Kakawin Sutasoma

Palm leaf manuscript of Kakawin Sutasoma, a 14th-century Javanese poem.
Kakawin Sutasoma of Mpu Tantular, 14th century manuscript at Perpustakaan Nasional Republik Indonesia, Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, Jakarta

Kakawin Sutasoma is an Old Javanese poem in poetic meters (kakawin or kavya). It is the source of the motto of Indonesia, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which is usually translated as Unity in Diversity, although it means '(Although) in pieces, yet One'. It is not without reason that the motto was taken from this kakawin as the kakawin teaches religious tolerance, specifically between the Hindu and Buddhist religions.[1]

The Kakawin tells the epic story of Lord Sutasoma, and was written by Mpu Tantular in the 14th Century. The poem is played in wayang theatre.[1]

  1. ^ a b Aghababian, A. H. (2015). "The Kakawin Sutasoma: A Look at "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" and Perceptions of the Text's Religious Implications". Inquiries Journal. 7 (9).

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