Kejawen, a Javanese traditional spiritual teaching

The ancient people of Java since 3000 years BC had known the wet-
rice cultivation. This system of agriculture requires a smooth cooperation
between villagers, is still being practiced to this day. The villagers must have
a very high consciousness to organize such a complicated arrangement to be
a smooth cooperation, benefited all parties involved. Besides the wet-rice
cultivation, they have known also among other fishery, astronomy, cloth
weaving, batik, gamelan & wayang. Before the arrival of Hinduism and any
other world religions, the Javanese had already a culture & belief(s) of their
own.
In some Javanese traditional ceremonies, ancient rituals remain in place to
this day. It is a proof that Javanese people are smart in preserving their
precious identity. Besides the existence of widely recognized religions such as
Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam & Christianity, a local belief popularly known as
Kejawen or Kebatinan does continue to exist.
Kejawen from the word Jawa (Java) : Javanism, is a Javanese spiritual
knowledge in search of good & correct way of life, so the persons practicing
the teaching correctly & wholeheartedly should find the spiritual way to true
life (urip sejati => urip = life, sejati = true) achieving the harmonious
relation between servant & God, JUMBUHING KAWULO GUSTI (jumbuh =
a good, harmonious relation, kawulo = servant, gusti = Lord, God).
This is Kasunyatan - The Reality, Kebatinan from the word Batin = inner,
spiritual. Kebatinan = spiritualism, generally understood as the spiritual
teaching of belief in one God.

Some are of the opinion that Kejawen has a broader meaning than
Kebatinan, except kebatinan it consists, also of way of thinking, art, tradition,
culture etc.

The existence of Kejawen, in no way can be separated from the Javanese

way of life & thinking, the nature & the tradition.
A Javanese concept prevails to this day is Mamayu Hayuning Bawono - to
preserve the beauty of the world in a broader sense means to preserve the
universe for the welfare of its inhabitants.

By nature, a Javanese is an environmentalist, a preserver of nature as clearly

shown in their natural oriented tradition & rituals.

Living in harmony is of prime important - the harmonious relation among

people in the society: between human beings and the universe & harmonious
relation between servant & God.
Since their tender ages, the Javanese have been educated by their parents,
families, society, teachers etc, the lessons of belief in God, moral behavior &
etiquettes etc.

The elder Javanese always say that all religions are good. So far there is
no conflict in Java due to religious differences.

Up to present date, the four royal palaces in Yogyakarta & Surakarta

(Kasultanan under King/Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, Pakualaman under
Viceroy/Adipati Pakualam IX, Kasunanan under King/Sunan Paku Buwono
XII, Mangkunagaran under Viceroy/Adipati Mangkunagara IX) are the
centers of Javanese court culture, where royal ceremonies from the old days
are still performed.

The people culture such as "The Village Cleansing" ceremonies dated back
from ancient period take place almost intactly
Introducing to Javanese moral behavior, etiquettes & tradition
Budi Pekerti
Means Good conduct of life / good morality.

This is the most important moral guidance for traditional Javanese.

A person who has budi pekerti, he should live in safety (slamet), hopefully he
should never be in trouble.

A parent's blessing and a blessing from elder people always start with the
word "Slamet".

Budi Pekerti is the mother of all other ethics, etiquettes, good behavior,
proper conduct, etc.

Firstly it is bred by the parents & family at home, then by the society directly
or indirectly.
The stories of wayang (shadow puppet performance) is one of the most
important source of Budi Pekerti's lesson for the youngsters. But there are
also episodes in wayang, telling the way to reach the true life (urip sejati) or
the unity of servant & Lord (Manunggaling Kawulo Gusti: manunggal =
unity).
In the wayang episode, the Javanese see their own life, that's why wayang is
very popular in Java up to now.
Lessons from wayang among other:
1. There are good & evil, at the end the good shall win. But anytime, the
evil should try to tempt again.
2. Follow the examples of Pandawa and other Satrias (Knights, Warriors),
they have noble character, sincerity, politeness. They fight for the truth,
for the welfare of the people & the country. They learn seriously
spiritualism, they use their supernatural power to accomplish a noble
goal. Satria - a knight/person with noble character.
3. Do not follow the deeds of Kaurawa & their cronies. They are not
sincere, greedy for power & material wealth, rough & impolite. They
look only to fulfilling their lust. Raksasa - giant, in Javanese = Buto
means blind, a person who see no different between good & bad,
correct & wrong.
4. The dwellers in the universe are not only human beings & animals.
There are other creatures such as spirits (bad & good ones) or
popularly known as "mahluk alus" unseen spirits (mahluk = creatures,
alus = unseen). The Gods & Goddesses living in their domain of
Kahyangan (the abode of Gods). The power holder of the universe is
the Supreme God.
5. The life of a person, its place & its fate are pre-destined by supernatural
power belong to God.
6. A human being is obliged to be grateful to God as he/she has been
given opportunity to live in earth & worship Him. Do not complain to
Him when you are suffering, instead be close to Him.
The legends of Java give some examples of:
1. Just & unjust Kings/Rulers
2. Trickiness & Sincerity
3. Heroes & Traitors
4. Prosperous & peaceful country & chaotic country
5. (Political) Power for the people & abuse of power
6. The society of adil (just), makmur (prosperous), Tata Tentrem Kerta
Raharja where order, peace, safety & happiness are well maintained is
an ideal society for Javanese.
From the parents & the families, the teachers & the society, a Javanese learn
among other:
To be polite (tata krama) or etiquette which involves bodily gesture, the
way of seating, the way of speech. With elder people & people of high
position, a krama inggil (refined language) is used. With friends usually a
ngoko language (low level) is spoken. Almost all words in Krama & Ngoko
language are different.
The Javanese language is special, it is well-suited to prove the tata krama
(etiquette)
To Respect
Parents, elder people, teachers, ancestors, etc. It does not mean that
younger people should not be respected, the younger should be treated also
accordingly, the same treatment given to persons with higher & lower
position.
This is Tata Susila (ethics) also:
• To be honest, not to cheat, ready to help others.

To well behave by avoiding mo limo (5 bad conducts in Javanese

language starting with mo); Main - gambling; Madon - commit
adultery; Mabuk - excessive alcoholic drinking; Madat - using opium,
narcotics, etc; Maling - stealing. Needless to say that killing & cruelty
must be avoided too.
• To do a correct behavior avoiding wrong doings to protect a good
reputation, so that someone should not feel isin (to feel ashamed). To
feel "isin" due to bad conduct for a Javanese is shameful, it is losing
honor.
• To maintain harmony (rukun), free of conflicts in the family, the
neighborhood, the village, the country & the world. The harmonious
relation between men - is important. Factually when, there is a ruin in
life of human beings, it is due to irresponsible people. Only a very small
part was due to disturbance by animals and/or spirits.
A popular proverb says:

Rukun agawe santoso means rukun makes us strong.

• To be patient (sabar), to be able to do self-control.
• To accept his fate consciously & not to envy to the other's success
(nrimo)
• Don't be selfish, to act only for his own interest. Sepi ing pamrih (free
of self interest). Sepi ing pamrih, rame' ing gawe, which means in a
broader sense: free of self interest, be always ready to work hard for
the society and the welfare of the world.

(rame >< sepi = (ready to work) hard/seriously, gawe = work or to

organize parties such as wedding party etc.
Slametan
It is very important in every traditional ritual. A pray attended by neighbors
and/or relatives and/or some close friends in the form of a simple ceremonial
meal & offering of rice cone (tumpeng) & other dishes, some fruit, betel
leaves, petal of flowers, etc.
Slametan from the word "slamet" has a main purpose to be in safety, safety
in life, in job, in marriage, in delivering child, etc.
Gotong Royong
Mutual cooperation, consciously & deliberately help each other, especially in
the neighborhood or in the village. Among other: cleaning the village,
repairing the neighborhood road or guarding the safety of the neighborhood
or of the village, helping voluntarily or obligatory if a neighbor passes away.
Introduction to Kejawen
There are 3 levels of kejawen knowledge:
1. Level 1: It is called Kanuragan, from the word "Raga" means body.
The body of the student becomes powerful, invulnerable (to bullets,
sharp weapons, etc.). The Kanuragan is for the youngsters. Seeing the
result, they believe more to mystical or supernatural power.
2. Level 2: It is called Kasepuhan, from the word "Sepuh" means old.
This knowledge is mainly use to cure sick people. Combating any
illness, physically and/or mentally. It gives protection to those people
looking for slamet (safety in life, well being, etc.)
3. Level 3: It is called Ngelmu Sejati (true knowledge) or Kasunyatan
(True Reality). A good & wise person, who successfully achieved true
knowledge, sees true Reality of life. All is opened for him/her, there is
no more secret in life.
Usually people is not satisfied before he could achieved True Reality,
harmonious relation between servant & Lord (Jumbuhing Kawulo Gusti).
Although someone is already good in kasepuhan, but sometimes he is
worried; he has no inner peaceful feeling. He goes to ancestor's cemetery to
ask help or he goes to dukun (shaman) requesting a solution of problem.
Mastering True Reality needs a long way of devout exercise & practice by
using his/her own inner energy. Only a matured, honest, wise person should
be able to gain this true knowledge, he/she needs a divine permission.
To compose this article, the writer has contacted some people who have
gained true knowledge and request them to tell their valuable experience.
The writer has the honor to present to the readers:
1. Romo Soebadi Poespowinoto (77 years old)
 2. Ki Soekardi (71 years old)
3. Bapak Sastro Hutomo (57 years old)
4. Bapak R.M. Anom Binaji (43 years old)
5. Bapak K. Suwardi (53 years old) and his partner Bapak Kijan
Djajatirta (44 years old)
6. Prof. DR. Sukintoko (68 years old)
7. Prof. Drs. R. Imam Sudjagad Saleh (70 years old)
8. Bapak Soepadi Soetowilopo (68 years old)
9. The noble women:

Ibu Brotodiningrat (85 years old)

Ibu Soekirno Hadipoetranto (77 years old)
Ibu Sudarni Saimin (73 years old)

They are very kindly hearted people, low profile, have a decent simple life
style. They are healthy. They have a sharp vision & feeling. They do not earn
their living from their gifted ability.
The writer also got some valuable advices from several priyayi sepuh (old
wise men) from Yogyakarta, namely: Bapak Sumadi, Bapak Mantoro & Bapak
Gembong Danudiningrat.
To those respected gentlemen, the writer is very much grateful.
Note:
In addressing people, the Javanese are using expressions of family model.
Elder men or respected men are addressed as Pak, abbreviation of Bapak
(father), the equivalent of Mr. In high level language (Kromo) is Romo.
Elder women or respected women are addressed as Bu, abbreviation of Ibu
(mother), the equivalent of Mrs. or Madame.
For much elder men the address is mbah, abbreviation of Simbah (grandma
or grandpa)

In Kromo high level language is Eyang. Eyang Kakung: grandpa, Eyang

Putri: grandma.

Mas is for men of the same age, elder or younger, Mas is abbreviation from
Kamas, elder men.

Dimas, younger men

In common language kamas is Kang, abbreviation of Kakang: Dimas is Dik or

Di (from adik/adi)

Mbak abbreviation of Mbakyu, for elder women or respected women.

Jeng, abbreviation of Diajeng for adik

Nak, abbreviation of anak (son/daughter). In refined language, Nak Mas-

son. Nak Jeng -daughter. Ki is: an address or title of an elder respected
man.
Nyi: an elder respected woman
Exposing the Universe
It is a Translation of Gumelaring Jagad
1. For those who are seeking the knowledge of life, you should know
Sangkan Paraning Dumadi (The origin & destination of creatures) in
broader sense means: your origin is holiness, here in this earth you
have to live in holiness, & you should be able to return to holiness
again. Thus, you become a perfect human-being.
2. There are millions of human beings, women & men with different colors
of skin & cultural background, created to live together in the world.
They live in accordance with their destiny, they are moving actively due
to their own will, using their consent & five senses, they build their
well-being to preserve the world. Everyone build their nation to achieve
Tata Tentrem Kerta Raharja (order, peace, safety, prosperity) in the
world for harmonious satisfaction of mankind.
3. Everyone should know that all kind of animals, small and big ones,
such as tiny bugs, birds, snakes, elephants, millions of them, are
created in accordance with their destiny, moving by using their instinct
to search for food.
4. All kind of plants & trees, the grass, the Banyan trees, the bushes,
there are useful for mankind, various kinds of beautiful, fragrant &
colorful flowers, the attractive green leaves are created to grow in the
world, in accordance with their destiny.
5. All kinds of fishes live in the lake, the river & the ocean. Some of them
live from mosses, the bigger fishes eat the smaller ones. That's their
destiny.
6. The moon, the stars & other planets in the sky are shining
splendidly at night.
7. The wind blows freshly in the morning, all creature inhale its
usefulness.
8. The fire & the heat of Sun are useful for all creatures.
9. Those, who seeks the knowledge of life, should be aware, that all
creatures were the result of the mixture of the essence of Trimurti:
 Fire (geni), Water (banyu) & Wind (angin). Due to divine mystical
power they penetrate into Pratiwi (Land, Earth), give the existence
of all kinds of creatures, small & big, animals, plants and various
creatures in this world.
10.The sediments of Trimurti's essence, give the appearance of Hasta
Retna (eight colors) of precious substances, namely: gem, gold, silver,
tin, copper, iron/steel, salt & sulphur.
11.There are 5 kinds of mystical light (cahya ginaib), very bright, clear
but not glaring, namely:
a. Pulung: the unity between the sediments of gem, gold & tin, the
color is bright blue and clear green. It is seeking a blessed, honest
and wise person who is eager to help and has great care for
others.
b. Wahyu: the unity between the sediments of gem, silver and tin,
the color is white and bright yellowish. It is seeking a blessed,
honest and wise person who has a very strong character of Rila
(never be disappointed and envy to others) and Legawa (always
do a good thing and faithful) and always keep his/her promise.
c. Daru: the unity between the sediments of gold, silver and iron,
the color is bright turmeric yellow as big as a coconut. It is
seeking a blessed, honest and wise person who is very patient
and has great care for others, who could easily forgive other's
mistake.
d. Teluh: the unity between the sediments of tin, copper and iron,
the color is reddish violet. It is seeking a person with bad moral,
like to disturb others, does not see what's right and wrong.
e. Guntur: the unity between the sediments of iron, salt and
sulphur, the color is bright violet. It is seeking a person who
always follow his/her lust, greedy and does not like to forgive
other's mistakes.

You have to know the above mentioned subject is Kawruh

Kasunyatan, the knowledge of true reality. It is really
exposed accrossed the universe, a human-being should be aware
of the power of the Creator of all creatures.
12.The sun, the king Surya, in accordance with the power of nature or
God's will, has an obligation to give life to all creatures.
13.The moon, the queen Chandra and all stars in the sky, in the night
shine their soothing light, useful to all creatures.
14.During the night, almost all living creatures are asleep. They do not
remember anything. In the morning, during sunrise, they wake-up.
That is the power of nature. Around mid-night during the full-moon,
the light of the moon and stars give a natural power to human-beings,
 who remain outside under the night sky.
15.You should know that you are the most perfect creatures in the world,
due to a perfect unity of the three substances and more perfect noble
character. You are obliged to understand your humanism, to know your
inner-being/true-self (kejatenira) you should know Sangkan Paraning
Dumadi.
16.A human-being is different from animal. Animal has instinct only, not
budi, (clear thinking). A man without budi, only follows his
passion/nafsu, might be said that he loses his existence as human-
being. He had a low character.
17.The four factors of earth, fire, wind and water are influencing your
physical body, the micro-cosmos as well as the macro-cosmos.
18.The movement of the earth due to the active movement of the hot
substances inside the earth, closed by the earth elements for millions of
years, gave birth to several volcanoes. The earthquakes can damage
the life of human-beings and others.
19.The fire is pleasant and useful, but it can do harm also to human-
beings, animals and plants. That kind of fire, has acted against its
function or due to human mistake in using it.
20.The scary flood, big rain in the wrong season, probably they were due
to human mistake in cutting to many trees in the forest. It can make
also horrible hurricanes.
21.The earth (Bumi), it is clear, the land, the soil. In the human-being,
it can be seen in the physical body (badan jasmani), the skin and the
meat, they can be damaged.
22.You have to take a good care of your body. Take a bath regularly,
consume a good quality of food, so it is strong and healthy. It shall
make your thought also healthy.
23.The physical body follows the will of the mind. Do not do anything
above the body's ability.
24.The fire (geni) is a hot flame. It is useful among other to cook
foodstuffs etc. If the fire is doing something unproportionally, it can be
countered by the power of water and wind.
25.The physical substance of fire in the body is Pramana, the flame of
the supreme substance, that is the light which make your light
(cahyanira). There are the muscles and the bones.
26.The door of the fire is the ears. If the ears listen to something, a
desire of something should appear.
27.The water (banyu) is a cool liquid, found in the lakes, rivers and
seas.
28.The water, mystically is also called Tirtamarta Kamandanu, it is
water giving life to our physical body. Water can give strenght to human
bodies.
29.Your life is made from water by the names of wadi, madi, mani and
maningkem.
The place is in our retreat, our blood is
Wadi :
red (secret).
Madi : The color is green.
It is our power. The place is in the
Mani :
sexual organ (sperm).
Maningk
: it is our light/cahya, the color is yellow.
em
The blood and the marrow, are the substances of water in our body.
30.The door of water is the eyes. A person likes to see something
attractive, beautiful, which shall arise lust.
31.Without wind (angin), a human-being can not live.
32.The life of human-beings are also from the wind. So that a human
beings has napas (breath), anpas, tannapas and nupus.
the life connection, the soul
Napas :
connection.
Anpas : the place of the soul.
Tanna
: the ears of the soul.
pas
Nupus : the eyes of the soul.
The simple proof of wind in human-beings is a human-being is
breathing.
33.The door of the wind is the nose.

The character of the nose for a wise man is patient, eager to meditate
or to concentrate his mind for the benefit of mankind.
34.You should know that everything found in this small world and big
world are from the power of nature, from a supreme substance, which
is eternal and permanent. You are obliged to honor whole-heartedly.
You have to be always conscious and have a peace of mind, deeply
devote (analongso) to the life which gives life. Thus, your humanism is
noble, you know Sangkan Paran.
35.From the supreme substance, God the Almighty, a human-being has:
a wish (niat), a fantasy
Sir :
(angan-angan)
Bud clear thinking, a step of
:
i inner-self (batin)
Cipt
: the forefront of feeling (rasa)
a
Ras
: feeling
a
 Sir, budi, cipta and rasa are under the power of our life, to be properly
used to perfect our life, for the benefit of mankind in order to be cared
by Lord. The physical body only obeys their order.
36.Sir :a wish or a fantasy has to act properly in accordance with its
character.
Budi:the clear thinking, to achieve the proper wish which is good for
the man himself and others. The influence of budi is very strong. The
bad or the good wish should occurred, sooner or later. So, take a good
care of budi's action.

Budi gives sign to cipta, do your best to have only a noble cipta. Budi
has influence to rasa/feeling. Have a rasa which does not disappoint
anyone else.
37.You know that a human-being has five-senses (Pancadriya) as the door
of your lust/desire/passion (nafsu), consisting of : sight, smell, hearing,
feeling and taste.

If the action of the inner cipta (the forefront of feeling) thru the five
senses is not proper, only following the outer feeling which is
considered as noble, but in fact it is forwarding to bad luck or accident,
it should be avoided. Otherwise, you should be in trouble, degraded,
your human character becomes low, disappointed, and you should be in
a state of Panalongso (suffer for a quite long time, before reaching
the consciousness of total devotion to all-loving God)

(I have to tell you frankly, that Panalongso is a strong obstacle to

reach the true knowledge. It is a difficult examination of life). The
analogy is : Be a good rider who can control entirely the horse. Don't
let the power of outer appearance received by the five-senses defeat
the wish of cipta for noble deed or accomplishment.
38.Whatever you do, 3 things are involved: cipta, rasa and karsa
(wish). Before you do something check with clear cipta, then feel (rasa)
whether it's OK. If it's OK, the karsa (wish) will start doing.
39.Pancadriya (the five senses) plays a great role in your conduct. The
sight is always eager to see something nice, as it should be. It is okay if
it is not against the rule of good conduct.
40.The hearing needs to listen to nice voices and gamelan music. Do not
listen to anything which arise your lust. The smell or the nose needs
fragrant smell. Avoid any action which put down others. The same
thing, you should do with the feeling and the taste.

If you could control your cipta to be calm and clear, you should be able
also to put the five senses under control. It is good for you.
41.There are 4 kinds of lust (nafsu):
a. Aluamah, the color is black. The place is in the stomach, the
door is the lip. Your physical body wants to eat a lot. When you
are going back to eternity, do not follow the black light, it will
transform to a reptile, your physical body should be a gendruwo,
a very bad spirit, a criminal-spirit who is always eager to disturb
human-beings.
b. Amarah, the color is red.

The place is in the gall, the door is in the ears. The physical body
is eager to fulfilling the lust and easy to be angry. When you are
going back to eternity, do not follow the red light. It will transform
to an animal, your physical body shall be a Banaspati, a very bad
spirit with burning fire on the head.
c. Supiyah, the color is yellow

The place is in the spleen. The physical body is eager to own

something good and beautiful. When you are going back to
eternity, do not follow the yellow light, it will transform to a flying
animal, your physical body shall be a Kemamang-a very bad spirit,
the burning head.
d. Mutmainah, the color is white.
The place is in the bones, the door is in the nose. The physical body is
always eager to do a good thing, to do ascetism (tapa brata).
When you are going back to eternity, do not follow the white light, it
will transform to a fish, your physical body shall be a wedhon, a spirit
who likes to disturb people early in the morning before sunrise.
42.You should always remember to be able to control your lust of
greediness which is burning like a flame, otherwise your physical body
shall be thrown in the deep of humiliation.
43.There are 4 kinds of heart/ati, namely:

a. Ati Sanubari - The Mighty of feeling

The perfect speech.
b. Ati Maknawi - The holder of feeling
The perfect hearing.
c. Ati Siri - The perfect of feeling
The perfect smell.
d. Ati Puat - The disappearance of feeling
The perfect sight.

44.People with good behavior

 Everyone should be happy if all people in the world are having good
behavior. This is a question of how to "produce" a good baby.
The seed of life is from father, from cipta (the head of feeling) to
Pramana (supreme substance) and then by the feeling of father during
intercourse, the seed of life drops in mother's womb. The cipta of the
father is important as it should be the basic character of the newly
born child.

The best, if a couple could make love when the father's cipta/mind is
peaceful and holy (in Javanese Lejar). The color of the seed of life in
the flame of supreme substance is bright green. The child should have
a good character and he/she should be always eager to worship God.
The time of intercourse is also important, the best is sometime after
midnight until before sunrise. It is advisable to purify your soul and pray
before the love making.

The child should have a strong cipta and thinking. During the day is not
good, the child should have a weaker thinking and cipta due to the
influence of the heat of the sun. You are advised not to make love too
frequently. You should know that sperm is important to your back brain,
which gives power to know the secret knowledge of life.
Let's see different situation of a father's mind.
a. Ambitious mind. The color of the seed of life during love making is
red.
The child would not have a good character.
b. Happy and satisfied mind. The color of the seed of life during love
making is bright yellow. The child should like to enjoy himself and
envy to other success.
c. Sad mind; The color of the seed of life during love making is
black.
The child should have a low and bad character.
45.Triloka, 3 mystical levels of the body.
a. Guru Loka, the upper level world (jagad duwur). The place of
brain, in the wayang is the domain of the supreme God Guru, who
control and (at the same time the place) of the five senses. The
name of the domain is Jonggring Salaka.
b. Endroloka, the middle level world (jagad tengah). The place of
angan-angan (fantasy of mind), budi (clear thinking), cipta (the
head of feeling) and rasa (the feeling of heart). It is in the chest.
The name of the domain is Endrobawana.
c. Janaloka, the lower level world (jagad ngisor). In the center of
love instruments, in the lower part of the body. The name of the
domain is Nguntara segara.
 Triloka is under the control of Sang Hyang Wisesa Tunggal.
46.The life (gesang or urip) of a human being.

After you know the division of your body, you should know also your
life, originating from the power of nature or God's will as follow:
a. Eternal absolute substance, it draws
b. Gesang/life or atmo, it draws.
c. Nur/light - cahya => nur cahya - the light of heart - peaceful
mind, it draws.
d. Sir, feeling, it draws.
e. Nyawa, soul or roh or suksma, it draws.
f. Nafsu, lust/desire, it draws.
g. Akal means budi, the clear thinking, it draws.
h. Jagad, physical body.
You have to know the above 8 things. It is the existance of your body
until becomes a complete humanbeing. Some say: curigo manjing
warangka. Curigo-a keris; manjing = in warangka = scabbard
It means: curigo (keris) is the inside part, the soul. Warangka is the
outer part, the body.

Keris inside the scabbard is the same like a soul inside the body.
47.Whom do you have to respect/adore (ngabekti)?
a. God the Almighty who has created all creatures and anything in
the universe. The Javanese call Him Gusti or Pangeran.
Gusti kang Murbeng Dumadi - Lord, the Creator of all creatures.

Gusti kang Maha Kuasa - God, the Almighty

Gusti kang Maha Asih - All-loving God
Pangeran kang Maha Agung - God, the greatest.
Pangeran kang Maha Wikan - God who knows everything.

Deep in your heart, you are obliged to worship Him. In the middle
of night, when many people are asleep, you adore Him solemnly.
Alone in a clean room/place, your body is clean, your mind is clear
and peaceful, you sit on a mat/floor, cross-legged, close the nine
holes of your body by concentration of mind, forget anything else,
your attention is only to Him. Meditate solemnly, control your
breathing by inhaling and exhaling calmly. You see the peak of
your nose. Make a total surrender to Him. You should do it
regularly at midnight for at least one hour.

Hopefully, there would be a mystical signal or message (sasmita

gaib). That's mean, it is starting, servant knows Lord and Lord
 knows servant. It is the feeling of your true life.
b. Mother and Father.

Thru them, you were born in this world. You have to respect them
deeply even when they have already passed away. Remember
them, pray for them. Take a well care of their graves, visit them
from time to time, clean them. Also you have to respect your
grandma and grandpa, thru them your parent were born and
consequently also to your ancestors, even they have passed away.
c. Mother and father-in-law

You have married their daughter or son, be grateful with the

marriage, you could perform your duty to have children, that's
mean to continue the existance of live.
d. If your parents have passed away, respect the elder families.
e. Teachers, who have educated you and also to your spiritual
teachers, if you have any, who have shown you the way to true
knowledge of life.
48.The concept of lahir (outer side) and batin (inner side)
There are two sides in human beings i.e. the outer side (lahir) and the
inner side (batin). A man is seen from his outer being (body, speech,
movements etc), but in fact he has his inner side (batin) i.e. the inner
life.
It is a reality. Lahir and batin are influencing each other. So lahir and
batin must fit each other (in Javanese term is keplok-hand clapping).
The lahir must have character of:
not envy to other people' success,
Rila :
never grumble
grateful, accepting the destiny
Nrima :
consciously
Temen : loyal, never lie, also in batin
Sabar : patient
Budi
: noble character
luhur
The batin must:
knows good and bad, right and
Eling :
wrong
Perca
: believe sincerely to God
ya
Mitu follow the wish of life as
:
hu determined by God
The above must be implemented by a man seeking the path of true
 reality.
49.The seekers of true knowledge have to know the advice of elderly
people saying that every man has: 1. To have a job 2. To be physically
healthy 3. To have a holy budi (clear thinking).

Everybody has to remember 2 things:

a. Change of situation

The change of situation or time (zaman)-owahing zaman

(owah-change; zaman-time, situation). Never forget that anytime
could be owahing zaman. It could be trouble for some people.
Those who have good jobs, lose them.

