Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is the official national motto of Indonesia. The phrase is Old Javanese translated as "Unity in Diversity" (Out of many, one). It is inscribed in the Indonesian national symbol, Garuda Pancasila (written on the scroll gripped by the Garuda's claws), and is mentioned specifically in article 36A of the Constitution of Indonesia. The name of Garuda is inspired by a mythical bird, the mount of Lord Vishnu and the Buddhist gold bird king, King Garuda.
It is a quotation from an Old Javanese poem Kakawin Sutasoma, written by Mpu Tantular during the reign of the Majapahit empire sometime in the 14th century, under the reign of King R?jasanagara, also known as Hayam Wuruk. Kakawin contains epic poems written in metres.
This poem is notable as it promotes tolerance between Hindus (especially Shivaites) and Buddhists.
Video Bhinneka Tunggal Ika
Full stanza
Original
This quotation comes from canto 139, stanza 5. The full stanza reads as follows:
Translation
This translation is based, with minor adaptations, on the critical text edition by Soewito Santoso.
Maps Bhinneka Tunggal Ika
See also
- E pluribus unum
- Motto of the European Union
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia