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Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is the official national motto of Indonesia. The phrase is Old Javanese translated as "Unity in Diversity". 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 Garuda is a mythical bird and the mount of Lord Vishnu.
Contents
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 Rājasanagara, 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.
The motto of Indonesia is somewhat mistaken as India's national motto, due to the similarity between Indonesia and India.
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.