This people become sad, moreover if they have families (wife and
children). For those who are not mentally well-prepared, they
could do something bad.
b. Bad fate

A bad fate or apes. As if there is no way to improve a bit his/her

life. A jobless person who can not find a job, despite his tough
effort to find it. At home there is no food, he has nothing to sell,
no one wishes to borrow him money. No one trusts him. No one
wishes to help him. No one opens door if he wants to visit
someone.
This is worst of the worst. Luckily there is a teaching says:
The misfortune is a path to happiness. This is a very high
level of teaching, very close to the path of nobility (kautaman).
One should not always suffer, there is an end of it. You
know that a kid won't be kid forever, he would be an adult and
becomes old and one day he would die.

This lesson would like to say:

Don't feel exaggeratedly happy when you have a good position,

don't complain too much when you are suffering. You must
always be grateful to Lord, i.e. Panarimo, accepting your way of
life consciously.

Look and learn to some of our ancestor's way of life, oppressed,

suffering a lot, imprisoned, but they have carried on their life with
tough determination, at the end, they became noble and
successful persons.
50.We wish people around the world live in 'rukun' (harmony). But why do
 many conflicts or fights happened in many places?

Because the level of budi (clear thinking) among people are different.
That's why they are quarreling for wealth, for dignity, for superiority.
They do not know yet who win and who lose and how the winners
should feel happy and the losers feel sad.
51.Some ask, is the condition better now or worse. Seeing the fact that
many are in good condition but also many are suffering.
52.Some should be happy if their orders are followed, but why they don't
want to follow others.
53.Some are happy to accept a gift, why they don't want to make a gift.
54.You love your beloved ones, you help to the 'haves', you give to rich
people, you praise strong people, so you are praised by them.

Now, if you love your enemy, you help people who are in trouble, you
support the weak, you give to poor people. Is it no meaning for you?
Tell the truth, in order to accomplish the best, what is your choice?
In short, the above advises would like to say:

A group of very poor people and a group of very rich people are very
dangerous. The poor wish to walk inside the house/store to take their
need, but the rich are guarding the door of the house/store. If both
sides could not reach a wise agreement, it could be dangerous for one
side or both sides.
55.Some people are learning magic, it is one of the ways to contact with
creatures of mystical world or from other dimension of this world.
There are 2 kinds of magic: white magic is used for protection for the
benefit of mankind, while black magic is directed to make other
people to suffer a.o. make the recipient sick, out of his mind, dead etc.
Hopefully if people learn about magic, learn the white one, which is not
harmful to others.
56.Some people practicing the calculation of good or bad days, date,
months etc. (Petungan). It is an inherited knowledge of Javanese
used for instance when someone is going to organize a wedding-
ceremony, what would be the good time for the party as well as for the
future life of the couple. Also to choose a good time to start building a
house, move to another place etc.
57.There are people who like to practice hypnotism, magnitism, astrology,
the mantras (mystical words) etc.
58.The most important for human-beings is the implementation of
knowledge which is used to protect others, for the benefit of all people,
directed to Karahayon. (from the word Rahayu => rah-life; ayu-
beautiful, good; for the good life of human-beings).
 59.You should be aware that life is rolling like the cakra weapon (cakra is
the powerful weapon of Kresna) - Cakra Manggilingan, sometimes it
is 'up' and another time 'down' in accordance with your darma (good
deed) and karma. According to karma law, you would be rewarded as in
accordance with what you have done. Might be the reward should not
be received now, but sometimes later, directly or indirectly.
Every night, before you sleep, remember what have you done to day.
Have you done a proper or bad thing? If you have done bad thing due
to bad cipta, you have to confess it. Put your self in the position of
Panalongso, (the consciousness of total devotion to all-loving God)
Tomorrow, you have to do better things.
60.If you are able to sit in the position of eneng (in total calmness) and
ening (crystal clear of thinking), you love your Pangeran (Master), you
should start to have an open cipta (tinarbuko), beginning to see 'the
duplicate' of your body vaguely. (Kejatenira).
By patient and devoutly regular practice, your cipta should be more and more
'sharp'. Unnoticed by yourself, your clear sight (Waskita) grows, also
alertness (waspada) and wisdom (wicaksana). You should begin to see
mystical signs, if you dream, it will come true

The secret of Dewaruci

As it has been told that wayang (shadow puppet show) represents a mirror of
Javanese. The Dewaruci is a genuine Javanese story, describing the
harmonious relation between servant and Lord, represented by Bima or Arya
Werkudara and Dewaruci.
The search of Holy Water Prawitasari

Guru Durna told Bima to find the holy water Prawitasari. (Pawita-clean, holy,
Sari-essence) i.e. the essence of holy knowledge
Tikbrasara Forest and Reksamuka Mountain

The holy water is in Tikbrasara forest, on the slope of Reksamuka mountain.

Tikbrasara -> Tikbra means feeling of concerned (prihatin), Sara means the
sharp of knife. It is a lesson to reach landeping cipta. (landep-sharp) i.e.
the sharp of cipta (head of feeling)

Reksamuka, Reksa-to take care, muka-face. That's mean eyes, the sight.
Tikbrasara and Reksamuka can be interpreted:
To reach the essence of holy knowledge thru samadi.
1. Before doing samadi, one has to clean/purify his body and soul with
water.
2. During samadi he has to concentrate his cipta by focussing his sight
(paningal) to the peak of his nose. (the mystical term is going to
mountain Tursina : Tur means mountain; Sina means a place: a high
place)
The paningal is very important in samadi. For a person who has divine
blessing, he could see reality among other thru light which comes to him
during samadi: in the wayang stories, Resi Manukmanasa and Resi Sakutrem
they could go to holy place by joining the holy light.
The giants Rukmuka and Rukmakala

In the forest Bima was attacked by two giants Rukmuka and Rukmakala.
Bima killed both giants, which means Bima eliminates the obstacle to reach
his goal to achieve succesful samadi.

Rukmuka-ruk damage; muka-face. The obstacle coming from the luxury of

tasteful food. (Kamukten). Rukmakala - Rukma-gold; kala-danger. The
obstacle coming from the luxury of material wealth a.o. clothes and
accessories with precious gems (Kamulyan)

Bima could not do samadi perfectly focussing his attention to holiness, if in

his mind he still thinks of Kamukten and Kamulyan. Kamukten and Kamulyan
cover his clear cipta. The killing of two giants means: Bima is able to erase
the two obstacles.
The ocean and the snake

Bima knew at last that the holy water is not in the forest but in the bottom of
the ocean. Without a slight hesitation he went into the ocean. Ocean in
Javanese is Samudra. The words Samudra Pangaksama means: a good
man must have a large heart like an ocean who should easily forgive the
mistake of others.
The snake is symbol of badness. Bima killed the snake in a fierce battle.
Bima in search of true reality is not enough only to put aside kamukten and
Kamulyan, he has to annihilate also the evil in his heart. He must have
attitude as follow:
1. Rila :
 - he won't be sad, if his wealth decreased

- he is not envy to others.

2. Legawa : always do a good and correct attitude.
3. Nrima : grateful, accepting the destiny consciously.
4. Anoraga :
- low profile

- If other people do something evil to him, he would not fight back.

- Remain patient
5. Eling :

- Know what's right and wrong

- He would be always in the side of goodness and truth.

6. Santosa :

- To be always in the right track, never stop doing the right thing e.g.
samadi.
- To be alert to avoid evil deed.
7. Gembira : not pleased due to fulfillment of lust, but feeling relieved to
forget the disappointment of past mistakes and loss.
8. Rahayu : - a wish to do anything for the benefit of everyone.
9. Wilujeng : - take care of good health. If the body is sick, cure it.
10.Marsudi Kawruh : looking for proper knowledge
11.Samadi
A. To eat modestly when he's already very hungry.
B. To drink modestly when he's already very thirsty.

By choosing not only good, delicious food and drink.

C. To sleep when he's already very sleepy

No need to sleep on comfortable bed.

D.To make love not frequently and only with the legitimate partner.
The meeting with Dewa Suksma Ruci

After killing the snake with his magical fingernails Pancanaka, Bima met a tiny
god, Dewa Suksma Ruci who exactly looks like himself. Bima went into the
inside of Dewa Suksma Ruci thru his left ear. Inside, Bima could see clearly
the entire world, he saw also the tiny god.

The spiritual lesson from the meeting was:

Bima was meditating properly, closing his eyes, controlling his breath,
concentrating his mind with clear thinking and feeling. (Cipta Hening)
The arrival of Dewa Suksma Ruci was a sign of divine acceptance for Bima
'Samadi, the unity of servant (Kawulo) and Master (Gusti). Inside the
paningal (inner sight), Bima could see everything, everything opened
(tinarbuka), clear, no more secret. Bima has been given the most important
lesson in his life, that in his innermost being, he is at one with the
divine, indivisible. He has achieved the true reality. The experience,
mystically called "death in life" and thereby also obtained "life in death".
Bima was never so happy before. At first, he didn't want to leave. But he was
aware, he had to see his family and carried-out his duties as predestined.
The symbols of Bima's clothes and accessories.

Bima wears clothes and accessories, symbolizing a man who has reached
true reality.
The Candrakirana bracelets

On the right and left arms, he wears candrakirana bracelets. Candra-moon;

kirana-light. Bima, who is already Tinarbuka (opened), is in command of the
bright divine light found in the paningal (sight0
The poleng batik cloth

The four colors of the cloth: red, black. Yellow and white are symbols of
lusts: amarah, aluamah, supiah and mutmainah. (see exposing the universe
point 41). Bima is able to control his desires.
The big hairpin of Asem wood.

The word asem indicates to sengsem means attracted. Bima is attracted

only to seek a way of live perfectness, he is not interested in worldly material
wealth.
The golden sign between the eyes.

That's mean Bima does samadi steadily and regularly.

The Pancanaka thumbnails

His fight fisted of bothhand symbolize:

1. Bima has gripped strongly the true knowledge.
 2. The unity of people with good moral is much stronger then the union of
irresponsible people.
The 5 pendawas could beat the 100 korawas.

The Pancanaka thumbnails indicate the magical power and the dignity of a
man who has gained true reality

Cipta Tunggal
Cipta - the forefront or the head of rasa (feeling). In Javanese: Pengarepe
rasa.
Tunggal - one; focussed to one object.

Probably it could be translated as,

The concentration of cipta
1. Cipta, Karsa (wish) and Pakarti (deed) are always active as long as a
humanbeing lives. Pakarti could be a physical or non-physical deed.
You could help somebody to solve his/her problem by giving him/her
some advice after you consult your cipta or rasa. It is advisable to have
only good cipta, so you should have also good karsa (wish) and
consequently you should have good pakarti, which is beneficial for
you and others.
2. You should always make exercises to practise the above, you must be
always patient/sabar. Focus your cipta to be patient. You could
makarti (to do pakarti) well, if the wish of soul and five senses (lahir)
outer side and batin (inner side) fit each other. Remember that soul and
body are always influenced by the power of fire, wind, land and water.
3. Keep your physical body healty, among other by:
a. Drink a glass of cool water, early in the morning, during the day
and at night before bedtime. The cool water is good for the
muscles and other parts of body which have done makarti.
b. Keep your body clean and healthy. Take a bath regularly, in the
tropical countries twice a day.
c. Do not smoke too much.
d. Consume more vegetables and fruits and less meat. You should
know that meat and flesh from slaughtered animals penetrating
your body are not too good. To be a vegetarian is a positive step.
e. Control your desire, be always sabar/patient, Narima/grateful,
accepting the destiny consciously, Eling (remember, don't be
absent-minded). Do not do excessive intercourse. Probably one or
 twice a week is enough.
4. Do exercises to make your cipta stronger. Concentrate cipta, control the
five senses. Calm the body (eneng), clear and peaceful cipta (ening). If
your cipta could be concentrated and be focussed to one object, it is
good. The cipta begins to have power, it could be functionned to fulfill
or at least to arrange a good wish.
5. Make a small black or blue spot on the wall ( • ) You sit on the floor
crossleg facing the wall, see/stare to black-spot without blinking your
eyes for quite some time. Concentrate your cipta. Control the five
senses, cipta and clear thinking directed to the black-spot. Do not think
of anything else.

• …..….………………. •
eyes 75cm black-spot

do it relaxly.
6. Do breathing exercises twice a day. In the morning after taking a bath,
in the afternoon/evening before taking a bath. Inhale and exhale calmly
in a relax position.
7. Do gymnastics regularly to keep you healthy and to support your
exercises of breathing and concentation.
8. Draw inside your body the essence of Trimurti, early morning before
sunrise is good, the air is still pure.
Inhale hold exhale total
breathing
10 10 seconds 10 30 seconds
seconds seconds 1st week 3
times
15 10 seconds 15 40 seconds
seconds seconds 2ndweek 3
times
20 10 seconds 20 50 seconds
seconds seconds 3rdweek 3
times
26 8 seconds 26 60 seconds
seconds seconds 4thweek 3
times
9. To strengthen your brain, inhale with your left side of the nose by
 closing the right side of the nose with your finger, hold breathing, then
exhale with your right nose, cover the left nose with finger.
Inhale hold exhale total
breathing
4 8 seconds 4 16 seconds
seconds seconds 1st week 7
times
10 7 seconds 10 27 seconds
seconds seconds 2ndweek 7
times
10 10 seconds 10 30 seconds
seconds seconds 3rdweek 7
times
20 20 seconds 20 60 seconds
seconds seconds 5thweek 7
times
10.Your karsa should be fulfilled if you do all advices properly. Practise the
samadi at night/the best is at midnight in a proper room. Control your
five senses. Close your nine holes of the body. Sit relaxly crossleg.
Focus your sight to the peak of your nose.

