[ENG SUB] When Hinduism Merged with Buddhism in Ancient Java | Jawi Temple, Indonesia

Summary

This video delves into the history and significance of Jawi Temple in East Java, exploring its unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist elements. The temple's architectural features, such as its dual-material construction and intricate carvings, reflect the region's cultural tolerance during the Singhasari and Majapahit periods. The coexistence of these two religions is highlighted as a symbol of the ancient Javanese belief in unity despite differences. The video also discusses the temple's restoration, its eventual decay, and its role as a reminder of Indonesia's diverse cultural heritage, with a focus on the national motto 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika'.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jawi Temple in East Java is a unique monument that blends both Hindu and Buddhist architectural elements, reflecting religious tolerance in ancient Java.
• 😀 The temple's design features a black stone base and white stone body and roof, symbolizing the fusion of two kingdoms: Singhasari and Majapahit.
• 😀 Jawi Temple was built during the Singhasari era, and later restored during the Majapahit Empire after suffering damage from a lightning strike in 1331.
• 😀 The temple’s structure and carvings showcase intricate geometric patterns and antefix art, which are typical of East Java style.
• 😀 The temple's core represents both Hinduism and Buddhism, with specific statues dedicated to Hindu deities like Shiva, Durga, and Ganesha, as well as a Buddhist influence with dagobas in the upper sections.
• 😀 The concept of 'Sunyarupa'—that Shiva and Buddha are ultimately one in essence—was central to the Javanese belief system during the reign of King Kertanegara.
• 😀 The motto 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' (Unity in Diversity) from Mpu Tantular's teachings is reflected in the Jawi Temple, emphasizing religious and cultural harmony.
• 😀 The temple was once believed to house treasures, particularly associated with King Kertanegara, which led to looting and further damage over time.
• 😀 Despite colonial-era destruction, including the splitting of the temple into three parts, Jawi Temple remains an important symbol of cultural and religious unity.
• 😀 The restoration of Jawi Temple after its lightning strike and subsequent damage highlights the ancient Javanese commitment to preserving their cultural and religious heritage.

Q & A

What is the Jawi Temple, and why is it significant?

The Jawi Temple is a historical monument in East Java, Indonesia, that blends both Hinduism and Buddhism in its design and symbolism. It is significant because it demonstrates the cultural and religious tolerance of the Javanese, as well as the philosophical integration of two major belief systems—Shaivism and Buddhism—into a single structure.

What materials were used to build the Jawi Temple, and why is this important?

The Jawi Temple is built using two different materials: black stone for the base and white stone for the body and roof. This contrast in materials may represent the two different eras—Singhasari and Majapahit—and possibly the distinct religious foundations of the temple, as the base is associated with Hinduism, while the roof is related to Buddhism.

What does the structure of the Jawi Temple symbolize?

The structure of the Jawi Temple symbolizes the fusion of two religions—Hinduism and Buddhism. The lower part of the temple is linked to Shaivism, while the roof, decorated with dagobas, represents Buddhism. This integration of both belief systems reflects the philosophical and religious harmony of the time.

How does the design of the Jawi Temple reflect the influence of both Hinduism and Buddhism?

The Jawi Temple reflects both Hinduism and Buddhism through its design elements. The lower part of the temple houses Hindu statues like Nandi, Mahakala, and Ganesha, while the roof contains Buddhist features, including dagobas. This dual design exemplifies the ancient Javanese belief in the coexistence of these religions.

What is the significance of the Jawi Temple's moat?

The moat surrounding the Jawi Temple adds to its grandeur and symbolizes the temple’s connection to the mythical Mount Mahameru, often depicted as being surrounded by an ocean. This architectural feature also enhances the temple's spiritual symbolism, reinforcing its status as a sacred site.

What is the philosophical concept behind the blending of Hinduism and Buddhism at Jawi Temple?

The blending of Hinduism and Buddhism at Jawi Temple is rooted in the Tantrayana belief system, which emerged during the reign of King Kertanegara. Tantrayana emphasized that despite the outward differences between Shiva and Buddha, both represented the same truth. This concept is embodied in the phrase 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' (unity in diversity), which affirms that different paths can lead to the same spiritual truth.

How did the Jawi Temple's design reflect the cultural and religious tolerance of ancient Java?

The Jawi Temple's design reflects the cultural and religious tolerance of ancient Java by incorporating both Hindu and Buddhist elements. This tolerance was celebrated, as the ancient Javanese saw these religions not as conflicting but as complementary, symbolizing a shared truth and unity in diversity.

What happened to the Jawi Temple after the lightning strike in 1331?

After the lightning strike in 1331, the Jawi Temple was severely damaged. The Majapahit Empire, concerned about the temple’s restoration, quickly began repairs. However, during the restoration, the Buddha Aksobya statue, which had been in the temple, was reported missing, leading to concerns about its fate.

Why do some people believe the Joko Dolog statue is related to the Buddha Aksobya statue?

Some people believe that the Joko Dolog statue, now in Surabaya, is the lost Buddha Aksobya statue because it is thought to embody King Kertanegara, who is associated with Jawi Temple. However, most historians reject this theory because the statue came from the Majapahit capital of Trowulan, far from the temple's location.

What does the phrase 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' mean, and how does it relate to the Jawi Temple?

The phrase 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' translates to 'unity in diversity.' It reflects the Javanese belief that different religions, like Hinduism and Buddhism, may appear different but are ultimately expressions of the same universal truth. This idea is embodied in the Jawi Temple, which celebrates the coexistence of both religions in a single structure.