Sukra

Falling Star and Meteorite

2008-12-21T18:04:00.003+07:00

used to think that a fallen star is a comet because it sends out light. It was a wrong guess though. A fallen star is actually a sky object that falls to the earth and due to the nature phenomenon that is friction on the atmosphere. I It makes this thing send out light and we know it as meteor.

One thing that has always risen up my curiosity is the myth saying our wish will be granted once we state it during the falling star. Let say that myth is true, when there is a falling star, I will ask for myself a perfect woman who is beautiful outside and inside, able to take care the family, and able to cook…LOL.. Joking. So, what is the exactly reason for that myth? I thought it was more like to an idiom that is if you want something in your life, you should set target, fight for it, and never give up easily in achieving the goals. It is actually like meteor that falls to the earth that too often fades away in the atmosphere before it becomes meteorite (meteor that has reached the earth).

Despite the fact that meteor and meteorite is one thing, they have difference. Meteor looks so beautiful (since it is in the atmosphere). However, when it reaches the earth (which is called meteorite) it will be ugly in its appearance. One thing that makes me wonder is that the meteorite is more likely to get more attention. It maybe so because it can be touched and experimented. Btw, I’m so proud being Indonesian since there was a research in Indonesia and it is also the first in the world. That research detected hydrogen element in a solid thing and the sample used was the meteorite from Sangiran. They published the result in a journal titled Emission Elemental Qualitative Analysis of Sangiran Soil Layer Using Laser-Induced Shock Wave Plasma Spectroscopy (LISPS) and Characteristics of Hydrogen Emission in Laser Plasma Induced by Focussing Fundamental Q-sw YAG Laser on Solid Samples.

Meteorite can be classified into: meteorite with iron element (siderid), rock element (aerolid), and mixture of iron and rock (siderolid). Siderid and siderolid whose emergence is only 5% and 2% from the whole meteorite, is generally used to sacred things put in the house and material for sacred keris (Indonesia dagger). Meanwhile, aerolid with its 93% emergence will be lost in the earth surface as it is fragile. Later it will break down into pieces in its journey into the earth atmosphere. This aerolid is divided into 2: Chondrite that is believed to be 4.6 billion years (the solar system time) and Achondrit.

From those three classifications, we can still create another category that is tektites. Tektites are divided into 2: moldavite and tektite. Moldavite that is known as ceko rock has green color… Hmmm.. green, is this the rock that weakens Superman?? Tektite has black color and is known as satam rock. Tektites are believed to be able to communicate with the outer space. That is why people who hold tektites in their hands while praying, will get what they want. What they usually ask for are love and spiritual awareness. This is the myth that is similar to make a wish when a star falls. We can only ask for one thing from the falling star since it falls very fast. So, if you have many wishes, you might wish to have this tektites rock. LOL..

Tektites can be found in Australia (Australian tektites or Microtektites) and South East Asia (Indochinites). This Indochinites can be discovered in Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippine, Malaysia, Nepal, South China, and Indonesia. Indonesian Indochinites was found in Kalimantan (Indomaysianites), Belitung Island (Bilitonites or satam rock), and Java (Javanites). Javanites is precisely located in Sangiran where the ancient man was found and it is located in a soil formation estimated to have been from 800-300 thousand years ago.

Okay, I think I tell too much information about it though I’m not an expert on this topic. Anyway, you might want to make a wish when there is a falling star. It might be granted. Who knows?:)

Enjoy, peace, and love from Sukra. (125 030708)

Referensi photo:
http://www.g1ogy.com/www.n1bug.net/prop/ir-88.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2371/2511854960_d9bce01a0e.jpg

The Blessing Cords

2008-11-21T15:18:00.006+07:00

One day an old man gave me a string that consisted of five colors (multicolored) and two knots (ties). He told me that the string has been blessed (not a talisman) and when it is worn, it will bring out a feeling that is endless love. I had not been a kind a person who trusted in mystical things, but after I was explained about the colors and the knots, I was a bit open and could accept it as a logical thing.

The multicolored united in the string refers to the eternal love, which is a love unity from each part of love. Each part is represented by a color: white (likeness, happiness), red (intimacy, warmth), yellow (longing, missing of a love one), green (comfort, peace), and blue (love, sympathy). Talking about the unity of each part, I remember the ribbon in the Garuda Pancasila (official seal of Republic of Indonesia) saying “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” that means despite the diversity, we are a unity.

The multicolored (five colors) has symbolical meaning and other particular meanings beside its part of love:

White (metal element): sincerity, purity, and honesty
Red (fire element): caring, intimacy, and loyalty
Yellow (soil element): fortune, wealth, and prosperity
Green (wood element): faith, life, and togetherness
Blue (water element): wisdom, humanity, and intelligence

Now I understand the value of the ribbon or the bracelet that is worn in special occasion. By the way, does the background color of a party show symbol or value believed, or is it only a variation? I can not answer…

Besides the five colors, there are two cords. The first cord (looks like a skewer) is a symbol of keris (Indonesian dagger) which means refraining ourselves from stupidity and other shackles. The second cord (tie from both side of the string) is a symbol of drum which means mutual cooperation, spirit, determination, love, and empathy.

It is not finished yet since the using has its own meaning. For men, it is usually worn on the left hand and for women; it is worn on the right hand. It is because men should be tough, confident in facing anything in life, and women should be on their side to assist them. However, in crisis, this string might be worn on the right hand by men, which means build together and help each other. Meanwhile, it might be worn on the left hand by women, so they will be though in facing difficulty.

I think it is proper for these days, where the county has been in crisis and disaster. It is so since it shows unity and togetherness to rise from the entire crisis in this country. My love is for you, fatherland.. Oops, sorry now I’m too emotional=)

By the way this is the prayer uttered:
“Om Sarva Tathagata Sitata Unikha Hung Phet Hung Mam Hung Ni Soha”
“Tayatha Om Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Soha”

This is it about the blessing cords. Enjoy, peace, and love from Sukra. (109 010608)

The Series of Sewu Temple Journey

2008-11-20T18:24:00.004+07:00

Temple journey in Central Java seems like a never-ending journey. This time journey is a series of temple located in the South East of Merapi Mountain. Before we start and for your information, temples in the South West of Merapi Mountain that include Ngawen Temple, Mendut Temple, Pawon Temple, and Borobudur Temple are series of temple from Syailendra Dynasty.

