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DECEMBER, 1928 ] THE CULTURAL VALUE OF THE ANCIENT MONUMENTS IN JAVA
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there is spread an inpenetrable veil. Science is still incapable of answering these questions. And in this instance Borobudur is favoured by exceptionally privileged circumstances, in comparison with a Siva building like the Jandi Prambanan.
Without any exaggeration it can be stated that everything has its own importance in Hindu-Javanese architecture. The tiniest motif hidden to the eye has had a meaning, as we)) as the awe-inspiring grim lala head commanding the aspect of the whole gable above the entrance to Prambanan. Also the harmonious proportions between the lower parts of the buildings, the joinings of the profiles, the horizontal divisions, all have symbolic signifi. cance; they are founded on numerical mysticism. The same refers to the bright colours, and to all these symbols, each in its own place, and with its own meaning, joined together in a great spiritual building of thought.
Hindu-Javanese art blossomed in the same sphere of mysticism as the mediæva] WestEuropean. "Symbolism created a cosmic view of a still stricter unity and closer connection" Huizinga wrote in Mediæval Autumn," than causal-scientific thinking enables. It embraced with its strong arms all nature and all history. It created an inviolable precedence, an architectural articulation, a hierarchic subordination. For in every symbolic connection there must be a lower and a higher grade. Furthermore, nothing is too lowly to express and to glorify the highest. All things offer stay and prop for the rising of thoughts towards the eternal; by mutual aid the ascent from step to step is accomplished." We are, however, in closer touch with Christianity than with the Eastern religions. Furthermore, medieval mysticism remains conscious of the fact that it is only expressed by metaphors. Eastern imagination is not very lucid. It is so customary for an Easterner to express himself in symbols, that it is impossible for him to depart from this habit.
Art is only of value to the Indian, in so far as it enables him to give expression to his thoughts and feelings. Science must not withdraw from its duty of leading the way in this respect, under penalty of losing contact with its milieu, Java, and the spirit of the age. This spirit of the age also has its claims. Indeed it is not only the Javanese who show dissatisfaction, when only the outer edge of art is constantly displayed, and no insight is allowed into the world of ideas from which it is derived. Is it to be wondered at that by the strong craving for self-immersion, which during the last years has become manifest in every sphere, many should turn away from official science and knock at the door of theosophy for enlightenment!
As soon as the Javanese realize that the ancient monuments whoever their makers may be also have wisdom to impart in glowing ingenious language to the present day generation, then indeed is the seed sown, from which under favorable circumstances genuine love and admiration for the ancient art will grow.
Education will play a very important part in the process of evolution. The starting point must, however, be justly chosen. Science will have to subordinate Javanese intellect, forcing this latter to a logical way of reflection and methodical examination. Beware of the error, however, in considering it only possible to awaken interest for ancient Javanese art by overwhelming the Javanese with historical facts, or pointing out the beauty of it. The value of the ancient art will prove to be chiefly a matter of sentiment. One single shrine thoroughly comprehended will do more towards the spiritual development of the young generation than the combined historical knowledge and esthetical appreciation of each and every one of the scattered antiquities of Java,
II.
By Mr. N. A. Van Leeuwen. "The question what religious tendencies are and their philosophical significance" writes William James in Varieties of Religious Experience, "must be answered by the application of two totally different methods of examination. In the first instance the question arises :
