How do the architectural features of the Temple of Borobudur reflect Buddhism?
...he universe, Borobudur perfectly reflects the Buddhist cosmology, which divides the universe into three separate levels. The three levels are Kamadhatu (world of desire), Ruphadhatu (world of forms), and Arupadhatu (world of formlessness). The level of Kamadhatu is the base of the temple and is square in shape, to symbolize the profanity of the earth. It illustrates the world of passion and the inevitable laws and buddhist beliefs of karma. This realm is ruled by Greed, Envy and ignorance, a state regarded as hell by buddhists. The first 117 panels show various actions leading to one and the same result , while the other remaining 43 panels demonstrate the many results that follow one single effect of karma. The Rupadhatu level is covered by beautiful reliefs that portray the life story, the reincarnations, and the final quest for the truth of Buddha. It is supplemented by literary hundreds of Buddha images. The Rupadhatu level shows the stories based on the manuscripts of Lalitavistara, Jataka-Acadana and Gandavyuha. The Lalitavistara reliefs, consisting of 120 panels, tell us about the life of Buddha. It follows Buddhas search for freedom and suffering, and the long and painful journey from which he finally became the enlightened one. The Jataka is a collection of stories about Buddha's previous reincarnation, chains and virtues. The stories are compiled in Dvijavadana (Glorious Heavenly Acts) and the Avadana Sataka (The Hundred Avadana). The first 20 frames in the lower series of stories on the first gallery depict the Sudhanakumaravana. The series of reliefs covering the wall of second gallery is dedicated to Sudhana’s tireless wandering during his search for the highest wisdom. The story is continued on the walls and balustrades of the third and fourth galleries. Most of the 460 panels represesnt the scenes based on the holy Mahayana text Gandavyuha, while the concluding scenes depict the text of Badracari. The highest level of Borobudur, has no reliefs or decorations whatsoever but has a balcony, square in shape with round walls, a circle without beginning or end as it is considered the world of formlessness or what Buddhists refer to as Nirvana. Here Man is freed from all bonds with the phenomenal world. The circular form of the Arupadhatu represents the eternity without beginning and without end, a superlative, tranquil, and pure state of the formless world. On this last terrace Arupadhatu, 72 stupas circle the huge main stupa on the top of this monument. The stupas represent the enlightened mind of the Buddha. They were constructed since the early days of Buddhism. One of the symbolic meanings is that they represent the five elements: the square base represents earth, the round dome is for water, the cone-shape is fire, the canopy is air and the volume of the stupa is space. Inside these Stupas is the place of the ninety-two Vajrasattvas or Dhyani sculptures. Each represents the Dharmakaya, the spiritual realm of nirvana beyond the material world. Each of these statues has a mudra (hand gesture) indicating one of the five directions: east, with the mudra of calling the earth to witness; south, with the hand position of blessing; west, with the gesture of meditation; north, the mudra of fearlessness; and the centre with the gesture of teaching. There are also several smaller artistic features throughout the temple with special significance to the buddhist religion. There are several pillars and paintings of lions as a part of Borobudur. The Lion is one of Buddhism's most potent symbols. Traditionally, the lion is associated with regality, strength and power. It is therefore an appropriate symbol for the Buddha who was a royal prince. The Buddha's teachings are sometimes referred to as the 'Lion's Roar', again indicative of their strength and power. Footprints of the Buddha found in various parts of Borobudur traditionally symbolize the physical presence of the Enlightened One. Deer and the golden fish are common symbols in the buddhist religion and ones shown widley throughtout Borobudur especially in the Ruphadhatu level. Deer are a direct reference to the Buddha's first teaching in the Deer Park, Sarnath, also cal...