The series of temple located in the South East of Merapi Mountain are series of building from Sanjaya Dynasty that were majorly built by Panangkaran, the Pikatan Brothers, and the son of Pikatan in the 8th and 9th century. These series of temple have their own characteristic: Buddha temples are side by side with Hindu temples. To limit this, I will call it the series of Sewu Temple that focuses merely on Buddha temples.

Sari Temple is house for monks and means beautiful temple. This temple faces to the East and has 3 rooms whose outside walls were full of glorious Buddha and Bodhisattva reliefs.

Kalasan Temple was built in 778C which was a gift from Sanjaya Dynasty (Panangkaran) to Syailendra Dynasty and was used to worship Tara goddess. From several reliefs and rupang (Buddha statue look alike) on this temple, there is one beautiful rupang, Ratnasambawa, that is located on the top of the South of temple wall. There is an ancient well outside of this temple. The water in the well is believed to bring blessing for health and wealth.

Toward the South East from Kalasan Temple, we can find Sajiwon Temple. It is not a uniform building as it has not been restored yet. It was built by Pramodharwani, someone from Syailendra Dynasty who was married to Pikatan from Sanjaya Dynasty. This temple is believed as a place for the worship of Sri Kuwera (Zhambhala).

The next journey is toward Sewu Temple that is located in the North of Sajiwon. In the journey to Sewu Temple, we shall pass Prambanan Temple, Lumbung Temple, and Bubrah Temple. Prambanan is the biggest Hindu temple in Indonesia that becomes the world heritage. It was built by Balaputra Dewa (the step brother of Pramodharwani who was married to Pikatan). However, on another note, it was built by Pikatan. Lumbung Temple is Buddha temple built to worship the paddy god, while Bubrah Temple is a small Buddha temple as a sign entrance of Sewu Temple area.

Sewu Temple is the second largest Buddha temple after Borobudur. This temple, that was built by Guruwangi (the son of Pikatan), has 249 small temples and so it is called Thousand Temple. Those small temples consist of 240 perwara temples, 8 apit temples, and 1 main temple which is used to worship Sri Majusri goddess. The name Manjus’riga on an ancient inscription is believed to be the initial name for this temple.

Plaosan Temple, about 2.5 km from Sewu Temple, was built by Garung (Pikatan’s brother) in the 9th century. This temple consists of Plaosan Kidul Temple and Plaosan Lor Temple (bigger in size). Plaosan Lor has 2 main temples: the South is for men and the North is for women. Each main temple has 6 Bodhisattva rupangs with the human size, 128 stupas, and 58 perwara temples facing to the East which generally has been broken. On the front door there are 2 Dwarapla and 6 Bodhisattva rupangs: Manjusri, Nirwana Viskabhi, Vajrapani, Avalokitesvara, Maitreya, and Samantha Bhadra.

The last journey is the Boko Queen Palace complex which is in 3 km away in the South of Prambanan Temple. It was built in the 9th century by Balaputradewa. This palace is the blend of 2 religions that can be seen from its gate: one gate as Buddhism symbol and the other as Hindu symbol.

This is the end of the series of Sewu Temple journey that is explored from Jogjakarta to the East through road to Solo.

Enjoy, peace, and love from Sukra. (101 160508)

Photo by Eileen

The Mystery of the Borobudur Tantric Ceremony

2008-11-16T14:03:00.004+07:00

Borobudur which is located in Central Java is part of the temple series built by the Syailendra Dynasty. The temple series built by Indra Gunattha and Samaratungga (father and son) in the 9th century are Ngawen Temple, Mendut Temple, Pawon Temple, and Borobudur Temple, which is connected to 5 mountains and 4 rivers. The mountains are Merapi, Sindoro, Merbabu, Menoreh, and Sumbing. While the rivers are Kebalen, Elo, Progo, and Bengawan Solo. Those mountains and rivers represent 5 continents and 4 oceans or a Buddha’s palm that becomes a continuous unity in the ritual of Borobudur Tantric Buddhism teaching in order to save the samsara (suffer) earth.

An old fellow told me a story and this is what I heard:
Long ago, the temple series were built in the right order from the east to the west (Ngawen, Mendut, Pawon, and Borobudur). Despite the fact that they were not built consecutively, they were built based on the definite ritual concept.

The series of Borobudur Tantric ritual which are accomplished in 9 days are as the following:

The 1st- 3rd day: is the day for preparation in a hut which is located in the river T-intersection (place where Progo River and Elo River meet). The preparations are meditation, purifying of the body, the mouth, and the soul. The condition in the meditation is we have to face to the west that is the way to Bodhigaya, enlightenment place for Buddha under the bodhi tree. The body purifying is done by bathing with water from the Acorus Calamus Lin root, stalk of the Erythrina Lithosperma Mig, Piper Betle L leaf, Michelia Champaca L flower, and seed. The mouth purifying is accomplished by doing mutih that means we only eat rice and drink water /coconut water. The soul purifying is performed by doing visualization of Dewi Cintamani and its mantra as well.

The 4th day: is the ritual journey to Ngawen Temple in Muntilan. This temple has 5 tribute altars for Dhyanibuddha: Amoghasidhi, Aksobhya, Vairocana, Ratna Sambhava, and Amitabba. These five tribute altars, theirmantra, and the Bodhicitta reflection are done in order to obtain blessing and permission to this Borobudur ritual journey.

The 5th day: is the ritual journey to Mendut Temple. In the open verandah of this temple, there are reliefs of kalpataru (mythological tree that never dies), Sri Mahadewi (goddess of fertility/fruitfulness), Sri Kuwera (god of fertility/fruitfulness), and Sri Mahakala (god of protection) which are above the gate. The clockwise journey, in the outside wall, there are reliefs of Dewi Chunda, Dewi Prajna, Dewi Manjusri, Kinara Kinari universe gods, and so on. Go further inside the temple and we will see 3 statues with their approximately 3 meters height which are Buddha Sakyamuni with 2 Bodhhisattva: Avalokite and Vajrapani. This ritual is performed with meditation, visualization, and prayers with mantra to obtain blessing from the Buddha and the Bodhisattva.

The 6th day: is the journey to Pawon Temple which is a place for Vajranala’s enlightenment. This ritual is carried out with the intention of preparing ourselves with anu yoga that is kundalini yoga (3 pulse/ arteries and 7 cakra (mythical weapon) that take a shape of a lotus) and visualization of Hevajra unifying with the body and the body spouting out the light of the rainbow and beautiful scent.

The 7th day: is the journey to Borobudur Temple. It actually has 10 levels. However, if you guys are taking nowadays journey, there are only 9 levels as the first level was closed due to the construction or deliberateness (the Buddhist priests are expected to get rid of all the unpleasant desire in the effort of achieving awareness and freedom).

Borobudur has 10 levels that describe the hell until the perfection level starting from the hell, satan world, animal world, people world until Bodhissatva and Buddha world. The tenth level in Borobudur Temple is divided into 3 lives: Kamadhatu, Rupadhatu, and Arupadhatu that has 504 rupang (Buddha statue look alike). Kamadhatu is a world with desire element, has 1 level and does not have rupang. Rupadhatu is a world with shape element, has 4 levels with 368 open rupang. Arupadhatu is a world without shapeless element with 4 levels, 64 open rupang, and 72 rupang that can be peeped on. The total rupang is 432 open rupang and 72 close rupang. Now notice the bold numbers. If we count up the hundreds, the tens, and the singles, we will get 9 as the result. This is the magic number in Borobudur.

Borobudur sides that facing the four directions and circle from the 7th up to 9th level have specific rupangs that represent 5 Dhyanibuddha with its mudra (fingers postures/arrangements while meditating). Rupang facing the East with Bhumisparca Mudra means the earth as the witness. Rupang facing the South with Wara Mudra represents generosity. Rupang facing the West with Dhyana Mudra means meditation. Rupang facing the North with Abhaya Mudra means bravery. These four mudras are in the 2nd up to 5th level (Rupadathu world). Rupang in the 6th level (Arupadathu world) in each of the directions is depicted by Witarka Mudra which means ingenuity. On the center with Dharmacakra Mudra meaning the dharma wheel turning over is a symbol of Buddhism.

Ritual gone through in this journey should use tasbih (a string with 108of beads) which is made of white tridacna maxima fossil from the South Sea (Kidul Sea) with its mudra ritual. When we finish with the 10 level journeys, it will end up by going down from the hill and it is closed by tumpengan (Javanese ceremonial dish of yellow rice served in a cone shape) and mandala puja. This is the end ritual of the 7th day.

The 8th and the 9th day: is another meditation and reflection in the hut in order to achieve the body, the thought, words, activities, and kindness perfection which are the goal of Sri Kalacakra (the time wheel turning over) ritual, presented to all human beings so that they could live happily and wealthily.

People say if we go through this whole Borobudur ritual journey, the reward/ merit will be the same as the reward/merit of reading the whole Maha Tripitaka Book (Da Zang Jing) and warding off the karma and the rebirth. However, is it all true?? Well, at least this is what I heard from the old fellow.

Enjoy, peace, and love from Sukra. (099 120508)

The Secret of Borobudur Tantric

2008-11-08T11:08:00.002+07:00

Borobudur Temple is a tour de force mainly for Buddhists. This temple which was from the 9th century is believed to be from Syailendra Dynasty. This temple disappeared mysteriously and in the same time, the mystery of Borobudur Tantric was locked in the secret place.

An old fellow told a story:

Once upon a time, in the 4th century before the Syailendra Dynasty held the power in West Java, there was a Shepo Kingdom (Bumi-Sherpa) that consisted of Holing Dynasty (Buddhist) and Taruma Dynasty (Hindu), proved with the existence of Batujaya Site. These kingdoms kept on expanding its area, even until outside the area. There are 3 kingdoms: Tarumanegara Kingdom (Hindu) in West Java, Kalingga Kingdom (Buddhist) in Central Java, and Sriwijaya Kingdom (Buddhist) in Sumatra.

In the 7th century, Kalingga Kingdom, which had power over Java (Sansekerta Language: Pavaya Dwipa) and Sriwijaya Kingdom, which had power over Sumatra (Sansekerta Language: Suvarana Dwipa) developed and became great kingdoms because they were located in the shore that was a trading and religion spreading zone. This zone connected China, India, and Arab (Silk Road) through the South Sea. No wonder that our culture is a mixture of those three cultures. Btw, there was a famous Dharma Buddha teacher at that time, named Jnana Bhadra.

In Kalingga Kingdom in the 8th century, there was a teacher who was the descendant of Shanyang Purwa Barata from Himalaya Mahameru Mountain, North India. This Dharma Vajra Carya teacher named Ban Hong (Bagong) was very expert in Arya Tara, Arya Chunda, and Cintamani Cakra spiritual siddhi. With the existence of the Silk Road, Ban Hong had a chance to go to China and India to learn to a teacher named Hui Go. He learned Madhyamika, Yogacara, Shusiddhi Karma, Vajra Sekhara Yoga, Mahavairocana Garbhasoka, Zhishey Chod, Phowa, etc. What he learned was the beginning of the teaching of South Sea (Laut Kidul)Tantric Buddhism (Borobudur).

Ban Hong kept on thinking about his homeland. He went back in the 9th century and found out that Kalingga Kingdom had become Mataram Kingdom (Ancient). In that era, the area dissection in the construction of Buddhism temples in Central Java took place. The reason was the kingdom which consisted of Syailendra Dynasty (Buddha) that had a marriage knot to a Sriwijaya Kingdom princess and Sanjaya Dynasty that related to Taruma Dynasty in West Java. Moreover, the temple dissection was divided into 2 groups:
Temples built by the Syailendra Dynasty that are located in the South West of Merapi Mountain (Ngawen Temple, Pawon Temple, Mendut Temple, and Borobudur Temple)
Temples built by the Sanjaya Dynasty that are located in the South East of Merapi Mountain (Kalasan Temple, Sari Temple, Sajiwo Temple, Sewu Temple, Lumbung Temple, Bubrah temple, and Plaosan Temple). Those temples are side by side with the Hindu Temples, which is the characteristic of the temples built by Sanjaya Dynasty.

