A section of the Kamadhatu layer of the Borobudur Temple in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
A structure on the Kamadhatu layer of the Borobudur Temple
The Borobudur monument is about Buddhist philosophy and Gauthama Buddha’s birth, life, death, and enlightenment. According to Buddhist philosophy, human beings need to go through three realms, Arupadhatu, Rupadhatu, and Kamadhatu, to attain enlightenment.
The three layers of Borobudur represent these realms. The top layer with three round terraces represents Arupadhatu. The middle layer with five square terraces represents Rupadhatu. The lowest layer, which is at the courtyard level, represents Kamadhatu.
The image shows a section of the Kamadhatu layer as seen from the courtyard of the monument. The word kama in Sanskrit roughly translates to desire or lust. This is the actual physical realm of humans and animals with desire and lust. This realm is equivalent to the Bhuloka in Hinduism.
Located about 30 miles northwest of Yogyakarta on the island of Java, Borobudur is the largest and one of the most fascinating Buddhist monuments in the world. It was built between 778 and 850 CE by the rulers of the Shylendra (Cailendra) dynasty, who were the followers of Mahayana Buddhism. According to an inscription, it was founded by King Samaratungga of this dynasty.
Related Pages
– Borobudur, Prambanan, Prambanan Bas-Reliefs, Bali, Indonesia
– Angkor Wat, Angkor Wat Bas-Reliefs, Banteay Srei, Cambodia
Copyright © 2020 – 2021 by YatrikaOne. All rights reserved.