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Borobudur: Stories from the Sukra Sutra
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Borobudur: Stories from the Sukra Sutra
INDONESIA, Central Java, Magelang; circa 8th–9th century; Andesite
This relief shows a section of the Sukra Sutra images, which were discovered in 1885 when archaeologists stumbled across a large rock that blocked the way to the base platform of Borobudur.
The platform contains 160 reliefs but only three quarters of the surface has been completed. The images mostly depict scenes from the Sukra Sutra, which teaches about the law of cause and effect. Each story contains two scenes and is separated by a tree. The image on the right describes the cause while the one on the left depicts the effect.
The relief is located in the southeast section of the platform, and depicts scenes of a family reunion, feasting, music performance, and dancing. It is believed that these images represent a happy and prosperous life resulting from wholesome deeds. The composition is ordered and easy to understand, portraying the daily life of that time. |