Inhale, hold the breath and exhale, calmly, relaxly. Concentrate your
cipta. Listen attentively to the voice of your breathing. First you should
feel something so peaceful. When the time comes, you should be in a
position of the harmonious relation between servant and master.
11.Try to do as the following:
a. Forget everything for 12 seconds.
b. Remember and concentrate your cipta solely to the supreme
substance for 140 seconds.
c. Clear your thinking for 1 hour, 2 hours or 3 hours (inclusive your
meditation by breathing/inhale, hold breathing and exhale, for 1
hour)
12.7 kinds of tapa raga; tapa-asceticism and raga-body (bodily
asceticism) to be practiced:
a. Tapa of eyes, less of sleep, do not expose self-interest
b. Tapa of ears, less of lust, do not listen to bad wish.
c. Tapa of nose, less of drink, do not blame other's misdeed.
d. Tapa of lips, less of eat, do not talk about bad conduct of other
people.
 e. Tapa of hands, do not steal, do not easily beat others
f. Tapa of sexual organ, less of love-making, do not commit
adultatory.
g. Tapa of legs, less of walking, do not make mistake
13.7 kinds of tapa jiwa (soul/spiritual asceticism) to be practiced:
a. Tapa of body, low profile, only do good thing.
b. Tapa of heart, grateful, not suspecting others to make bad thing.
c. Tapa of lust, not envy to other people success, never grumble,
patient in the suffering time.
d. Tapa of soul, loyal, never lie, stay away of other people's
business.
e. Tapa of feeling, calm, strong in Panalongso.
f. Tapa of light, noble, to have clear thinking.
g. Tapa of life, alert, to remember.
14.Determination of your wish.
a. Do not hesitate.
b. Be confident. If you lose your confidence, it is like a heirloom
losing its yoni/power.
15.Respect other people disregard of their sex, position, ethnic, nation,
belief and religion. All humanbeings are just the same: I am also you,
tat twan asi (sanskit language). That's mean, if you do good things to
others, it's good also for you. If you hurt others, you hurt yourself too.
16.The four brothers/sedulur papat

(sedulur-brothers, relative; papat-four)

The traditional Javanese believe the existence of sedulur papat,

accompanying you wherever you are, as long as you live in this world.
They are assigned by power of nature to assist you, to be faithful and
helpful companions. They do not have physical bodies, but they do
exist, it is also a reality.

It is better if you know them. You must also have a harmonious relation
with them, they are:
a. Kakang kawah, elder brother kawah, in the form of water of
fetal membrane. He comes out from mother's womb before you.
His place is east, his color is white.
b. Adi ari-ari, younger brother ari-ari, in the form of placenta. He
comes out from mother's womb after you. His place is west, his
color is yellow.
c. Getih, blood which is coming out from mother's womb,. The
 place is south, the color is red.
d. Puser, navel, which was cut after your birth. The place is north,
the color is black.
Except the above sedulur papat, the other is kalima pancer (kalima-
the fifth), the fifth pancer is your physical body. So, you call
them=sedulur papat kalima pancer. They exist because you do exist!!
Some call them=keblat papat, lima tengah. (The four directions, the
fifth is in the center). The above five were born thru mother, there are
others who do exist not thru mother's womb.

They are mar and marti in the form of hawa/air. Mar is the air, the
mother' struggle to deliver the baby. Marti is the air, the mother's
feeling after successfully delivered the baby and the baby was born
safely. Mystically, the color of mar marti is white and yellow. You could
ask a help from mar marti, only after you are doing Tapa Brata
(serious ascetic life)
17.The levels of sembah

Sembah means to respect (to parents, kings, God etc) in a special

traditional manner: respectful greeting, made with palms together,
fingertips upward, the two thumbs touching lips or nose.
The sembah to God the almighty, except respecting him, also adore and
pray to him. The other term is Puja Brata. Some gurus say that you
are not allowed to do Puja brata, before you pass Tapa brata.
a. Sembah Rogo

(Rogo; physical body)

This is a tapa (ascetic practice) of the physical body. You know

that body only obeys the order of your batin (inner side) and your
desire. The body wishes to enjoy himself, to feel great without
any limit. Starting from today the body has to obey the wish of
cipta = wake-up in the morning, take a bath, do not be lazy, as a
normal human being, it has to work. Consume less food and sleep
less

i.e. Eat when you are already hungry

drink when you are already thirsty
Sleep when you are already sleepy
 Learn useful noble knowledge for the benefit of yourself and other
people.
b. Sembah Cipta
1. You have to exercise your thinking to reality, servant knows
God.
2. You have to do only good and correct things, control entirely
your lust. Defeat greediness.
Your rasa should be sharper. You start to see reality.

Exercise your cipta by doing as follow:

3. Do it regularly at midnight, at a proper place.
4. Concentrate on your feeling
5. Do not force ability of your body, just do it relaxly.
6. Your wish is clear, focus on it.
7. Get used to it, until you have a feeling that what you are
doing is something you have really to do, it is not a burden
at all!
You are on the way to true reality. You feel lonesome, as if you
remember nothing. As if the body, astral and mental do not
function, you forget but the soul is 'eling' (conscious), it's the
situation of eneng (calm body), ening (peaceful cipta) and eling
(the consciousness of true feeling)

Those, who are determined to see reality, he/she should see the
result.
c. Sembah Jiwo

(Jiwo-soul)
sembah jiwa to God the Almighty. Feel deeply using jiwa/suksma
what have you found during eneng, ening and eling. It's a
sembah from batin (inner side) not involving lahir (outer side). If
you see a very bright light but not glaring, it is a sign you open
the world of reality. The light is your own Pramana/supreme
substance. You should have a sure feeling, that you while doing
samadi and the light are protecting each other.
d. Sembah Roso

(Roso-feeling, here is true feeling; roso sejati)

1. You should understand perfectly, why you have been
created for and what's your task.
2. You should understand perfectly, the reality of all living
 beings. Thru samadi, you see Sangkan Paraning Dumadi.
The harmony between servant and master is like the sweat
of honey and the honey, indivisable
Tri-Darma
A man with noble character, is determined to do his duty of life. Darma is a
gift from heart for the sake of mankind, without any interest for
himself. This world with a lot of darkness and obstacles, needs the darma of
noble holy person to solve all difficulties and dangerous problems.
You should know, that from kebatinan point of view, God the Almighty never
punish anybody. The punished man receives the result of what he has done.
A man with noble character is aware of his duty in society, he dares to defend
truth, justice and holiness.
As long as a human-being lives, he/she should also makarti (to do
something, physically or unphysically) for the benefit of mankind. The Creator
would not change the situation in this earth, the creatures have to do it. It
should be good for the life and safety of mankind, if in this world, there are
more people with good cipta rather people with bad cipta. Hereunder are
three kinds of darma (Tri Darma) as good examples.
Darmane' Pandito Utomo

The darma of a noble saint. In wayang, Arjuna becomes Begawan

Mintaraga, Cipta Ening. Mintaraga means to devote his entire life to the
creator, cipta ening: clear and holy cipta. He request God Guru, his brothers
Pendawa should win in Baratayuda, because they are in the right side. Cipta
ening was determined in his request. Any kind of tempation including the
beautiful goddesses were not able to stop Arjuna's meditation, before his
request was granted. It was a darma of a noble priest/pandito.
Darmane Ratu Binatara

The darma of a great king. King Kresna of Dwarawati Kingdom was the
incarnation of Wisnu. He was assigned to preserve the world. He had two
powerful heirlooms.
1. The flower of Wijaya Kusuma

It means the essence of noble behavior, he was wise, knew what was
going to happened.
2. Cakra
A powerful weapon to destroy evil, evil of the world and evil in the
heart of human-beings, to preserve the world.
 Kresna, was a great king who always do everything in line with proper
cipta, rasa and karsa, in that case he was able to fulfill his darma
perfectly. Even he was a great king, he was not cruel, he protected his
people, he never forgot to do only good and just things. As a ruler he
held the principles of "sepi ing pamrih rame ing gawe" - free of self
interest, always ready to work hard for the society and the welfare of
the world.

He always kept his promise; sabda pandita ratu.

Darmane' Satria Wiratama

The darma of a knight/warrior

A satria must have a darma to defend truth, justice and holiness. If

necessary, he should sacrifice his life. In wayang, Patih Suwanda or Sumantri
had faithfully serve his king, Arjuna Sasrabahu from Maespati kingdom. It is
good for a seeker of true knowledge, if he follows the above Tri-Darma
The Road to Perfect Life

Ajisaka - The Principle rule of life

As a pre-requisite to the road to perfect life, a human-being is obliged to
accomplish three things:
1. Praying to God almighty with total devotion
2. Mix with good people only.
3. Do a decent work.
There are four kinds of prayers/sembahyang:
1. Sembahyang Cilik - a small prayer

A prayer prays only in case of necessity. For instance by slametan, a

ceremonial meal attended by neighbors or gives some offerings.
2. Sembahyang Tulus - a sincere prayer

It must be done everyday, at night or daytime. It should be better to do

it at the same regular hour. Before praying, some parts of the body
which are easily get dirty, have to be washed by water, such as feet,
hands, face. In case of necessity, take a bath is better. A prayer has to
be said while taking a bath: "Lord, please bless me to clean my body
 and soul, so my prayer is sincere".
Then say your pray in a clean place. It can be said in whatever
language, the most important, it has to be said sincereley, whole-
heartedly. The translation from Javanese:
a. I come to you Gusti (Lord), I respect you solemnly.
b. Night and day, I always request your protection, Gusti.
c. I am grateful of all comfort you have given me.
d. I request you to forgive all my mistakes.
e. I request your blessing to open my logical reasoning.
f. Rahayu, rahayu, rahayu*

As wished by Gusti.
* Rahayu: Rah means literately blood, here means life ; Ayu means
beautiful, good. In a broader sense, it means be good and safe. Usually
in a traditional Javanese gathering a speaker should say ' Rahayu" to
the audience as an opening and closing greeting,. It's a wish of good
and safe life for the audience and also for the speaker.
3. Sembahyang Gede - a big prayer

It must be done after mid night. Some one who has a very important or
big wish to God.
a. He/she has to prepare jiwo rogo (the soul and body), so his/her
prayer whould be granted by all-loving God. He/she must be
accustomed to practice 'Sembahyang Tulus'.
b. He/she has to take a bath, thoroughly clean her/his
hair/shampooing it/7 times.
c. Take a flower bath.

(put some flowers in the bath-tub, mix them with water). The
favorite flowers used:
• Roses, melati (yasmines) and cananga, or
• Yasmires, canangas and magnolia.
d. 24 hours fasting, eat nothing, the best is to stay awake during
fasting.
At least, he/she only eat white rice and drink water or only eat
some fruits and drink water (no sugar, no salt).

Ask Lord's blessing and say your prayer sincerely in your own
clear (not too long) words.
4. Sembahyang Wutuh - a complete prayer
 A prayer said by somebody who has reached reality (kasunyatan), the
harmonious relation between servant and master. Everything is clear, no
more secret in this life.
The above is the road to perfect life in according to the spiritual
teaching of Aji Saka, the principle rule of life. Aji means king or ruler;
saka means pillars of Javanese house, in broader sense it means the
principle rule of life.
So, Aji saka, the ruler of Medang Kamulan, ( a place where people
worship the Creator who has created the beginning of life). An ancient
kingdom of Java, the inventor of Javanese letters 'Hanacaraka' or Denta
Wiyanjana is not an Indian prince. It was meant to indicate a local
belief which was existed in Java almost 2000 years ago.
What's explained here, is seen from the point of view of true knowledge.
The truth, the reality. Probably it should differ with the contents of
stories circulated in society. As it has been told previously, that you
should be really careful to make the right conclusion when you read or hear
the stories of our ancestors. There are plenty of symbolic meanings you need
to use your sixth sense or if you are not able yet, do not be ashamed to
consult a piyayi sepuh (an old wise man) to decode the symbols. But you
should know, that a Javanese piyayi sepuh does not like to argue, if you
come to him/her, by defending your own argumentation, he/she won't argue,
his/her low-profile or refined character would have no heart to displease
you. So you have to understand this specific situation. You are requested "to
be a Javanese" before you make an audience with a Javanese piyayi sepuh.
A piyayi sepuh, he/she should know the level of your Knowledge (in
spiritualism). It is not advisable to boast your self. Be polite and sincere.
Spiritualism is not for discussions. According to true knowledge (kawruh
sejati) or reality (kasunyatan) Gusti/Lord should reveals True Kawruh. To his
creatures anytime Gusti considers it necessary.
In the earth, the wise human-beings should see several divine revelations.
One does not contradict with the other, it is made to remember the human-
beings of their Gusti and they have to behave properly and sincerely as a sign
of respect and worship to Gusti. Someone who has reached true knowledge
is a person who sees reality in life. He/she sees only the truth. Several
Javanese piyayi sepuh who see this secret, tell us the real meaning of Ajisaka
teaching connected with Hanacaraka letters.
Although this noble teaching was originated in Java but it is a universal
teaching, meaning it can be practiced by everybody. Probably you should ask:
If the spiritual teaching is divine, why on earth, there are various teachings?
Yes, because the spreading of the teaching was conducted only from mouth
to mouth, from one person to another. It was in very sample manner.
You should know that Java also means a clever/wise person. A person
who dedicates his life and respect sincerely to Gusti, is always protacted by
Gusti. No wonder that many places in Java have strong natural/magical
power. It's a divine gift.
The essence of Aji saka, teaching:
1. Aji saka is Gusti
2. 2 servants of Aji saka, Dora (bad manner) and Sembodo (good
manner) are human-beings, the creature of Gusti, who have good and
bad manners.
3. Java - a person who dedicates his life and respect sincerely to
Gusti, is always protected by Gusti
4. Pusoko - heirloom. It is a sacred words, if it is writen it should be a
holy book.
The revelation of Holy Book is solely decided by Gusti. Aji saka, before
leaving to Java told his 2 servants to take care of the pusoko, no one except
him is allowed to take this pusoko. The symbolic meaning of Dentawiyanjana
(the 20 letters)
Hancaraka: There are envoys (a couple - a man & a woman from God the
Creator)
Datasawala: They should do everything upon his instruction.

Padajayanya: Both are the winners with equal status, they live in harmony
caring each other.

Magabatanga: They completely serve the will of God. Their souls and bodies
to God (Sumarah)
This symbolizing the beginning of the existence of human life, everything was
so holy. Things begin to change when additional letters of I, e, u, o etc were
introduced. Those letters are named "sandangan" (clothes) in Javanese.
The children became adults, they start feeling the pleasure touch of skin to
skin (sexual relationship). The wrong - doings, cheating, pretending, lust,
greediness, cruelty which bring sickness and calamity are becoming common
practice. Many people are only developing rough feeling of five-senses
through eyes, nose, mouth, ears and skin. They forget the pure life, so the
light of life becomes blur, not clear. The human beings live in a place where
there is cold and hot weather, there are sadness and happiness. In order to
prevent further sins and calamity, the Rule of life (Paugeraning urip) was
introduced. So that people should remember his Creator and behave
accordingly. Among other thing was the Rule of Marriage, family
responsibility, human relations etc.
A man has to pray to God, that's mean that he has to worship God and that
he has to command the five-senses.
A man has to do fasting sometimes, it's God's order, that's mean that he has
to control the five-senses.
The desire of the five-senses must be aimed to do only positive things for the
man himself and other people.
The 'sandangan' (clothes) of Dentawiyanjana are depicting evil temptation.
It should be easier for a man seeking life purification if he could throw away
the 'sandangan' that is to say to be free from evil temptation. The Javanese
terminology for this philosophy is 'Ngracut-Busono' (ngracut= to take-off;
busono= clothes).
Note: in the writing-book, the Javanese letters are written under the lines
(not above) from left to right. Symbolizing that Javanese people is low profile
people.
To work is a duty

A human-being needs a lot of thing in his/her life. The most important are 3
things: 1. Clothes, 2. Food, 3. House. If an adult person does not supply
his/her own need, it's against his/her duty. It's a noble duty from Gusti.
Although a work is a duty, but it must be a decent work. Only a decent work
is appreciated by Gusti.
The result of the work must be good for the worker and other people. This is
noble! According to Aji saka work law, all works have to be accomplished with
the basic of Gotong royong, mutual cooperation. It means man and woman is
equal, so are old and young, master and servant, owner and workers.
The reward of work must be accepted by each individual happily. All parties
have to agree with the reward. Negotiation and agreement are important.
Everybody has to work, to do his/her duty to cover his/her need and to help
others. If everybody knows his/her duty, then a human-being has to only
accomplish his/her duty in this life. An ideal society of adil and makmur (just
and prosperous), tata tentrem kerta raharja (order, peace, safety and
prosperity) should be achieved. Do not ever think to be envy to those who
become rich, you just work, it is your duty.
Family
According to Ajisaka's knowledge, the basic of the family consists of: 1.
Father 2. Mother 3. Children. They have equal right. The father and the
mother are obliged to take care of the children and the children are aware
that they are taken care by their parents.
There is no parent who does not love their children, except those who are
not normal. The care of the rule is to love each other. There is no different
between loving family members with loving another people. In reality, there
is no human-being who can produce a baby. The baby is due to the wish and
creation of Gusti. Through its destined way, the mother and the father. Taking
care of the children for parent is a duty. But if the parent do not take care
properly, they would received punishment from Gusti. It is normal if everyone
wishes to be close to Gusti, to know where Gusti is. Those who know Gusti
should tell other people. If you are looking for Gusti, you have to practise
sembahyang gede, at least.
Relation between woman and man
Woman and man, they have equal right, because both of them are from
the same source, Gusti. In the Dentawiyanjana twenty letters, you can read
da, ta, sa, wa, la that's mean both parties (the woman and the man) have
agreed to build a relation, the love is the wish of both parties. It is impossible
merely from one party. It is clear that love relation is decided by a man
and a woman not by their parents!
The romantic illustration in Dentawiyanjana are as the following:

1. Ha, na, ca, ra, ka.

They are two persons, love each other, a woman and a man.
2. Da, ta, sa, wa, la
They have reached agreement and prepared to make love.
3. Pa, dha, ja, ya, nya.
They make amourous relation warm and passionately.
4. Ma, ga, ba, tha, nga.

They have made love, they are exhausted but the feeling of pleasure
remains (it is considered as a rough pleasure; a real pleasure is reached
only during a big prayer/sembahyang gede or a complete prayer
(sembahyang wutuh or samadi)
The couple should live in harmony, they should have a good conduct in the
family relation. The duty of the parents are to support the marriage. The
parents should take part actively in the preparation and wedding ceremony.
The most important requirements for wedding ceremony are:
1. Between a woman and a man
 2. Both sides agree.
3. It is perfect, if the marriage is fully supported by the parents of both
sides.
The parents are key witnesses. The married couple are not a brother and a
sister. Incest is not allowed, that's why some witnesses besides the parents
are needed. In the old time, there was no low for divorce. It does not mean
there was no divorce. Divorce happened due to:
1. The death of a husband or a wife
2. One of them could not function sexually.
3. Or any other reason.
Usually if a husband and a wife should divorce, an advice from a specialist or
marriage counsillor is needed. In the ancient time there was no written
agreement of marriage, as a sign of official marriage was the existance of
Gagar Mayang (kembar Mayang) a special kind of bouquet contains a lot
of symbolic advices. If they have a child/children, she/he or they should be
able to give to their parent a happiness, it is considereed an outer side (lahir)
happiness. (see the concept of lahir and batin (inner side) in article: exposing
the universe, point 48)
Taking care of children

The children, the father and mother, they have to do their duty in life. You
should remember a proverb saying: "You have to love each other". It is
difficult for somebody to practise the above advice i.e. to love somebody else.
To solve this problem, a creature called human-being is created. The status
of the human-being is child/children, who are close and cared by the father
and the mother. Now, there is no problem to practise the proverb for those
who have children, they could love other people. For those who have no
children, could they love other people? Having children or not, there is no
reason to be incapable to love others!
Weaning a child

What is the meaning of weaning in reality? An exist human-being, he was

previously scheduled to exist from non-existance. From non existance to an
exist human-being is the first weaning from Gusti.
Only Gusti knows the plan of a human-being existance, created by Gusti thru
a pregnancy. A fetus/baby in mother's womb, is the symbol of Dewata
Cengkar, a king of Medang Kamulan in the legend of Ajisaka.
Dewatacengkar was a king who liked to eat fresh human flesh. A fetus/ baby
who is inside mother's womb, is entirely dependant to the mother, he/she
consume the essence of food directly from the mother thru his/her navel.
A human habit as Dewatacengkar begins as a fetus/baby in mother's womb
until age of 20 years old. All her/his need was prepared by the parents. It is a
parent, duty. After the age of 21, a man/ a woman has to take care of
him/her self.
There are 4 kinds of weaning in the world:
1. First weaning, when the baby was nearly born.
2. Second weaning, baby to 18-20 months old.
3. Last weaning, from 21 years old until his/her return to Gusti.
Nyidam/ the beginning of pregnancy.

In the beginning of pregnancy, the would be mother sometimes feels

uncomfortably. That is the secret of nyidam, she is imformed she bears secret
from Gusti. She may ask or wishes many things. The fetus must be taken
care wisely by the parent other wise he/she become a less noble person. The
parent have to do a lot of prayers to Gusti for the safety and nobility of the
new human-being.
Mitoni/Tingkeban/the ceremony of seventh month pregnancy

It is a traditional ceremony or a prayer requesting Gusti to protect the safety

of the baby, to bless the new human-being to be born safely and to live in
nobility. For detail, kindly click article of Mitoni - A ritual for 7 th mouth of
pregnancy)
Jagong Bayi/ a prayer for the newly born baby

The parent have to organize a jagong bayi celebration. When a baby is born,
in the evening, the parent should invite some neighbors, friends, families to
make a gathering with propose to request safety and blessing from Gusti.
The prayer should ask the nobility of his/her life. It is a reminder, that in fact
the newly baby belonged to Gusti. The parents only take care of the newly
born human-being. Gusti is requested to recognize the existance of Gusti's
new son or daughter. So she/he should live in nobility. Don't you remember
that the only one who has authority to create a new life is only Gusti?
Slametan (ceremonial meal) and Sajen (offerings)
In ancient time, slametan and sajen were the means of communication with
Gusti, to unify our wish with Gusti. But today, regretfully some people use
these tools to make offerings to spirits who are not entitled to receive. For
the real purpose of slametan and sajen, it should be better to consult with a
specialist, mastering true knowledge.
So the wish of the people who do slametan and sajen, should be blessed by
Gusti. As you already know, that main important thing of Ajisaka revelation
are: 1. Prayer 2. Relation with people 3. Work. Ajisaka is also connected with
Javanese house, the four pillars in the middle of pendapa (open hall) called
Saka Guru means Ajisaka is Guru. To whom? To all people!
Ajisaka's revelation descended almost 2000 years ago, needed to be
explained again today. The prayers are still valid and good. In the village
cleansing ceremony for instance, besides slametan, the villagers could have
another activity for the benefit of everybody, such as social activities to
improve the village condition, performing traditional art and culture etc.
The understanding of Ajisaka's revelation is not dogmatic. It is not only valid
in Java and for the Javanese. It is universal. The way a western scientist
discovered penicillin, a powerful ,medicine was also a blessing from Gusti
for a human-being who has worked hard to help other people. He had a
noble goal, he was determined in his wish. As if by chance, Gusti granted his
wish. A human-being should receive devine revelation, due to his/her noble
conduct.
The lesson and the exercise
As long as a human-being lives, he/she needs to learn and to do exercises.
There is no boundary, no limit, from birth to death. In the ancient time, kids
were trained physically mostly by mothers then fathers. At that time, many
people learned spiritual or psychological things. Psychological exercises are
closely related and influenced strongly the body. A wrong exercise is
dangerous, for instance: A spiritual exercise to make another people to suffer
(such as black magic: santet and tenung)
Gusti only orders the human-beings to do good conducts, avoiding bad
deeds. Gusti has everything, a human-being could request anything from
Gusti. It is necessary to have a good and strong request.
What if you make a bad request? It might be granted, but when the time
comes, you have to pay back. You are adviced not to ask a bad request. Your
duty as a human-being is to do good things, to behave properly and to do
prayers regularly and sincerely. You should receive true comfort. Sembahyang
gede (a big prayer) is also an exercise. Instead of doing nothing, you could
go for a walk for 24 hours, no sleep, no food, no word (to rest from time to
time is OK). If you make a strong determined exercise, you should receive a
reward from Gusti.
The four elements
Consist of the fire, the wind, the water and the land. There are very
important. The world of mankind exists due to these four elements. You
should not stop, to know the 4 elements, you have to use these 4 elements
for the noble life of mankind and yourself. You have to do exercises. Do it
until you reach your sacred goal. You have to do it several times, probably a
lot, only one exercise is not sufficient. At least you have to do regularly the
big prayer.
The Wayang (leather-puppet) figures
The figures of Javanese wayang who are closely related to the belief of Gusti
are: Betara Guru, Semar and Togog. Betara Guru, his domain is
Jonggring Salaka, the king of gods. He rules the top of the world, under
Sanghyang Wenang. His kid name was Sanghyang Manik Maya, the son of
Sanghyang Tunggal. He was created from the white part of an egg, thrown
by his father.
Semar (or Nayantaka), the loyal servant of a noble satria (knight, warrior, a
good person), his domain is in the village of Klampisireng or Karang
Kedhempel. All the satrias served by Semar became noble satrias at the end.
Semar in the wayang episode is always accompanied by Gareng, Petruk
and Bagong.
Togog (or Tejomantri) always served the giants or Buta, the bad figures.
He is always accompanied by Bilung or Sarawita. Guru, Semar and Togog are
the sons of Sanghyang Tunggal. Sanghyang Tunggal had a son in the form of
an egg. He threw the egg. It was broken into three parts. The shell of the
egg felt into beak of a bird doing asceticism for quite a long time. The bird
wished to be a human-being. After swallowing the shell of the egg, he
became a human-being, his name is Togog. The yolk of the egg became
Semar and the white part became Guru.
According to Kejawen, this story has symbolic meaning, with Javanese belief.
Togog is a human-being under the influence of outer physical body. The outer
brain, as a human-being when he was born, he was influenced by ability from
outside. It is from dirty power, is an equilibrium of clean power. Semar, he
brings the ability given by Gusti. Since a baby, a human-being grows, he
keeps his ability. It is a noble heritage.
Betara Guru. The symbol of a human-being who has ability from additional
learning, after a human-being is aware. A lesson has a very significant
influence. If the ability/knowledge learned by human-being is the symbol of
Tagog, he/she should be a person with bad conduct.

