So it is thought that the entire structure of Borobudur served as a simulation of the process of Buddhist enlightenment.
As a ritualistic or meditative practice for religious pilgrims, each of the nine levels of Borobudur show scenes that depicted the different levels of existence, form lowest to highest.
The lowest levels of existence are physically located on the lowest levels of Borobudur, and the final, most enlightened levels are on the top of the monument.