Easter at Borobudur

I don't think I am a traditional Christian. In fact, I no longer identify as one because every single horrifying racist, Trumpist, homophobe, misogynist, fascist, or cruel hater of the poor I have come in contact with in the last several years has been an emphatic, self-proclaimed hardcore Christian. Yes, there are many wonderful Christians out there who exemplify the Gospels, but something is seriously wrong in American Christendom where so much hatred prevails that I have decided to become a religious version of Sweden--a decidedly neutral party who, while appreciating the tradition in which I was raised, eschews dogmatism and believes in ecumenicism among all traditional religions, a person who sees spiritual beauty and truth emanating from a variety of paths.

I decided to commemorate the spirit of Easter at Borobudur this morning.  Borobudur is the world's largest Buddhist temple and was completed in the mid-9th Century. After centuries of abandonment and decay, restoration efforts began in 1815 and are continuing to this day at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Sadly, because of COVID, no one is allowed to climb up the temple steps to the main stupa, or to see the multitude of other stupas containing sculptures of the Buddha. Still, it is a phenomenally impressive and monumental structure and there are extraordinary renderings of the Buddha in various niches of the temple from the first to the fourth floor depicting the Mudra (the various hand positions of the Dyani Buddha). Also, I was able to get excellent views of the lowest level of the temple called the Kamadhatu which depicts the human desires that a person must control to be able to eventually attain Nirvana, with the top, central level of the temple representing Nirvana itself. 

Also enjoyed close up views of some of the temple sculpture work at the Borobudur Museum. And, the grounds of Borobudur serve as a lovely park, with various activities for the family. I personally enjoyed watching the elephants cavort in their enclosure. 

For those of you who celebrate Easter, I wish you happy moments of reflection of the day's profound meaning. And for all of us on this small and lonely planet, I send hopeful Easter wishes that all peoples may some day unite in a spirit of love and peace.














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