In the 10th century, there was a nature phenomenon which made Matraram Kingom (Ancient/Old) and Borobudur Temple disappeared mysteriously. The earthquake, tsunami, and volcanoes caused the Borobusur Temple Tantric vanished from this motherland. However, the tantric teaching remained was inherited by the descendants of Syailendra Balaputra Dewa Dynasty who became a Sriwijaya King. It was also inherited by Sanjaya Dynasty that was King Pikatan and Queen Pramodhawardhani, that later developed into Buddha Syiwa Tantric in East Java.

The tantric inherited by Syailendra descendants was carried and developed in Tibet by Atisa in the 11th century. However, the tantric teaching in Sumatra faded away due to the collapse of Sriwijaya Kingdom int the 14th century. The tantric inherited by Sanjaya Kingdom was disappeared as well because of the collapse of Majapahit Kingdom in the 15th century.

Here are some spells I heard form the old fellow :

The Arya Tara Mantra : Om Tare Tam Soha
The Arya Dakini Mantra : Om Sarva Dakini Sita Mapala Saparana Vajra Nuwite Ah Hung
The 5 Dhyanibuddha Mantra : Om Vajradhatu Vah, Om Aksobhya Hung, Om Ratna Sambhawa Tram, Om Lokesvara Raja Hrih, Om Amogha Siddhi Ah (Om Hung Tram Hrih Ah)
The Vajra Sattva Mantra : Om Vajra Satto Hung Phet
The Puja Mandala Mantra : Om Vajra Bhumi Ah Hung, Om Vajra Rake Ah Hung, Om Mandala Puja Mega Samudra Saparana Samaya Ah Hung

Are they all true? Well, those are what I heard from the old fellow.

Enjoy, peace, and love from Sukra. (096 090508)

A Temple Which Is Older Than Borobudur

2008-11-03T17:38:00.003+07:00

Temple areas or Batujaya Sites, which are stupa buildings, are estimated from the 4th century (Borobudur Temple is from the 9th century). This area which was discovered in 1984 by the University of Indonesia’s archeology team is used as the centre of Waisak 2552/2008 celebration for West Java area. It takes about an hour to go to these sites from West Karawang highway gate and they are believed to have 24 temples: 13 temples in Segaran village and 11 temples in Tegaljaya village (Karawang).

I had the chance to visit Jiwa Temple and Blandongan Temple. These temples have uniqueness: their location which is in the middle of farm and their material which are from 3 items: andesit stone for the bottom part of the temple, bricks for the body, and tiny stones which are glued to white layer (stuko) for the roof ornament. It breaks the myth that temple with andesit stone as its material tends to remain longer than the one with bricks.

If you take a glance at Jiwa Temple, it might look ordinary. Yet, if you look it from above and imagine how it looks like, you will be very amazed. Its upper structure forms lotus and there is also a circular structure as a place for stupa in the middle of the temple. This temple does not have any stairs and according to some archeologists there is a big Buddha statue sitting on a blossom and floating lotus. Btw, its name was given so since every time the residents put their livestock in the temple debris, the stocks would all die.

The incomplete note from China says that in 414, a monk from China named Fa Shien visited Java Island. He stated that the residents in West Java had already followed some beliefs, Hindu, and Buddha. Two of the actual proofs are Cibuaya Site with Hindu element and Batujaya Site with Buddha element. In that note, it is also stated that a prince (probably from India/Khasmir/Srilanka) who became a monk named Qiu Na Ba Mo (Gunavarman) who spread his teaching in the Northern Beach of West Java and ordained the king, the queen, and the residents to be under the protection of Triratna.

Blandongan Temple is the main temple because of its big size and it has four entrance doors in four of each sides. It was named after the local resident dialect, Blandongan which means rest area. Nearby the building, there was a Viotive Tablet (Tsa Tsa) which is made of clay. It has relief which relates to Saraswati story.

For your info, there is also a monument in Rengasdengklok which was built to remember the kidnap of Soekarno. If it had not happened, our county (Indonesia) would not have had the independence on August 17, 1945.

Enjoy, peace, and love from Sukra. (078 080408)

The Ancient Indonesian Animal (Sangiran 3)

2008-10-26T10:57:00.002+07:00

Before we start, there is something need to be understood: the ancient animal does not have to be in a form of dinosaur. Dinosaurs lived between 225 million up to 25 million years ago. Meanwhile, the ancient animal lived in the ancient time and the same time where the first or pre-historical humans lived.

I will not deny that there would be some findings of various ancient animal fossils such as vertebrates, invertebrates, sea animals, and land animals in Indonesia, mainly in Sangiran. It was because the soil layer in Sangiran was from sea. Also, ancient humans, who were in the same period with the ancient animals, were found there.

After doing some research, I can conclude that the ancient animals found in Sangiran are actually as great as the ancient animals found in other hemispheres. It is too bad that dinosaurs were not found in this lovely country (Indonesia). So, we can say that Sangiran gives another contribution in answering the mystery of this world.

In my simple notes, there are some vertebrates fossils found in Sangiran:

Chelonias Category (turtles)
Crocodilians Category (crocodiles)
Bovidae Category (oxen)
Hippopotamidae Category (hippopotamus)
Rhinocerotidae Category (rhinoceros)
Elephantidae Category (elephants)
Suidae Category (pigs)
Cervidae Category (deer)
Felidae Category (tigers)
Cercopithecidae Category (monkeys)

The most interesting thing from vertebrate fossils in Sangiran is the elephant category fossils because they were from various kinds of elephants and even from more than half kinds of elephants that had ever been found here such as tetralphodon, mastodon, stegodon, and elephas. Also, the biggest elephant fossils in the world were found in Sangiran.

Finally, we all hope that this world’s heritage will not disappear and will become something irreplaceable. As I am not an expert in this field, any input and correction are welcomed.

Enjoy, peace, and love from Sukra (085 190408)

The Evolution of Ancient Human (Sangiran 2)

2008-10-25T07:06:00.004+07:00

Where does human being originated from? The most likely answer is from the mothers’ womb. Lol. And now, where do ancient humans come? Well I am not so sure. Most people say that the ancient Asian humans were from Himalaya Mountain; where there was a plate displacement took place 18 million years ago. Then, evolution occurred 5 million years ago, people moved from the South West to the North east (Yunnan Yuanmou that crosses Yang Zi River, Shensi Latian, Huang He River, and Zhou Kou Dian Beijing Site) and to the South East (to the Sangiran Site).

