Borrobudur as Hero's Journey

Ng Ruo Xin 1104814

There is a total of 9 levels in Borrobudur. There are 5 rectangular platforms -- each decrease in perimeter after each platform -- and 3 circular platforms. At the top, locates a round monumental stupa. 

As one journeys up the steps, he/she starts at the base which sybmolizes human desires and earthly pleasures. One will walk counterclockwise on the platform. Each platform wall is decorated with different kinds of relief and carvings of Buddha. The hero is on his/her way to escape from lusts and finds freedom at the end of the 5 platforms. 

When they reach the 3 circular platforms, it indicates that they have successfully been freed from all worldly desires and pleasures. Above the 3 platforms is a flat balcony that has many small stupas which contain statues of Buddha in them, including the one big stupa in the middle. It symbolizes Nirvana, which is where Buddha dwells and resides. It is a state of enlightenment in Buddhism. 

I believe the hero's journey relates to this with the crossing of threshold that began at the base of Borrobudur. Hero leaves his old life and begins to find a way out of suffering and lusts. He has achieved his goal when he's finally freed from selfish desires and has reached enlightenment. 

The journey to find yourself is always a hard way up. There are many temptations and discouragements I will face if I take on this road. But if I fix my eyes on the ultimate finish line of being close with my God, it makes the journey worth it no matter how hard it is. The borrobudur is symbolic for the Buddhists to lose themselves to be pure and unattached to the things of the world. It serves as a way for them to realize the road to get there is not easy but is not impossible. 

Sources of reference:

http://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/2011/02/27/borobudur-temple-into-the-9-sacred-steps-to-nirvana-2/

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/592

http://www.buddhanet.net/boro.htm

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/world-heritage/borobudur-temple/

http://www.hillmanwonders.com/borobudur/borobudur.htm

http://www.pbs.org/treasuresoftheworld/a_nav/boro_nav/bnav_level_1/2revealed_borofrm.html