On the country, if someone is learning the ability/knowledge of Semar, the

knowledge of Gusti, he/she should be a noble person.
Last but not least, kindly accept a sincere Javanese greetings from the writer:
Rahayu, Rahayu, Rahayu.
Javanese Calendar and its Significance to Mystical Life
A Javanese calendar same as any other calendar indicates years, months,
dates, days of a certain period of time. In Javanese calendar besides the
seven days (Sunday to Saturday), there are the 5 Pasaran days: Kliwon,
Legi, Paing, Pon and Wage.
In Java, both kind of days are combined to remember important events for
instance: someone was born in Sunday Kliwon or Sunday Wage etc; someone
had passed away in Friday Legi or Friday Pon. The famous Sultan Agung, a
powerful king of the 2nd Mataram Kingdom was born and passed away on
Friday Legi.
He is adored as a wise king of Java. The proclamation of Independence of
the Republic of Indonesia, August 17, 1945 was on Friday Legi. A traditional
Javanese should not marry or organize important events on a 'bad day' i.e.
the days of the death of his/her mother and father.
Symbols of Life Circle

The Javanese calendar indicate life circle of human-beings, a life created by

Gusti, the Creator of the Universe, God the Almighty.
The Years

There are 8 names of year. This international year of 1999 is equivalent of

Javanese year: Ehe, 1932, starting from month of Sura, the first month.
The complete names of the year are:
1. Purwana/Alip means: ada-ada (starting a wish/initiative)
2. Karyana/Ehe means: Tumandang (make)
3. Anama/Jemawal means: gawe (work)
4. Lalana/Je means: lelakon(process, fate)
5. Ngawanga/Dal means: Urip (life)
6. Pawaka/Be means: bola-bali (always return)
7. Wasana/Wawu means: Marang (to the direction)
8. Swasana/Jimakir means: Suwung (void)
The 8 years compose a sentence: ada-ada tumandang gawe lelakon urip
bola-bali marang suwung means: It starts by making activities for the process
of life, it always returns to void. The word year in Javanese Tahun means
seed (wiji in Javanese). The 8 years explain the process of wiji, always
return to void (suwung) i.e. born - died. Born-died, always rotating.
The months

A year consists of 12 months; indicates sangkan pararing dumadi (where it

comes from and where it goes). There are 12 processes (the names of the
months which are levels of each process)
1. Warana/Sura means Rijal
2. Wadana/Sapar means wiwit
3. Wijanga/Mulud means kanda
4. Wiyana/Bakda Mulud means Ambuka
5. Widada/Jumadi Awal means wiwara
6. Widarpa/Jumadi Akhir means rahsa
7. Wilapa/Rejeb means Purwa
8. Wahana/Ruwah means Dumadi
9. Wanana/Pasa means Madya
10.Wurana/Sawal means wujud
11.Wujana/Sela means wusana
12.Wujala/Besar means suwung
Every existence of a new human life always begins with Rijal (the light of life
created by mystical power of God/Gusti). A human circle of life is from Rijal
back to Rijal again thru suwung (void). From the 1 st month to 9th month the
new human is in the mother's womb in the process to be a perfect living
baby, ready to born, from the 10th month becomes a human living in this
world. The 11th month symbolizes the end of his/her existence in the world
i.e. wusana means afterwards. The last is suwung means void, the life goes
back to where he/she came from.
With the wish of Gusti, this life shall be Rijal again. It is revolving of life,
because life is eternal. Sometimes, an old wise man gives an advice that
everyone has to know the essence of sangkan paraning dumadi or
purwa, Madya, Wusana, so that he/she should have a good and correct
behavior and deed while given the opportunity to live in the world.
The seven days (Dina Pitu, dina-day; pitu-7)

The names of the days are connected with the moon-earth system. The
motions (solah) of moon towards earth are names of the seven days.
1. Adite - Sunday - Minggu, symbolizes standstill (Meneng)
2. Soma - Monday - Senin, symbolizes forward (Maju)
3. Hanggara - Tuesday - Selasa, symbolizes backward (mundur)
4. Buda - Wednesday - Rebo, symbolizes move left (mangiwa)
5. Respati - Thursday - Kemis, symbolizes move right (manengen)
6. Sukra - Friday - Jemuah, symbolizes move up (munggah)
7. Tumpak - Saturday - Setu, symbolizes move down (temurun)
The five Pasaran days (Pasaran Lima - Pasaran Five)
The days of Pasaran are the positions (patrap) of moon.
1. Kliwon or Asih symbolizes stand-up (jumeneng)
2. Legi or manis symbolizes retreat (mungkur)
3. Paing or Pait symbolizes to face or appear in front of (madep)
4. Pon or Petak symbolizes sleep (sare)
5. Wage or Cemeng symbolizes sit down (lenggah)
The dates
The dates indicate the motions of moon symbolizing the life of a human in
the world.
• The first date of a Javanese month, the moon is seen very small, just
like a line. It could be compared as a newly born baby, night by night it
grows bigger and brighter.
• The 14th date of a Javanese month, it is called Purnama Sidhi, the full
moon, symbolizing an adult, having wife/husband.
• The 15th date of a Javanese month, it is called Purnama, it is full
moon, but there is sign to reduce its size and brightness.
• The 20th date of a Javanese month, it is called Panglong, a human
begins to lose memory.
• The 25th date of a Javanese month, it is called Sumurup, a human has
to be taken care like when he/she was a small child/baby.
• The 26th date of a Javanese month, it is called Manjing, the life of a
human returns to where he/she came from back as a Rijal again.
• The rest of the days (4 or 5 days more) symbolizing the period where
Rijal shall be born again as a new life in the world.
This process of life revolving is called Cakra Manggilingan (Cakra - a wheel
with sharp gears, manggilingan - always rolling) or Heru Cakra.
A human with good and correct conduct, always followed true path permitted
by Gusti, God the Almighty, he/she should know the Sangkan paraning
dumadi (you came from holiness, here in earth you live in holiness, you'll go
back to holiness again), human with bad morality,he/she should be severely
punished "after their death". (see: the experience of R.M. Binaji - the world
of spirits - the non perfect spirits - page 2 & 3)
It is clear that moon is very important in Javanese mystical life. Around
midnight during the full-moon, the light of moon and stars give a natural
power to human-beings (especially their brains & feeling), who remain
outside under the night sky. It's an appropriate time to do olah rasa
(exercise of feeling) or samadi.
For a seeker of true knowledge, the motions (Solah) and positions (Patrap) of
moon are also significant. He/she must be able to choose the most suitable
moment for praying or meditation to reach his/her goal. Some also use
solah and patrap of moon to accomplish important matters.
Dino Mulyo (Noble days)

Dino means day: Mulyo means noble. The kejawen preservers have 5 most-
important noble days in a year. Some people are still commemorating these
days by solemnly worshipping to Gusti, the Creator of life and Universe. The
"Dino Mulyo" are:
1. 1st of Sura/Warana

It's the first day of Javanese calendar, the New Year. In the ancient
time, Javanese ancestors had decided the first date based upon their
observation of the positions of moon and sun - the 1st of month Sura, in
the year of Purwana/Alip. Up to know, it is considered as a sacred day
the beginning of life, Created by Gusti.

A lot of people purify themselves by bathing in the rivers, springs, seas,

oceans or in their own residents and stay awake the whole night. Some
watching Wayang Kulit/Leather puppet performance. Some visit holy
places for self-introspection & meditation.

The month of Sura is also a proper time for cleaning of heirlooms such
as Keris, Tumbak (spears) etc. (kindly click - the article 'commemoration
of 1st Suro' for details)

2. Aboge
It's an abbreviation of:
A - alip, the first year or Purwana
Bo - Rebo, Wednesday or Buda
Ge - Wage, the last day of Pasaran 5 days
3.
In the year of alip/purwana, in Wednesday Wage, was the time when
Gusti revealed 'Wahyu Manuswa or Maningrat' to Javanese
ancestor. Manu means shame; swa means animal, a human started to
have shame feeling, different from animal.
4. Daltugi
It's an abbreviation of:
Dal - the year of Dal, the fifth year.
 Tu - setu, Saturday or Tumpak
Gi - Legi, the second day of Pasaran 5 day

In the year of Dal/Ngawanga, in Saturday Legi, was the divine

revealation of 'Wahyu Suryaningrat' or 'Wahyu Jalma',
commemorating the existance of male human-beings.
5. Hanggara Asih

It's Tuesday Kliwon (Hanggara-Tuesday, Asih-Kliwon) or Selasa Kliwon.

It's the descend of 'Wahyu Cakraningrat' or 'Wahyu Jatmika' in
Java.
Someone began to arrange order in the world. In Javanese, Nata - to
arrange order, the person who arrange is called Sang Nata -
King/Queen. The beginning of the existence of Sang Nata/king/queen in
Java was Hanggara Asih/Tuesday Kliwon. In order to become a
king/queen, someone, in the old days, had to receive 'Wahyu
Cakraningrat/Jatmika' (Cakraningrat/Jatmika revelation)
6. Jemuah Legi/Sukra Manis

It's Friday Legi, also called Dino Purnomo - Purnomo day, it means
intact or complete. In the world, they are female and male human-
beings. The women started to give birth of babies: boys and girls.
Mamayu Hayuning Bawono
As it is already explained that the concept of 'mamayu hayuning bawono'
which prevails to this day is one of the most important pillar in Kejawen.
It is impossible to understand and furthermore to practice Kejawen without
implementing this principle. In short, the meaning of it: to preserve the world
for the welfare or benefit of mankind.
Some Javanese who preserve traditional way of life, in proper occasions
would say that human life should be always in good, safe and prosperous
condition if everyone practices the principle of 'mamayu hayuning bawono'
whole-heartedly.
In Java, these words are very popular and exposed repeatedly by leaders
from official and traditional domain, as well as by pinisepuh (elderly wise
people).
In order to understand the essence of its correct meaning, herebelow is the
explanation.
'Mamayu hayuning bawono' lit means to preserve the beauty of the world, it
can be interpreted as: to do properly to make the welfare of the world with
all its contents.
Take note of the words: hayuning bawono (hayu-ayu- beautiful; bawono-
world). Javanese perception that world is beautiful, the world itself as a
nature is good, beneficial to human and other living-beings. It must be
treated, conserved and protected in the best manner.
By whom? Of course by human as the most responsible inhabitans, who have
received a lot of things from the kind world. Human should never forget that
their existence is inseparable with existence of the world.
The environmentalists are correct when they say: "If you do any harm to the
world, to the environment, you do harm to yourself". Human beings are the
central factor to keep the world in good order. Certain rules have to be
adopted to guarantee the best existence of the world with all its contents.
Everybody should be aware, as a part of 'Bawono' (world), must have a good
conscious moral to preserve the world for the benefit of mankind. it is a
conditue sine qua non to protect the existence of life itself in the Universe.
The Kejawen outlook states that no one excepts the Creator of life, the
Creator of the Universe, God the Almighty or Gusti is able to create life. A
human has to respect, worship her/his Creator. This is a vertical relation
between human with God. A human has to make a proper collaboration with
other human. This is a horizontal relation between human-beings. A human
has to know the nature with correct attitude.
He/she has to know the usefulness of nature and the power of nature. Every
part of nature, has its specific character and usefulness. That's why, a seeker
of true knowledge (ngelmu sejati) sometimes meditate in various places to
search noble wishes.
A human with noble character (satrio) should be ready to help the needy. A
satrio (a responsible broad-minded person with honest mind) should know
to fulfill her/his duties a.o. by:
1. Giving a good example of his action to be beneficial for others and for
the country.
2. To be a good protector of the needy
3. Helping the needy
4. Wisely to forgive others' mistakes
A satrio is a believer, in worshipping God, he is using 'olah roso' by
practising true feeling. True feeling (spiritually) is roso sejati, which can be
achieved thru the process of samadi. To meditate at midnight outside the
house for several minutes, to stay under the sky amidst the nature is very
useful to acquire true feeling. It is an effective way to draw the four elements
of life: wind, water, fire and land.
To help others is noble, but before a person is able to help others, he/she
must do regular spiritual exercises to become spiritually strong, the best if
he/she could be a human who has harmonious relation with God.
Pangastuti
Pangastuti means to worship Gusti, it is a classical Javanese refined word,
its synonims oftenly used in daily life are sembah, sujud or memuji.
Pangastuti might be said as the most important essence of Kejawen. Its place
is in the middle of the heart, in the true feeling, in the inner self. Hereunder is
a concise spiritual analysis of Pangastuti:
If you are aware of the existence of God/Gusti and you believe in God and
you know God. You should not be worried, be firm at your belief. By looking
at the creatures - the servants of God, the human-beings witness the
existence of God and they call Him, God. Only wise human through his/her
true feeling, deep in heart can feel the reality of Gusti.
If you search Gusti, find Gusti through your true feeling (roso sejati), now it
can be understood when some wise Javanese say: The unity between servant
and master (manunggaling kawulo Gusti). It is merely a parable, the truth is:
Gusti is Gusti and Kawulo is Kawulo. But a wise person with true feeling
should be in state of harmonious relations with Gusti. He should know
everything by the permit from Gusti and his true wishes should be fulfilled by
Gusti. Of course the wishes are good and correct ones to glorify the name of
Gusti and for the benefit of all mankind, to 'mamayu hayuning bawono' (see
related article)
In the contrary, evil wishes, bad deeds, dishonesty which are harmful to
mankind should never be permitted and fulfilled by Gusti. It is a mistake
which must be avoided at all cost.
Those who dare to make mistakes consciously, they should have to pay for
their own action, one day, sometimes in the future or in the 'after life'. The
punishment is due to their own mistakes, bad conduct. Gusti is just and
knows everything. Who should be able to use true feeling in order to be in
harmonious relation with Gusti? Those having holy hearts who wish to see
the reality of life (Kasunyatan).
They could be young and old people, men and women, people with low
income as well as people with high positions. There is no different. That's
why all strata of people should live in harmony (rukun). There is no different
between small people with rich people in front of Gusti. The difference
between low and high ranking people, common people and people with blue
blood are only a worldly rule made by human. For sure, everybody has to
follow etiquettes.
For those who know true knowledge (ngelmu sejati) and in a state of
harmonious relation with Gusti, 'low class' human and 'high class'
human is measured by the holiness of heart. Someone is rich and has
high position and power, but he/she is dishonest and has bad conduct,
he/she belong to the 'low class'. In the contrary, a small people, poor but has
sincerity, good heart, he/she belong to the 'high class', in front of Gusti. So,
that's why, a wise people, although he/she is materially poor, he/she is
always grateful to Gusti.
While you live in this world do not always follow the life of body, budi
(thinking) and lust. Because the lives of body, budi and lust are not eternal.
When the body does not exist anymore (dead), the lives of body, budi and
lust also disappeared. It is wise, if you love the life of soul, life in true feeling
(urip ing roso jati), life of light (cahyo) and life of atma (place of life) which
are eternal.
Love all human-beings and other living-beings in this world because all of
them receive life from Gusti, same as your physical body. When you are
suffering, you must be aware that it is the result of your own deed. You don't
need to complain about it. Put aside the various bad feelings you have, do
not take them into your heart.
Keep in your deepest mind that it is only a trial to your physical body. Have a
confidence this is a test to move you to upper level of life i.e. to perfect life
(kasampurnan). Most people should do anything to end the suffering. But for
those who are aware of true life (urip sejati), the proper solution is to find
out the cause of the suffering. If the cause is discovered, then avoid doing
mistakes, so you should not suffer.
The way to perfect life, is not enough by only mastering knowledge
with your brain. You need true feeling (roso sejati) through regular
exercises, based upon good morality, good conduct and holy heart. The
above spiritual exercises can not be avoided to achieve true knowledge,
otherwise you would have knowledge which make your life in the darkness,
you would be easily boasting (sesongaran), you should be far away from true
life.
In this life, there are 3 levels of wishes:
1. Kadonyan
A worldly wish of having a good life measured by material wealth
2. Drajad
A wish of having a good high position. Although you have 'drajad',
sometimes you are worried, you don't have peaceful heart. It means, it
is not a true wish.
z
3. Kasunyatan
 This is reality, a true perfectness. When you reach 'kasunyatan'your life
is perfect, your life is unseparable with the source of life, Gusti, God the
Almighty. Who can bring you to kasunyatan? Your true life!
Watch your physical body, command it to be in better and better path by
avoiding evil wishes and deeds. Command your thinking and mind to have
only good and correct wishes, avoid bad temptations. When you are entirely
ready, physically and spiritually, do spiritual exercises. Your body is calm
(Heneng), your mind is clean, concentrate thoroughly (Hening), in holiness
request a guidance from Gusti, All-loving God. You are meditating by
adjusting your breathing peacefully. Calmly, regularly. Be comfortable until
you feel in a state of silent peace.
When you are in the correct true path, your true life could show you the way,
so you should reach true perfectness (kasampurnan sejati) i.e.
kasunyatan (reality). The Javanese old men say: "To live as human is easy
and difficult". Easy, if the light of true life has dimmed the light of physical
body. Difficult, if the light of true life is faded by the light of physical body.
The right of life is only one i.e. you are able to unite your life with your true
life - the eternal life, which is now imprisoned in your physical body. This is
your true duty! A big obstacle in searching perfectness is if you can't control
your desire, you can't erase completely your desire as there is no living
human without desire. But you should use your desire in positive way. You
should be determined to conquer your desire wishing only to please your
physical body. After your desire surrenders i.e. could not tempt you anymore,
take care well your physical body because physical body is a useful tool to
reach your goal of perfect life.
You have to reach perfect life when your physical body is still
healthy, in good condition otherwise you would be late. The most noble goal
is to perfect your life before your physical body is damaged. Where does your
life come from? Definitely it comes from holy life. So, it's clear. It is your duty
to find a proper way, to return life to where it belong. But do not search a
way to die, that's wrong. Instead, find a proper spiritual efforts (laku batin)
now, not tomorrow, so you have a true feeling in eternal life (urip
langgeng) you are not worried of 'sadness' and 'gladness', you are not
worried of any situation you encounter. You should have a true feeling: to live
together with the Creator of life, whose gives you life.
You should always remember, that your life is eternal, you don't begin and
you don't stop it. Once again, always remember until the moment comes: I
live. Don't worry about it. Because if you are still worried by having feeling of
sad, glad, afraid, regret, joyful etc, it indicates that you do not live, it's the
life of your physical body's lusts. Your life does not need that kind of things.
Your life needs to be united with eternal life, there is no change (tan owah
gingsir)
From true knowledge (kawruh sejati) point of view, when a human dies, it
means the rough body dies, but life lives. That's why, do not be afraid 'to die'
and do not be sad if some of your families die. Have confidence that they live
with eternal life, because life never dies.
There is no one in the world who can bring you to kasunyatan (perfect life),
not even a saint nor a great Guru, except you-yourself guided by your Guru
Sejati (True Guru) in your true feeling.
The human lives in the world is the wish of Gusti. You should be always
grateful and worship (mangastuti) only to Gusti, God the Almighty.
Yatno Moyo
A human should not satisfied and feel relieved before mastering true
knowledge (Kawruh Sejati). Someone holding this truth should always
accomplish noble deeds. In fact, it is a heavy duty, because his/her concerns
are only the safety and well-beings of the world with all its contents and true
perfectness (Kasampurnan sejati)
Yatno means remember; Moyo means bright, (spiritually means brightness
of true life, experienced only by those who are in harmonious relation with
Gusti) someone with knowledge of truth should always remember what
he/she has to do to reach perfect life. What are the noble deeds (langkah
kautaman) ? There are 3 kinds: Gentur, Suci and Legawa.
Gentur
A consistent and strong determination wish and deed to do only good things
for himself/herself and for others and to be in correct path blessed by Gusti,
always worship Gusti with devotion. Usually a person does self-denial for a
certain period of time: 3 or 7 or 30 days fasting, less sleep, less food etc. or
he/she help others by donating something from time to time. There are
indeed very good spiritual exercises, but 'Gentur' is stronger. It has a stronger
effect in seeking spiritual goal. Someone with 'Gentur behavior' is determined
to reach a noble life (urip luhur)
Suci/Holy
Always worship Gusti sincerely. With no self-interest for herself/himself. All
her/his heart, mind, deed are only for nobility.
Legawa
• To maintain good and correct attitude.
• To consciously surrender totally, to the wish of Gusti (Pasrah and
Sumarah)
• To avoid evil deeds
• To help others honestly, does not think of loss and profit and worldly
 material wealth.
With 'Gentur, Suci, Legawa' the life is noble, the deed is based upon clear
thinking and mind. Someone practicing these principles is on the correct path
to the truth of life. With consistency and devotion, he/she should be a
successful seeker of true knowledge.
Many people have common wishes such as:
1. To have high position
2. To be rich
3. To be famous
4. To have power
5. To be superior
The wishes are normal for ordinary people. They would be proud if they
could achieve them. But for a seeker of true knowledge, those wishes are
obstacles which should deviate the concentration of mind to reach perfect
life.
What a determined seeker of true knowledge has to do to at least minimize
or suppress the 5 above worldly wishes? What he/she has to do consciously
which are considered too burdensome for ordinary people.
1. Limited food and beverage (cegah dahar)

