Introduction

In 1982, Olivia entered Indonesia as member of the entourage of H.H. The Dalai Lama during His consecration of Borobudur. She continued her pilgrimage there by the name of "Tara" and was requested to write the History of Buddhism in Indonesia by the ethnic Javanese Buddhist teacher, pak Sumarsoeno. Hesitatingly, she agreed only to discover that he was to pass away several days later. Feeling compelled to keep her promise to him, she undertook the task and soon found out that the materials needed, necessary visas to remain in the country, and persons able to convey historical information were uncannily provided so that she was able to gather the following information for future readers.