly form corresponds to the concept of sunyata, the complete voidness or the non-existence of the self. Kamadhatu is represented by the base, Rupadhatu by the five square platforms (the body), and Arupadhatu by the three circular platforms and the large topmost stupa.

The architectural features between the three stages have the metaphorical differences. For instance, the square and detailed decorations in the Rupadhatu disappear into the plain circular platforms in the Arupadhatu to represent how the world of forms - where men are still attached with forms and names - changes into the world of the formless.

The superstructure is clearly distinguished from the terraces. It consists of three re-entrant circular platforms, each of which supports a row of perforated stupas. Surmounting the rows of stupas, which are arranged in concentric circles, the central dome on top of the whole monument soars into the sky to a height of nearly 35 m above ground–level.

Source: Guiding Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide.

References:

1. Walubi. "Borobudur: Candi Berbukit Kebajikan".

2. "Buddhism in Indonesia". Buddhanet. Diakses tanggal 4 May 2015.

3. "Vesak Festival: A Truly Sacred Experience". Wonderful Indonesia. Diakses tanggal 4 May 2015.

4. Dr. Soekmono, Candi Borobudur - Pusaka Budaya Umat Manusia, Jakarta: Pustaka Jaya (1978).

5. Galeri Lalitavistara di Borobudur di photodharma.net

6. Tipitakadhara Mingun Sayadaw. (2008). RIWAYAT AGUNG PARA BUDDHA 1. Ehipassiko Foundation Giri Mangala Publications.

7. Tipitakadhara Mingun Sayadaw. (2008). RIWAYAT AGUNG PARA BUDDHA 2. Ehipassiko Foundation Giri Mangala Publications.

8. Tipitakadhara Mingun Sayadaw. (2008). RIWAYAT AGUNG PARA BUDDHA 3. Ehipassiko Foundation Giri Mangala Publications.

9. Let it share, you may like and open more detail to Welcome to Borobudur Temple, the fabric of life in the Buddhist culture.

10. Text adapted from Guiding Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide, Foto arisguide.