First class and Borobudur!

This blog post will be challenging, mainly because there is so much to convey!  I met my class for the first time Wednesday, and from the very first moment, they were welcoming to say the least.  Even after pulling "all-nighters" to finish papers from their last semester, they seemed bright, energetic, and really open to learning.  One student described what he has been learning at the Center for Religious and Cross-Cultural Studies, as being like "heaven" for him, because at least some have come from strict religious backgrounds where discussion, understanding, seeking are not in the forefront.  And the diversity of the class--from places like Aceh, Sumatra, Medan, Madura--was evident, from the islands that make up this vast and incomprehensible country.  These are only names to me because I have not been to any of these "outer islands."  But a very good book I have been reading before the trip, called Indonesia, Etc., by Elisabeth Pisano, does give a fascinating account of her tour through these islands, that make her describe this island of Java as "The Other Indonesia."  I downloaded the Kindle version after arriving, and still find it good reading.

Climbing the steps of Borobudur at the end of the procession

 Then, in the afternoon, we went to Borobudur, which you may know as one of the greatest "stupas," like Buddhist temples for holding relics, in the world, second only to Angkor Wat.  The structure itself is phenomenal, but having many villages represented in colorful performances, and a final half-dancing, half-walking procession to the  temple made the whole event even more awe-inspiring.  I was moved to be included in the groups making their way in order to say that the land and temple are too sacred, and should not be destroyed by more development of the site.  Already, many people were displaced by the restoration of this magnificent place.  If you get a chance, do look it up on the internet.  I am sensing more ecological consciousness here than five years ago; or perhaps there is more in this city than in the Dutch colonial city of Malang, where I lived before.  On the other hand, many things seem to be changing here, in small and sometimes consequential ways.

The trip to Borobudur in the CRCS van gave me a chance to get to know and actually bond with the students over the five or more hours of travel, meals, and time witnessing the performances.  I will leave my impressions for another blog, as this one is getting too long.  Their kindness is obvious from this photo of Sister Elizabeth treating me to fresh coconut.