He/she should consume a smaller portion of simple food, less of meat.

He/she should not choose only delicious food and drink. He/she should
eat only when he/she is hungry and should drink when he/she is thirsty.
2. Less of sleep (cegah sare)

He/she should sleep when really is sleepy but not too long. Because
he/she has to work as a responsible human and has to worship Gusti
especially thru samadi. Minimal sleep should be adequate to keep
healthy the physical body.
3. Avoid pleasures (cegah suka)

Pleasure should drag away a seeker of true life to stop performing

noble deed. He/she, in any situation has to help others who are
suffering and living in poverty materially and mentally. The help is not
necessarily in the form of material or financial donation, it could be thru
other efforts such as to find a way-out, advices, spiritual deed etc.
He/she should always have moral obligation to the needy. How could
he/she has a heart to enjoy pleasures, while a lot of life are suffering.
He/she should have moral solidarity with them. At least every night
he./she has to request Gusti thru sincere praying for justice, well-being
 and good life to everyone, notably the ones who are suffering. It is
called 'Makarti' in spiritual Javanese.
4. A wish to give-in (niat ngalah)

He/she should be brave to give in his own interest for the sake of good
life of society.
5. A wish to be patient (niat sabar)
He/she deliberately has to be always patient.
6. A wish to give (niat weweh)
With heart and soul, he/she gives something to the needy.
7. A wish to help (niat tetulung)
He/she has to do it sincerely in helping others to solve their problems.
8. Not greedy for material wealth (ora melikan)
He/she should not have self-interest.
9. Avoid praises (ora aleman)
He/she is doing to fulfill duties, no need to be praised.
10.Avoid pride (ora Kemlungkung; ora umuk)
He/she should be always low-profile and polite.

A seeker of true knowledge, practising the above way of life and doing only
noble deeds, is a true human of example, who is able to beautify the world, a
precious asset to the world and mankind.
Some examples of the teaching implementations are as follow:
1. Two persons have the same interest to own a same precious property
such as land or building etc. Usually they should fight by defeating
other to grab the property. The winner should be pleased, while the
loser should be sad. In a better case, both reach amicable solution, the
property is divided equally, so both of them are happy. It is a good
solution for ordinary people. A seeker of true knowledge, he/she should
give the whole property to the other person. By doing this, he/she gives
a complete satisfaction to the other to be really happy. A seeker of true
knowledge is not able to satisfy her/his feeling with material thing.
What he/she feels is only noble deed (Roso Kautaman). This is the
essence of feeling (Sari Roso)
2. Helping each other is positive thing.

A seeker of true knowledge, implementing noble deeds, wish only to

help. If he/she helps somebody, he/she does not wish to be
reciprocated.
3. If a person is insulted by somebody, he/she should insult back as a
reciprocity, even in more bitter manner. But a human with noble deed,
 should not reciprocate. He/she should feel right away, has committed
some mistakes. He/she should be grateful that somebody has remind
him/her to behave in a proper way.

If he/she is respected by other than he/she should reciprocate with a

much bigger respect to other. The same if he/she got a good treatment,
got a help or given something by others, he/she should reciprocate
more to them. A human who is doing nothing except noble deed with
sincerity and consciousness, he/she is a human of high moral quality,
the Javanese spiritual terminology is 'ngambar gondo arum' lit.
means to spread an aroma of fragrance.

Her/his concentration of Cipta-forefront of feeling (pamelenging

Cipta) is sharp. Her/his 'concentration of Cipta' could be realized.
He/she would be loved by others, he/she has a strong cipta
(prabawaning cipta)

From her/him, miracles could grow by permit of Gusti. As if all her/his

requests thru cipta should be fulfilled by Gusti, God the Almighty.
He/she by practising 'Yatno Moyo' whole-heartedly, is different from
many other people.
Yatno Moyo
A human should not satisfied and feel relieved before mastering true
knowledge (Kawruh Sejati). Someone holding this truth should always
accomplish noble deeds. In fact, it is a heavy duty, because his/her concerns
are only the safety and well-beings of the world with all its contents and true
perfectness (Kasampurnan sejati)
Yatno means remember; Moyo means bright, (spiritually means brightness
of true life, experienced only by those who are in harmonious relation with
Gusti) someone with knowledge of truth should always remember what
he/she has to do to reach perfect life. What are the noble deeds (langkah
kautaman) ? There are 3 kinds: Gentur, Suci and Legawa.
Gentur
A consistent and strong determination wish and deed to do only good things
for himself/herself and for others and to be in correct path blessed by Gusti,
always worship Gusti with devotion. Usually a person does self-denial for a
certain period of time: 3 or 7 or 30 days fasting, less sleep, less food etc. or
he/she help others by donating something from time to time. There are
indeed very good spiritual exercises, but 'Gentur' is stronger. It has a stronger
effect in seeking spiritual goal. Someone with 'Gentur behavior' is determined
to reach a noble life (urip luhur)
Suci/Holy
Always worship Gusti sincerely. With no self-interest for herself/himself. All
her/his heart, mind, deed are only for nobility.
Legawa
• To maintain good and correct attitude.
• To consciously surrender totally, to the wish of Gusti (Pasrah and
Sumarah)
• To avoid evil deeds
• To help others honestly, does not think of loss and profit and worldly
material wealth.
With 'Gentur, Suci, Legawa' the life is noble, the deed is based upon clear
thinking and mind. Someone practicing these principles is on the correct path
to the truth of life. With consistency and devotion, he/she should be a
successful seeker of true knowledge.
Many people have common wishes such as:
1. To have high position
2. To be rich
3. To be famous
4. To have power
5. To be superior
The wishes are normal for ordinary people. They would be proud if they
could achieve them. But for a seeker of true knowledge, those wishes are
obstacles which should deviate the concentration of mind to reach perfect
life.
What a determined seeker of true knowledge has to do to at least minimize
or suppress the 5 above worldly wishes? What he/she has to do consciously
which are considered too burdensome for ordinary people.
1. Limited food and beverage (cegah dahar)

He/she should consume a smaller portion of simple food, less of meat.

He/she should not choose only delicious food and drink. He/she should
eat only when he/she is hungry and should drink when he/she is thirsty.
2. Less of sleep (cegah sare)

He/she should sleep when really is sleepy but not too long. Because
he/she has to work as a responsible human and has to worship Gusti
especially thru samadi. Minimal sleep should be adequate to keep
healthy the physical body.
 3. Avoid pleasures (cegah suka)

Pleasure should drag away a seeker of true life to stop performing

noble deed. He/she, in any situation has to help others who are
suffering and living in poverty materially and mentally. The help is not
necessarily in the form of material or financial donation, it could be thru
other efforts such as to find a way-out, advices, spiritual deed etc.
He/she should always have moral obligation to the needy. How could
he/she has a heart to enjoy pleasures, while a lot of life are suffering.
He/she should have moral solidarity with them. At least every night
he./she has to request Gusti thru sincere praying for justice, well-being
and good life to everyone, notably the ones who are suffering. It is
called 'Makarti' in spiritual Javanese.

4. A wish to give-in (niat ngalah)

He/she should be brave to give in his own interest for the sake of good
life of society.

5. A wish to be patient (niat sabar)

He/she deliberately has to be always patient.
6. A wish to give (niat weweh)
With heart and soul, he/she gives something to the needy.
7. A wish to help (niat tetulung)
He/she has to do it sincerely in helping others to solve their problems.
8. Not greedy for material wealth (ora melikan)
He/she should not have self-interest.
9. Avoid praises (ora aleman)
He/she is doing to fulfill duties, no need to be praised.
10.Avoid pride (ora Kemlungkung; ora umuk)
He/she should be always low-profile and polite.

