The Influence of Hindu-Buddhism on the Culture of the Society

Pengaruh Hindu–Buddha terhadap Kebudayaan Masyarakat …

Tracing the Roots: Hindu-Buddha Influence

The complex and vibrant cultures of Indonesia have long been influenced by a variety of foreign civilizations. One such significant impact has been that of Hinduism and Buddhism. These two religions, coming from India, shaped the early kingdoms and societies in many ways.

Hinduism and Buddhism were dominant forces shaping many aspects of societal life in Indonesia, including art, architecture, literature, and political structures. Today, one can still find relics of this ancient influence in various parts of Indonesia, especially in regions like Bali and Java.

These influences have not merely remained in the past but continue to reverberate in contemporary Indonesian society. Let’s examine some key areas where Hindu-Buddha philosophy continues to influence Indonesian culture.

Consider how the epic Indian text, the Ramayana, is celebrated in traditional Javanese performance arts. Known as “Wayang Kulit”, this shadow puppet theatre tradition often tells stories derived from the Ramayana, displaying the enduring impact of Hindu thought on Indonesian arts.

• The religious rituals practised in Bali largely follow Hindu traditions.
• Many famous temples found in Java, such as Borobudur and Prambanan, are steeped in Buddhist and Hindu architectural styles, respectively.
• Hindu-Buddhist philosophies profoundly impacted Javanese literature.
• The social and political organization of ancient Javanese kingdoms was heavily inspired by Hindu-Buddhist thought.
• The Indonesian philosophy of ‘Pancasila’, emphasizing unity in diversity, exhibits components similar to the Hindu-Buddhist philosophy of tolerance towards various belief systems.
• Elements of Hindu mythology permeated into traditional dances, music and folklore.

Pervasiveness across Time and Space

The Hindu-Buddha impact on Indonesian culture is not limited to a standalone era or confined geographical area. Instead, it spans across centuries and different regions of Indonesia.

Touching upon diverse domains, this influence is intrinsically intertwined with the broader fabric of Indonesian history and culture. Art, literature, architecture – the Hindu-Buddha philosophies left imprints everywhere.

Moreover, their effect was not static but evolved over time, adapting to the shifting political landscapes and changing cultural contexts. Hence, even as Islamic influences gained prominence around the 16th century onwards, the Hindu-Buddha effects did not entirely fade away, indicating their lasting potency.

Building on our earlier discussion, let’s consider how Hindu-Buddhist influences manifested in different regions of Indonesia. While areas like Bali retained much of the traditional Hindu practices, regions such as Sumatra absorbed more Buddhist elements, which is evident from structures like the grand Buddhist stupa at Borobudur.

• While largely Hindustani, Balinese culture incorporates local beliefs and customs.
• The Mahayana Buddhist influence is visible in North Sumatra’s Maimoon Palace architecture.
• Southern Sumatran weaving patterns display motifs drawn from Hindu symbolism.
• Hindu epics inspire traditional literature across various Indonesian islands.
• In West Java, many Sundanese people remember and celebrate the pre-Islamic Pajajaran era associated with Hinduism.
• Buddhist themes are common in the majority-Muslim region of Central Java.

A Tale of Continuity and Change

As mentioned before, the impact of Hindu-Buddha philosophies has both shaped and been shaped by the ongoing currents of change in Indonesian culture and society. Islam’s arrival in the region didn’t erase its earlier imprints; instead, it intermingled with them, creating a unique blend of traditions with deeply rooted continuities.

Next, it’s essential to remember how localized contexts also influenced how these philosophies were incorporated. Hence, while the broad canvas is one of continuity with Hindu-Buddhist culture, the picture is rich in diversity showing elements of change and innovation at the local level.

To lend further perspective on this idea, we can look at what a festival like Galungan means for Balinese people today. Celebrated to mark the victory of dharma over adharma (good over evil), it retains its essential Hindu ethos but has undergone changes under local interpretations and present-day dynamics.

• Many Balinese rituals are performed with unique local variations, acknowledging not only Sanatana Dharma (universal truths) from Hindu philosophy, but also ancestral spirits and local deities.
• Hindu-themed sculpture and painting styles fused seamlessly with indigenous artistic traditions over time.
• Terms from Sanskrit, the ancient language associated with Hinduism, have been integrated into Bahasa Indonesia.
• The dynastic history of the Majapahit Empire, heavily influenced by Hindu-Buddhism, continues to shape traditional Javanese identity narratives.
• Eclectic architectural styles, blending Islamic, European, and Hindu-Buddha influences, adorn Indonesian landscapes, encapsulating the spirit of cultural syncretism.
• Indonesia’s national emblem, Garuda Pancasila, derives its iconography from Hindu mythology.

Endnote

While only a fraction of the population currently practices Hinduism or Buddhism in Indonesia, their legacies loom large over its multifaceted cultural landscape. As we’ve discovered, this legacy is not a static relic but a vibrant thread that continues to shape contemporary Indonesian life.

Remember that it’s not just about how these foreign religions influenced local culture and society. It’s also about how Indonesian people adapted, interpreted, and redefined these philosophies according to their specific regional and historical contexts.

To sum up, while Indonesia’s multi-layered culture embodies influences of Islam, Europe, and its indigenous traditions, Hinduism and Buddhism have also left indelible imprints that continue to permeate various facets of society. From ancient temples to modern philosophy, the Hindu-Buddha impact on Indonesian culture is palpable, profound, and perennial.