For your information, I limit this story only to Indonesian area especially Sangiran Site. The area that is approximately around 60 km square is located at the foot of Lawu Mountain. This site is also known as Sangiran Dome because of its location as the warehouse of the ancient humans and animals fossils. The study and the finding in this location were started by G.H.R Von Koenigswald (Berlin) and his finding was closely related to the finding of the ancient human (Pithecanthropus Erectus) by Eugene Dubois (1891) in Trinil, East Java, Indonesia.

Here in the article, Sangiran will show itself as one of the revealer of the world’s secrets since through this site, the ancient humans evolution history is almost be revealed. It is because the ancient human fossils found were from the Pliosen era about 2 million years ago until the Holosen era about 15 thousand years ago. Their link was unbreakable and the fossil findings were about 50% of the Homo Erectus population in the world.

Following were the Indonesian ancient humans with their link:
01. Meganthropus Palaeojavanicus (Sangiran)
02. Pithecanthropus Robustus (Trinil)
03. Pithecanthropus Erectus (Homo Erectus)
04. Pithecanthropus Dubius (Jetis)
05. Pithecanthropus Mojokertensis (Perning)
06. Homo Javanensis (Sambung Macan)
07. Homo Soloensis (Ngandong)
08. Homo Sapiens Archaic
09. Homo Sapiens Asia Neandertahlman
10. Homo Sapiens Wajakensis (Tulungagung)
11. Homo Modernman

Does this complete ancient Indonesian human evolution life circle prove that Charles Dharwin’s theory is right?

Enjoy, peace, and love from Sukra (085 190408)

The History of Java Island, Indonesia (Sangiran_1)

2008-10-24T15:43:00.005+07:00

Have you ever wondered whether it is possible to create an island if the nature itself is damaged? Is it possible for human beings to create an island such as Java Island, Indonesia? As far as I know, it is only nature that can create islands and it certainly undergoes process that takes a very long time. One of the examples is the Java Island that was created naturally almost 20 million years ago.

As far as I know, the process of Java Island’s creation is due to the tectonic plate theory, the volcano eruption, etc. The plates tectonic theory explains that the continents in the earth are like frozen rafts of a stream flow that are dragged along with the bottom of the ocean. When the plate displacement is done, the creation of the islands takes place. The islands are created due to the drowning of the highland in the shore (continental islands) and the existence instable zones in the earth’s crust (the island bow). It is called continental islands since Java Island, Sumatra Island, and Kalimantan Island used to be connected. Meanwhile, it is named the islands bow as there were trough and the number of volcanoes that showed the volcanic activity.

It can be said that the Java Island is almost 20 million years because invertebrate and vertebrate fossils were found in the Sangiran Site, Central Java, Indonesia. However, at the moment we are going to see from its soil layer first.

In this site, there are 5 soil formations with their layers that can be noticed directly which are one of the miracles in Sangiran. The soil formations are:

The Kalibeng Formation (Puren) is 5 million-1.8 million years with its layers:

The Marls layer
The grey (blue) clay layer from the deep marine sediment
The foraminifera layer from the shallow marine sediment
The limestone balanus layer
The under volcanic mudflow layer from brackish water sediment

The Pucangan (Sangiran) Formation is 1.8 million-1million year with its layers:

The black (yellow) clay layer from the freshwater sediment
The concretions/ breccia rocks layer
The volcanic clay (tuff), there are 14 tuffs
The nodules rocks layer
The greenish diatome rocks layer

The Kabuh (Bapang) Formation is 1 million-250 thousand years with its layers:

The conglomerate layer
The grenzbank rocks layer as divider
The volcanic plates layer (tuff), there are 3 tuffs
The silang siur sandstone layer
The gravel sand layer

The Notopuro (Phojajar) Formation is 250 thousand-15 thousand years with its layer:

The above volcanic mudflow layer
The terrace layer
The pumice rock layer

The Terrace Solo (Kali Pasir) Formation is 15 thousand-1.5 thousand years. It only has the sediment of the gravel river.

By the way, this layer information is only additional info and notes because I am afraid it will be scattered and lost. It is too bad I am not a soil expert. If this scarce information is lost, it is gonna be difficult to recollect it. These soil layers are also used to determine the age of the earth.

For your information, there is a mud-hole that actively spouts salted water foam out in the middle of the farm in Sangiran. From the previous information, the soil layers, and the mud-hole, I can conclude that Java Island used to be a sea and because of the plates displacement, it became Java (Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Java used to be united). Also, I believe that the island was formed due to the instable earth’s crust, erosion, and the increase of the sea water level. Well, since I am not the expert, any suggestion, input, and recommendation are welcomed as I make the conclusion based on the data I collected.

Last but not least, one of the world’s secrets (though it is not revealed completely yet) does exist in Sangiran, Central Java, Indonesia.

Enjoy, peace, and love from Sukra. (083 190408)

Photo Reference: http://www.klett-verlag.de/sixcms_upload/media/100/tektonik_welt_500.jpg

Sukra

2008-10-17T12:25:00.004+07:00

For Indonesian people, Sukra sounds like a kind of nuts. It is so sad, yet nothing I can do about it. I think it is a bit hard to ban some names to be a product’s brand. Sukra is actually a character in Wayang (traditional Javanese or Balinese drama performance), with its full name Sukra Maharesi.

Sukra was a human with power that should only be possessed by god. With the power owned, gods became anxious, afraid that they would lose their dignity, and worried that the gods’ fate will prevail any longer. The power he owned was Amertasanjiwani, a power that could reawaken dead people. By having the power, he helped others without thinking about status and friends or enemies. In other words, Sukra means eternal immortality in professionalism.

Sukra had a daughter named Dewayani and a student named Kaca. Kaca was a god’s envoy (but his identity was not known by Sukra) who was assigned to take in Amertasanjiwani and reminded his teacher that the power should not be taught to anyone.

*In Vedic legend, Sukra was the teacher of Asura (giant). While Kaca was learning, Asura found out his identity and finally he was killed by Asura. Sukra as Asura’s friend and teacher reawakened Kaca, who was actually his enemy.

