Cosmology and Cultural Ecology as Reflected in Borobudur Buddhist Temple

Abstract

Advancement in science and technology that has been achieved
by human beings does not necessarily imply they are freed from environmental
problems. Buddhism since the very beginning has been in harmony
with nature; the Buddha was fond of nature; however, it is very little its
sources speak about the interconnection between human and environment.
The question of the significance of cultural ecology comes into prominent
in these days as there has been increasing environmental problems
happen. Borobudur Buddhist temple in Central Java contains some ideas or
elements that can be used to cope with the problems mentioned. Interestingly,
the whole body of the monument was inspired by the teachings of
the Buddha and Buddhism in which the Causal Law having impetus in
the theory dependent-origination (Pratyasamutpada) is reflected clearly in
the reliefs of Mahakarmavibanggain Kamadhatubase level. For a better
understanding of this law, the connection with cosmology in Mahayana
Buddhism is discussed in brief. It is found that there are various natural
elements were depicted and crafted by the artists in a high standard of
art as the manifestations of the Buddha’s teachings. Amongst the natural
elements depicted here, tree, plant, or forest are dominant elements, which
appear almost in all reliefs either in the main walls or balustrade. The
relatedness amongst the elements is shown beautifully in complex
relationship amongst them, and this has moral, aesthetical, spiritual, and
ecological messages that need to be known for spiritual as cendance. When the
interaction amongst them should be accomplished it is required an ethical
principle as how to maintain harmony with those natural elements, animals
and human beings for a better world order and happy life.
Keywords: Borobudur, Mahayana Buddhism, cosmology, cultural
ecology, science.