The Meaning of Buddhist Statue Symbols In Borobudur, Mendut And Plaosan Temples Based on Buddhist Literature

Abstract

Borobudur, Mendut, and Plaosan temples are representative temples in Buddhist temple architecture in Indonesia. These three temples were built with different backgrounds in their time but have a common function as places of worship. One of the main characteristics in the building of this temple is the presence of Buddha statues with their spiritual function in the religious activities of Buddhists. This research uses qualitative research methods with a phenomenological approach. Data is processed and analyzed with several stages, namely data condensation, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study show that the Buddha statue is interpreted as an important main symbol in temple buildings. This symbol is related to the sacred meaning of the temple and puja activities carried out by the community. The Buddha statue is the most important symbol because it directly represents the Buddha. These Buddha statues are found in all three temples with different names but as Buddhist symbols, have the same characteristics. All three stand out because they are in the middle and tend to be larger in size than other objects, and without a doubt that Buddha statues symbolizing Buddha itself are certainly discussed in Buddhist literature. Although in making Buddhist statues in the three temples look different such as the sitting position of the statues, the shape of the mudras, and the ornaments that adorn them, there are similarities in the components of the statues based on Buddhist literature. The similarity of these components is contained in one sermon (sutta) that explains the characteristics or signs of a Buddha is the Lakkhaṇa Sutta in Dīghanikāya. It is said in the literature that Buddha had 32 signs of the body as a great man