Dewayani’s love was rejected by Kaca because of his desire to be a brahmacarya that means not getting married forever. Finally Dewayani decided to marry to Prabu Yayati, who begot a line of Pandawa’s family.

The gloomy part of this story was that Prabu Yayati, who was a bold and courageous king, turned into an old man as he was cursed by Sukra. It happened since he defied his prohibition that was having an affair with another woman.

That’s the short story of Sukra. By the way, in astrology Vedic, Sukra was another name for Venus in Sansekerta language that means white or light; for Friday or sperm in Javanese langguage.

Enjoy, peace, and love from Sukra. (130 170708)

Reference:
Indonesian Wayang Encyclopedia, vol. 4, Sena Wangi, Jakarta, 1999.
http://www.kamalkapoor.com/puja/images/sukra_venus.jpg

The History of Wayang

2008-10-16T22:45:00.003+07:00

After discussing about the wayang performance in the previous article, I will talk a bit about its growth in Indonesia.

Wayang is an Indonesian’s masterpiece which has been known since 1500 BC. Its growth has related to other element and developed ever since until its recent form and content. So, the current wayang is not the same as the previous wayang, and that the upcoming wayang will not be the same as the current wayang. However, each of its changes does not affect its genuineness since wayang has firm base that are hamot, hamong, and hamemangkat. By having those things, wayang has resistance and ability to develop through the centuries. Besides, there is also a wayang development policy that has been outlined by Trikarsa and Pancagatra.

Hamot is openness in accepting influence and input from both inside and outside. Hamong is ability to filter the new element which is suitable to the current value, and then accept it as the proper value for wayang as a supply in order to move forward according to the civilization. Hamemangkat is a value which becomes a new value through some long processes and which is carefully absorbed. Meanwhile Trikarsa is a determination to preserve, develop, and glorify wayang, which was carried out by Pancagatra. Therefore, wayang is able show its ability since the ancient time, Hindu era, and even up till now.

The wayang development period started in an ancient time that was when our ancestor believed in animism and dynamism. In these beliefs, the spirit of the dead people is believed to be still alive and that live things have power. That is the reason why they are adored and asked for help. So, to worship the ancestors’ spirit, they perform a certain ritual that is created in a form of pictures and sculptures. The ancestors’ spirit worshiped is known as hyang or dahyang.

People can communicate with the hyang through a medium who is usually called syaman to ask for his help and protection. So, the ritual adoration of the ancestors is the initiation of wayang. Hyang becomes wayang and syaman is the puppeteer. Meanwhile, the story is the ancestors’ adventures and experiences. The language used is the original Javanese.

In its development from the past up to now, there are some changes in it, such as in its shape and the wayang art which used to be similar to a wayang relief in temples and now it becomes more imaginative, in a way that it is does not look like a human, the parts of the body are complete and functional, not proportional, yet very wonderful. It is because there is rejection to idols, but it still want to present the wayang characters as human beings, complete with their names and their traits. Moreover, the performance is only at night and takes about 7-8 hours because it is intended for the spiritual journey in understanding the essence of life and taking ourselves closer to the Almighty God.

In summary, wayang is a culture that keeps on growing and being loyal to its mission and function it has, that is as a medium of entertainment as well as messages deliverance. In other words, wayang is a means of information, education, and mass communication that are familiar to its supportive society, with its final purpose that is establishing the nation and country towards the realization of the just and wealthy Indonesia based on Pancasila (the 5 basic principles of the Republic of Indonesia).

Enjoy, peace, and love from Sukra. (020 010108)

Reference:
Indonesian Wayang Encyclopedia, Jakarta, Sena Wangi, 1999
http://www.wamister.ch/allerlei/exindo/wayang.jpg

Wayang Performance

2008-10-16T22:33:00.005+07:00

In order to support the government’s program, Visit Indonesia Year 2008, it is good to “peek” one of our cultures that is wayang. What is wayang and what crossing your mind when you hear that word? Is it only a bizarre thing that is performed behind the screen and accompanied by Javanese dialogues and gamelan?

Wayang performance unites various arts, such as drama, vocal, literature, painting, etc. In the performance, there is a central role that is a dalang (puppeteer) who is helped by pengrawit, swarawati, and so on. They create wayang to be an interesting art show in a complete form both esthetically, ethically, and philosophically.

So, what is the interesting part from that performance if we only see the shadow? Well, if you think that way, it is quite a big mistake. Wayang is not merely a shadow perform, but it is a yangane ngaurip that means humans’ life shadow. In other words, through wayang performance, we as humans can think and feel how lives start from the birth until the death and also humans’ life journey to fight for what is right and defeat what is wrong.

As a matter of fact, wayang and puppeteer art are often called total theater. It is so as each wayang character is performed in a total performance and its quality which is expressed in a form of symbols is prioritized. The story and all the equipments are made to express the whole life of human beings. The bare room for wayang performance symbolizes the universe before God created life. The kelir (screen) is symbolized as the atmosphere, the banana tree represents the earth, blencong (light) represents the sun, wayang itself represents people and other human beings, and gamelan represents harmony in life. Moreover, the presence of the audience has its own purpose that is as the spirit being there in the performance. In other words, spectators are the unity in the performance, not only to watch it, but also to think with their thinking ability, social awareness, and philosophy.

Enjoy, peace, and love from Sukra. (019 010108)

Reference:
Indonesian Wayang Encyclopedia, Sena Wangi, Jakarta, 1999.
http://static.flickr.com/64/172088580_954ef25408_m.jpg

The Vajrayana Buddhism Spread (Buddhism 3)

2008-10-14T11:37:00.002+07:00

You might frequently hear the word “living Buddha” (Tulku) or Vajraguru, Vajracarya, Rinpoche with its incarnation for the umpteenth time. This is the characteristic of teaching that spread to the North and was known as Tibet Buddhism. This teaching with its holy book Kagyur, and Tangyur with Canonical Sansekerta and Tibet language spread to China Bhutan, Nepal, Sikkim, Kashmir, and Mongolia.

There are some sects within this Tibet Buddhism. Great sects are Nyimapa (red), Sakyapa (flower), Kagyudpa (white), and Gelugpa (yellow), whereas some small sects are Shijepa, Zhibyepa, Chonangpa, Shalupa, and Bonpa (black).

