Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Firstly, a happy birthday to the love of my life, Luiza!

"He whose prayers are always for others is truly happy." - Swami Paramananda

The above is the "Salient Thought of the Day" from my Book of Daily Thoughts and Prayers. How serendipitous is it that we happened upon so many amazing places of worship today?

Over 87% of the citizens of Indonesia are Muslim, with the other 13% being Protestant, Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu, or Confucian. Indonesia is a secular state that guarantees freedom of religion to its citizens.

My guiding question deals with the literature or stories that symbolize the history of Indonesia. I have learned that high school students do not read Indonesian literature. The study of poetry, novels, and plays is done at University. However, I am learning that religious texts are the principal way that the people of Indonesia look for answers to life's big questions.

As I stated in an earlier blog, Indonesia was colonized numerous times in its history, and many of the religions above found their way to Indonesia. I had the privilege to visit places of worship. Below, I would like to share a few experiences I had over the past two days with regards to religion and sacred texts in Indonesia.

Islam

There are many beautiful mosques, like this one, in South Kalimantan. I want to share that the people of Indonesia are the kindest, friendliest, people I have ever met. I cannot put into words how welcome I feel here. I am constantly greeted with the phrase, "Hello, Mister!" The more you see the faces of the Muslim students and citizens of Indonesia in this this blog, you will see what I mean.

I have never read the Koran, but I got the opportunity to learn a little about how Islam became part of Indonesia's histroy at the History Museum of South Kalimantan.

This is a portrait of Shaykh Muhammad Arsyad Al Banjari. He brought Islam to the people of Indonesia.

This is the Koran. Shaykh Muhammad Arsyad Al Banjari wrote the text from memory. In Christianity, there are many versions of the Bible depending on which group of Christians you call your own. For Muslims, there is only one Koran. Muslims in Indonesia differ from other parts of the world in some traditions that are fused from Indonesian culture, but text is sacred and untouched.

Shaykh Muhammad Arsyad Al Banjari was prolific, and wrote many important works. I hope to research this further.

Buddhism

We stumbled upon a Buddhist school and temple in Banjarmasin. There is the only one in South Kalimantan. As stated earlier, Buddhists represent less than 1% of the population.

Outside the temple.

Student meditation and prayer.

I had the privilege of speaking to a bhikkhu, or a Buddhist teacher. He told us there are scheduled times for adult meditation at 4:30 p.m. during the week. I am hoping to return.

Hinduism

Hold aloft the light and stand firm to thy post,

Till all wandering souls have reached their goal in safety.

Service brings strength and renewed life,

Love cures all weariness,

And Faith, the shining jewel of life, performs all miracles. - Swami Paramananda

We happened upon a Hindu shrine, and were invited in with open arms, once again. The above lines, by the way, are from the poem for the month of July honoring, "The Blessing of Service" in The Book of Daily Thoughts and Prayers.

The Hindus of Indonesia do not choose to worship only one for the gods, as is typical in other parts of the world. This structure has symbols of all Hindu gods. People may choose one of the gods to pray to if they wish, but all are welcome, here.

We posed for pictures with students and parents after a prayer session.

That's me and Bob with the Hindu priest of this denomination. Hindus in Indonesia typically come from Bali. This man's father immigrated from Bali to Jakarta. The priest spoke English, and told us he moved to South Kalimantan many years ago. He loves his faith. Like the Buddhist teacher, he has an aura about him.