The ancient Buddhist temple at Borobudur is a treasured cultural shrine for the people of this region. A UNESCO project, it was painstakingly restored over a 75 year period and the original shrine dates back to 840 A.D. Covered by thick jungles, It was discovered in the early 1900’s in total disarray with significant damage.
The 9 level structure rises almost 125 feet to the top dome that graces this majestic structure. The walls are carved with intricate story-lines based in Buddhist and Hindu mythology. The grounds are elaborate, and the 254 statues of Lord Buddha in meditative poses create a serenity in this environment that is difficult to explain.
I enjoy the quiet, the peace, the stillness that stems from my surroundings. The buddhist way is about relinquishing material things and overcoming desire — as the root of all evil. This is clearly not the American way, or my way for that matter.
The people in this region are poor, for the most part, and the visual cues and sensory stimuli are similar to those I have experienced growing up in India.
There is something about this place that is good for my soul. Borobudur, and the people of this region, will always have a very special place in my heart.
About Hemant Rustogi