In Vajrayana teaching , sect becomes important since it is the identity for them. Following is the information about some great sects:

Nyimapa Sect was established by Padma Sambava (approximately 700 C), has 6 important monasteries with its sub-sects: Dorjadrak, Mindroling, Dzogchen, Zhechen, Kathog, and Pelyu. The notorious spiritual leaders are Mindroling Trichen (Mindroling), Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (Zhen Chen), Penor Norbu Rinpoche (Pelyu), and Talkung Tserul Rinpoche (Dorjadrak).
Sakyapa Sect was founded by Kunchong Gyalpo (1034-1102). This sect is Khon’s descent with its sub-sect Ngorpa and Tsharpa. The spiritual leaders are Sakya Trinzin (Khon-Dolma Phodrang Place), Dagchen Rinpoche (Khon-Phuntsog Phodrang Place), Luding KhyenRinpoche (Ngorpa), and Chogay Trichen Rinpoche (Tsharpa).
Kagyudpa Sect (Dagpo Kagyud) was established by Gampopa (1079-1133). Some great sub-sects are Karma Kagyud with its small sub-sects in Qin Hai: Zurmang Kagyud, Nendo Kagyud, Barom Kagyud, Phagdtru Kagyud, and Tsalpa Kagyud with their spiritual leaders the 17th Karmapa (Black Hat) and the 14th Sharmapa (Red Hat). Other minor sub-sects are Taglung Kagyud, Trophu Kagyud, Drukpa Kagyud, Martsang Kagyud, Yerpa Kagyud, Shugseb Kagyud, Yazang Kagyud and Dri Khung Kagyud. The spiritual leaders are Zhabtrung Rinpoche (Taglung Kagyud), Drugchen Rinpoche (Drukpa Kagyud), and Kyabgon Chetshang Rinpoche (Dri Khung Kagyud). The underlined are the existing sects.
Gelugpa Sect was founded by Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) with its 7 well-known monesteries, which are Garden, Drepung, and Sera in Lhasa; Trashi Lhunpu in Tsang; Taer, Blabrang, and Badgharsume. The spiritual leaders are the 14th Dalai Lama for Lhasa area and the 11th Pancen Lama for Tsang area. This sect is a “dissolving” from Khadampa Sect that was established by Atisa (982-1054) who once learned Buddhism to Dharmakirti from Sriwijaya Kingdom. Gelugpa Monastery for Qing Dynasty Kingdom which is located in Beijing is called Yong He Gong.

The Tibet historical journey started with Turfan’s authority (633-842), dissension (843-1026), the new sect rising (1027-1240), and Sakyapa’s rule (1240-1353). It was the time when Tibet became the part of China . Then it was continued with Drukpa Kagyud’s rule (1354-1618), Gelugpa (1642-1951), and finally Dalai Lama left Tibet in 1959.

The spread of Vajrayana Buddhism in Indonesia started when T.J. Lie went to Taiwan. He obtained Red Cherezig’s initiation from Kunga Ani and the arrival of Thrangu Rinpoche from Karma Kagyud sect to Borobudur Temple in 1982. Afterwards, many Rinpoches from many sects and sub-sects visited Indonesia to spread the seed of Vajrayana Buddhism. These days its spreading has been going on in small scale and in a plumbing phase.

This is some information I got from my father’s story and explanation. Feel free to add further information (if any) and correct any mistakes you guys find out. Thanks.

Enjoy, peace, and love. (089 260408)

The Mahayana Buddhism Spread (Buddhism 2)

2008-10-09T06:46:00.003+07:00

If you spend most of your time watching TV, I bet you surely know a movie about a monkey king who undergoes a mission trip to the West for taking a holy book. This article tells about a mission trip to the East (from Nepal to China) to spread the Buddhism. The Mahayana Buddhism is called China Buddhism that is identical to its Shaolin. This belief also exists in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, with its holy book Maha Tripitaka (Da Zang Jing) Sansekerta Canonical and Mandarin language.

China Buddhism, which is identical to Mahayana, has some other beliefs. Some other mashab (ideologies) existing are Hinayana with Abhi Dharma Kosa (Ju She Zong) sect, Satya Siddhi (Cheng Shi Zong), and Mahayana with Dharma Laksana (Fan Xian Zong) sect, Tri-Sastra (Sam Lung Zung), Vinaya (Lu Zong), Avatamsaka (Hua Yan Zong), Tian Tai (Fa Hua Zong) with sub-sects from Japan which is known as Nichiren, Tantra (Zhen Yan Zong), Sukhavati (Jin Tu Zong) that is known as Amitabha Buddhism (O Mi Tuo Fo), Bodhisatva Avalokitesvara (Guan Yin Pu Sa), and Maha Sthanaprapta (Da Shi Zhi Pu Sa), Zen (Chan Zong) with five sub-sects: Lin Jin Zong, Wei Ji Zong, Cao Dong Zong, Yun Men Zong, and Fa Yan Zong.

Mahayana in Indonesia is close to Zen sect. It is because most of the Chinese wanderers who came to Indonesia were from Fujian and Guandong (South China), where this sect is very dominant in that province. If it is observed, the temples of Mahayana Buddha in Indonesia are related to their headquarters in the origin countries. Some temples in Fujian Province are Kai Yuan Si, Guang Hua Si, Xi Chan Si, Chong Fu Si, and Yung Quan Si, whereas in Guandong are Guang Xiao Si, Nam Hua Chan Si, Liu Rong Si, Yun Men Si, Bie Chuan Si, and Kai Yuan Si.

These days, the teaching of Mahayana Buddhism is mostly acquired from Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan because when it was a Soeharto era, China was considered as communist country and it did not have diplomatic relationship with Indonesia. That is how Taiwan Buddhism came.

Mahayana Buddhism in Indonesia is generally divided into two branches, which are Mahayana Buddhism and Tridharma Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism is the collaboration of Zen sect and Sukhavati sect (its China value is very strong). While, Tridharma Buddhism (Kelenteng Buddhism) which is in Indonesia is the collaboration of Mahayana Buddhism and Dao Jiao and Ru Jiao traditional culture and the local culture. Some of its growth are Kwee Tek Hoay, Khoe Soe Khiam, Ong Kie Tjay, and Aggi The The.

