Translated word for word, bhinnêka is a sandhi form of bhinna meaning "different"; the word tunggal means "one" and the word ika means "it". Literally, … See more

Origins
The phrase originated from the Old Javanese poem Kakawin Sutasoma, written by Mpu Tantular a … See more

Original
This quotation comes from canto 139, stanza 5. The full stanza reads as follows:
Rwāneka dhātu winuwus Buddha Wiswa, Bhinnêki rakwa ring apan kena parwanosen, Mangka ng Jinatwa kalawan Śiwatatwa tunggal, … See more

This idea is a constant theme throughout Mpu Tantular's writings and can also be found in his other writing, the Kakawin Arjunawijaya, canto 27 stanza 2:
Original
ndan kantênanya, haji, tan hana bheda saṅ hyaṅ hyaṅ … See more

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• E pluribus unum, national motto of the United States of America, which has a similar meaning.
• National motto See more