In fact, Tantrayana sect existed for a short period of time in Indonesia that was in the 9th century, yet it ceased to exist. Tantrayana sect in Indonesia started with the arrival of Subhaka Rasingha, Vajra Bodhi, and Amongha Vajra to Indonesia. When the Tantra was spreading to China, the teaching was assigned to Hui Guo’s student, Ban Hong from Kalingga Indonesia Kingdom. It became the beginning of Laut Kidul Tantra (Borobudur Tantra).

There are some Mahayana ancient temples in Indonesia. Some temples from the 9th century are the sites of Mendut Temple, Pawon Temple, Borobudur Temple, Kalasan Temple, Sewu Temple, and Plaosan Temple, which are located in Central Java, Magelang, and DI Yogyakarta. The temple from the 11th century is Muara Jambi Temple site in Jambi, whereas the temple from the 12th century is Muara Takus Temple site in Pekanbaru, Riau.

This is some information I could present to you all. Feel free to add more information or correction if you think it needs to be rectified. Thanks.

Enjoy, peace, and love. (088 260408)

The Theravada Buddhism Spread (Buddhism 1)

2008-10-03T11:44:00.004+07:00

In common society, information about Buddhism outside the beliefs are merely about the how this religion started in Nepal by Siddharta Gautama (556 BC - 486 BC ), the existence of Borobudur Temple, and Siwa Buddha empire such as Majapahit. The Buddhism growth in Indonesia was not started in the 9th century as the temple had been buried under the ground more than 1000 years or from the era of Majapahit Empire that had ended in the 15th century. That is how Buddhism “slept” for about 500 years.

If it is observed deeply, Buddhism in Indonesia grew and started to develop in the 1950s. Buddhism in Indonesia is divided into three mashab (ideologies), which are Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Those teachings are believed by approximately 1.4% out of 240 millions of Indonesia people including those who hold culture beliefs in Tionghoa (Chinese) tradition.

The spread of Hinayana Buddhism that is also known as Theravada Buddhism or Thailand Buddhism was through the south route. We can find this belief that consists of some sects with Canonical Tipitaka (authentic bible) in Pali language more in Srilanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.

Some sects of Theravada Buddhism are Syama Nikaya, Amarapura Nikaya, Ramanna Nikaya (those are from Srilanka); Thudamma, Shnegyin, Dvara (from Myanmar); Maha Nikaya, Dhammayutika Nikaya(from Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos).

It can not be denied that the growth of Theravada Buddhism in Indonesia is due to ideas of Tridharma Kwee Tek Hoey who invited Bhikku (Buddhist monk) Narada from Srilanka to Borobudur Temple to plant bodhi tree in 1934. It was the starting point of the Buddhism spread. In the 50s decade, the development of Buddhism in Java had started by the consecration of the first Indonesian people, The Boan An, to be a Theravada Bhikku who is known as Ashin Jinarakkhita (1953), Ong Tiang Biauw who is known as Jinaputta (1959), and I Ketut Tangkas who is known as Jinapiya (1959). In the 1970s, Indonesia was visited by Bhikku Win Vijano (Dhammaduta Buddha from Thailand), who was meritorious for the spread and the development of Theravada Buddha which was very close to Thailand sect for about 38 years.

Later, the teaching of Ekayana (Buddhayana) developed in Indonesia with Bhikku Ashin Jinarakkhita as the founder, and the development itself is based on the doctrine of Theravada Buddhism combined with other Buddhism teachings and local tradition culture.

The ancient Theravada Temple in Indonesia is the site of Batujaya Temple which is located in Karawang (West Java) and built in the 4th century.

This short note may not be perfect. Feel free to add information and correction if needed. Thanks.

Enjoy, peace, and love from Sukra. (087 260408)

Picture: Bhikku Narada

The 7th Indonesian Hero

2008-09-29T11:03:00.007+07:00

Definition of hero is different for different people. For children, heroes are identical to superheroes like Batman, Spiderman, etc. At school, heroes are people who defend the country like General Sudirman. For adults, heroes are for people who affect or impact us like parents, teachers, etc.

In summary, I think hero is an amazing person who defends what is right, carries pride to the country, and gives impact to people’s lives. In the end they shall be remembered throughout the years like Albert Einstein, Thomas Alfa Edison, etc.

So, who is Indonesian Hero?
This said-to-be small world, which has 194 countries, definitely has thousands of heroes. It will be unfair if I compare this country (Indonesia) to other developed countries which have excellent education quality and huge research budget like United States, England, Germany, Netherlands, Japan, and others. So, it will be fair enough to compare it to the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference) members, which has 57 countries as the members.

Within the OIC membership, Indonesia with the highest density where 87 percents of the people are Moslems with its fifth largest area after Kazakhstan, Sudan, Aljazeera, and United of Emirates.

The data of heroes stated in the OIC website (http://www.comstech.org) is 381 people for 10 field categories:

Agro Science (16 people)
Bio Science (25 people)
Chemistry (127 people)
Engineering Science (26 people)
Environmental Science (4 people)
Geo Science (1 person)
Material Science (15 people)
Mathematics (13 people)
Medical Science (93 people)
Physics (61 people)

Following are the heroes from Indonesia:

Muhilal from Health Department, Jakarta (Medical Science)
Tjia May On from Bandung Technological Institute (ITB), Bandung (Physics)
Koo Hendrik Kurniawan from Maju Makmur Mandiri (MMM), Jakarta (Physics)
Effendy from Malang State University (UM), Malang (Chemistry)
Terry Mart from University of Indonesia (UI), Jakarta (Physics)
Indrayanto Gunawan from Airlangga University (UNAIR), Surabaya (Medical Science)
---

So, who is the Indonesian seventh hero?

The above data shows that Indonesia as the most populated country, simply has 6 out of 381 heroes within the OIC members. This proves that in the eyes of Indonesian people, these achievements are not significantly proud enough. Can we say Indonesia has been one step closer to the Nobel Prize?

Show your heroic side by becoming the seventh hero (while the seventh hero is yet to be exist), and do not let ourselves to be someone who just wants to do the easy parts (merely using things but not knowing how to create them).

Enjoy, peace, and love from Sukra (132 250708)

Reference photo: http://www.paper-pills.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/nobel.jpg