A seeker of true knowledge, practising the above way of life and doing only
noble deeds, is a true human of example, who is able to beautify the world, a
precious asset to the world and mankind.
Some examples of the teaching implementations are as follow:
1. Two persons have the same interest to own a same precious property
such as land or building etc. Usually they should fight by defeating
other to grab the property. The winner should be pleased, while the
loser should be sad. In a better case, both reach amicable solution, the
property is divided equally, so both of them are happy. It is a good
 solution for ordinary people. A seeker of true knowledge, he/she should
give the whole property to the other person. By doing this, he/she gives
a complete satisfaction to the other to be really happy. A seeker of true
knowledge is not able to satisfy her/his feeling with material thing.
What he/she feels is only noble deed (Roso Kautaman). This is the
essence of feeling (Sari Roso)
2. Helping each other is positive thing.

A seeker of true knowledge, implementing noble deeds, wish only to

help. If he/she helps somebody, he/she does not wish to be
reciprocated.
3. If a person is insulted by somebody, he/she should insult back as a
reciprocity, even in more bitter manner. But a human with noble deed,
should not reciprocate. He/she should feel right away, has committed
some mistakes. He/she should be grateful that somebody has remind
him/her to behave in a proper way.

If he/she is respected by other than he/she should reciprocate with a

much bigger respect to other. The same if he/she got a good treatment,
got a help or given something by others, he/she should reciprocate
more to them. A human who is doing nothing except noble deed with
sincerity and consciousness, he/she is a human of high moral quality,
the Javanese spiritual terminology is 'ngambar gondo arum' lit.
means to spread an aroma of fragrance.

Her/his concentration of Cipta-forefront of feeling (pamelenging

Cipta) is sharp. Her/his 'concentration of Cipta' could be realized.
He/she would be loved by others, he/she has a strong cipta
(prabawaning cipta)

From her/him, miracles could grow by permit of Gusti. As if all her/his

requests thru cipta should be fulfilled by Gusti, God the Almighty.
He/she by practising 'Yatno Moyo' whole-heartedly, is different from
many other people.
Methods of Learning Kejawen
Sastra Piningit

Sastra means knowledge. Piningit means secret. It's a secret knowledge,

notably in the old days. More precisely it's mystically secret knowledge. The
kejawen had been kept as secret knowledge by mystical power (gaib).
Kejawen is not atheistic or anti religion, on the contrary it's a knowledge of
belief in God. The Javanese ancestors had taught kejawen to only a view of
selected individuals and in each case, only after a scrutinized consideration,
that those people should keep the knowledge only for themselves and
hopefully some of them should be determined to practise the knowledge
whole-heartedly.
Note: It was not all of them, only some of them.
Klenik
It is a way of speaking in a low voice, almost whispering. It was how the
kejawen was taught between a guru with his very limited member of pupils
(from 2 to 4 persons). That's why some people say kejawen is Klenik or
Ngelmu (spiritual knowledge) klenik.

The lesson was oral. No one was allowed to write. Everything had to be
remembered by heart. The usual time was evening until midnight or early in
the morning before sunrise. The guru classified the lessons. Ordinary
knowledge could be given inside the house.

But for important and sacred knowledge, 'the class' was not in the house. It
was in the meadow, in the bank of a river, on the beach of sea, on the
mountain etc. some were allowed to be taught only during full moon time.

They were special chosen good days to learn, which are valid to this day.
There are among other:
Jum'at Kliwon and Jum'at Legi - Friday Kliwon and Friday Legi
Selasa Kliwon - Tuesday Kliwon.
Some sacred lesson only be taught on above days.
According to the spiritual Guru, it was a tradition. He had received the
teaching from his Guru also in special places and days. He did not dare to
alter the tradition.
According to Javanese calendar, except the 7 days/week, there are 5
days/week which is called Pasaran. They use them together. From Friday
Legi to Friday Legi again, is 35 days. The same from Tuesday Kliwon to
Tuesday Kliwon is also 35 days. This period of 35 days is called Selapanan.
The 5 days/week are: Kliwon, Legi, Paing, Pon and Wage. The most
important date for a traditional Javanese is the 1 st of Javanese month of
Suro, the Javanese New Year. It is considered as a Holy day, a proper time to
learn something (for detail, please click the article of Commemoration of 1 st
Suro)
In every session of meeting, the students have to come with clean heart and
body. Sometimes, they are ordered to fast or to remain awake or to refrain
from sex for a certain period of time. At midnight they have to take a bath
with cool water. Some gurus obliged them to wear Javanese traditional
costume during sessions.
In the old days, there was no written materials on kejawen, to gather the
materials, one has to watch carefully various rituals, traditional ceremonies,
slametans (praying together or ceremonial meals with rice cone), offerings,
etiquettes, wayang performances, old legends etc. a keen cultural observer
should know that among the grand shows, there are in fact spiritual rites.
This is a wise policy of Javanese ancestors, they spread the ancient valuable
knowledge in many places. Those who are interested to learn, have to find
through a hard-work. It is not easy to learn something valuable. It explains,
why there is no book on kejawen since ancient time to present date.
Sastra Ceto

Sastra means knowledge, Ceto means clearly seen. The knowledge of

kejawen in recent years is becoming clear. More and more parts of the
teaching were written. Some publications for limited purposes or books are
available.
Some gurus permits their students to write down the spiritual teaching, even
mantras are written. Something which was impossible in the old days. But
there is exception, some spiritual teachings which are classified as 'world
secret'/Kekeran Bawono are not allowed to be written. Normally the
learning sessions are held in the house, mostly in the evening. Only for some
special occasions are held outside the house.
The method of learning has changed considerably. Some gurus stick to
traditional rule by having only very limited students. But the situation of
learning sessions are more relax. Sweet tea or coffee and snacks are served
while smoking kretek (clove) cigarettes. At the same time, several spiritual or
kebatinan foundations were born.
For sure they have more followers, they have office for Head-Quarter and
branches in other towns. They have publication on their activities. They are
organized like a modern association. It seems that Javanese are ready to
embrace modernization selectively. The question is how far?
This article should only inform, in general, the kejawen traditional way of
learning and practising, which is factually still exist.
The knowledge and understanding of kejawen remain the same in the old
and present day: It's a Javanese spiritual knowledge in search of good and
correct way of life, so the persons practising the teaching correctly and
wholeheartedly should find the spiritual way to true life, achieving a
harmonious relation between servant and Lord.

It is the most noble goal and wish for kejawen followers.

Regretfully, since the ancient period to this day, they are people who learn
the knowledge for other purposes, among other:
1. To reach Kawaskitan (to be waskita): he can see metaphysical world,
able to predict. He is proud, people come to him for consultation.
2. To reach Kadigdayan (to be digdaya)-invulnerable to sharp weapons,
bullets etc. he is proud, people is afraid of him.
3. To be Pana (to know everything)-he gives advices on love affaires,
business opportunities etc. he is proud, people respect him, he has a
high position. He collects easily material wealth.

These aims are not correct, there are reflecting lust of selfishness, in
pursuit of solely worldly material wealth.
The Javanese (wong-Jawa) and Kejawen

Wong means people. Jawa-Java => wong Java is people of Java or Javanese.
In refined kromo language is Tiyang Jawi. The Javanese are grateful that
they are born and live in the splendid fertile island of Java with its pleasant
climate. According to wayang stories, the beauty of the island had even
attracted gods to descend and built the first kingdoms in Java, some words to
always remember "gods occupation" of Java are:
• Jawata means god, the guru of the Javanese
• Tiyang descendant of gods
• Wong descendant of gods
So, Javanese (wong or Tiyang Jawa) is descendant of gods.
It means that existance of Java and the Javanese should be from a very long
time ago. From archeological discovery, the eldest human-being in this island
dated back more than 1,9 millions years B.C, as proved in the village of
Sangiran, Solo, Central Java.
According to physical geography, the island of Java was already exist in the
world map 20 million years B.C, as part of islands in southern India, prior to
the birth of Mt. Himalaya, at that time, mainland China was an ocean.
With the above historical back-ground, there is no doubt that Java has one of
the eldest cultures in the world. The Javanese love to express their view
through symbolism and refined words, which sometimes are difficult to be
understood by ordinary people.
The word 'Jawa' itself, in fact has a deep philosophical meaning. The late,
Prof. Hardjono, MR. (Dutch Master of Law), a famous populist professor
from Gajah Mada State University, told the writer about 16 years ago in his
residence in Kotabaru, Yogyakarta.
"Dimas (younger brother), people should know the real meaning of Jawa or
Jawi in kromo language". "Could you tell me, Romo (father)?"

"Ja means to be born. Wi means a bird". "Like a bird, a human-being, has to

pass two steps to be a perfect human-being. First it's an egg, then a bird".
He didn't continue to explain, as if he let the writer to guess. 2 years latter,
the writer had a chance to know, a very wise but low profile gentleman,
The late, Bapak Prawirowardojo, Ret. Army Colonel, an expert of
kejawen, told the writer that a Javanese should be born twice to be a perfect
person.
First: He/she was born thru the mother's womb.

Second: He/she should be born again by True Knowledge. (Ngelmu sejati).

So he/she should know the true life, no more secret in this world. He/she has
become a perfect person.
The writer did understand the meaning of the sentence word by word, but
could not imagine how should be the second birth. The wise Pak
Prawirowardojo further said: "Don't believe me, Nakmas (son), before you
see the reality by yourself. As a true Javanese, you have to see reality first,
before you believe". Only after 10 years of his statement, the writer does
really believe of what he said.
Who should learn kejawen?

Only intellectuals and academicians are fit to reach the aim set by kejawen,
besides some saints and holy and honest persons. Some say that kejawen is
gampang-gampang angel in Javanese (gampang-easy, angel-difficult) i.e. if
you say it's difficult then it's difficult, if you say it's easy then it's easy.
Some ordinary people (peasants, becak drivers, small employees) could gain
the essence of kejawen too. As a conclusion the essence of kejawen is fit for
those people who accept seriously and practise wholeheartedly (Kamot in
javanese) the knowledge.
Every individual in the process of learning should have different experience as
it depends to everybody's talent and background. The experiences of the
respected gentlemen and ladies in the following chapters are worth to read.
Romo Soebadi Poespowinoto
The fighting spirit of Mataram
The 77 year old veteran of Yogyakarta is fit and healthy, his
memory is still perfect. Every morning Romo Soebadi has a
regular habit of walking or rides his bicycle visiting his friends.
Sometimes he visits some sacred places of the founders of
Mataram Kingdom and stays there for the whole night.
He is always grateful to God the Almighty who has given him a
moderate life. As a traditional Javanese, since his youth, he
adores the founders of Mataram, notably Ki Ageng Giring, Ki Ageng
Pemanahan, Panembahan Senopati (The first ruler of the second Mataram
Kingdom-1584-1601), Panembahan Purboyo and Sultan Agung (The third
King of Mataram-1613-1646).

The 5 ancestors give a great example of the correct way of life and heroic
struggle dedicated to the country, for the safety and welfare of the people.
He is confident the value of their noble ideas is a valuable asset for
Indonesia.
About fifty five years ago, as a youth fighting for the country's independence,
the young Soebadi had a strong illusion that one day he would live in a free
state Indonesia, like the dalang (puppet-master) of wayang said: Negara
adil makmur (a just and prosperous country), Tata tentram kerta
raharja (order, peace, safety and happiness) prevails.
But he saw the fact that building such an ideal state was not just like rubbing
an Aladdin lamp. It should be fought hard in proper manner. Regretfully,
some people are not sincere and greediness is everywhere. As a simple and
honest man seeking for true knowledge, he was very much concerned about
it. Are there no leaders, who are honest and brilliant in this country?
Brave, honest and Simple

One night, years ago, he was meditating in Parangkusumo, on the beach of

South-sea, a sacred place renown as a meeting place between Panembahan
Senopati and Kanjeng Ratu Kidul-the goddess of the South Sea. He
concentrated his rasa /inner-feeling. Suddenly, he heard a whisper in his
heart and he saw in front of him a keris that appeared as seen in the above
picture.
Mystically he understood the message.
Tumbal Mataram

Tumbal is something used to protect, an offering or protector against

something.
Mataram from Mata-eyes, sight Arum-fragrant as perfume,
clear sight. A clear vision.
Pribadi Binuko

A person with sincere open heart.

Wani, Jujur, Prasojo
Wani=brave; Jujur=honest; Prasojo=simple.
Someone who is sincerely prepared to devote his/her life
to Mataram (the country with clear vision), must be brave,
honest and frank (among other: to tell and to do the thruth; to lead a simple
life etc). this is pre-requisite of a fighter and a leader of this country.
A normal person is required to have the above characters i.e.; brave, honest
and simple. Romo said that it is in fact very simple, especially for Javanese
who supposed to have a good conduct. To be brave, dare to do something.
To be honest, could he easily be honest to others and to himself?
Simple, is it difficult to carry out a simple life in the society? Could he or she,
if he/she helds a position to refrain from abundant material wealth? would
he/she be in a position to resist any temptation? Such as bribery, corruption,
high and strategic position, greediness etc. Could he/she follow the examples
of Pendawa, instead the ones of Korawa?
Romo Soebadi is confident this simple mystical message remains valid to this
day. That's why he is not tired to tell everybody to always practise it. He
advises: keep it as a valuable heirloom!
Concentration of Cipta

It is very important for the seekers of true knowledge at every time

convenient to make an inner instropection, calm down the feeling,
concentrate the cipta by manembah sincerely to God the Almighty.
It depends to every individual, where he should perform it (but usually alone
in the night), inside the house, in the garden or somewhere under the open
sky. As for the mystical experience, Romo said it depends to everybody's
laku/spiritual effort and back ground. It's not the same for everyone.
However, the experience must be useful for mankind (to mamayu hayuning
Bawono), otherwise it is wrong
Magical spots in Mataram

Why does Romo as a wise man go to places considered as sacred by many?

Among other the remains of the past (Petilasan) of Mataram ancestors, such
as remains of their asceticism and their resting places. Patiently Romo replies
in confident voice: "One should know that in principle, every place is a good
place. But they are some places in the land of Mataram, especially the above
mentioned spots, have a very strong magical, power. A person meditating in
those places should receive a clearer vision. It's a divine gift".
The pictures of 5 Mataram founders.

In the veranda of Romo Soebadi's house, there are 5 pictures of the most
famous Mataram founders, namely: Ki Ageng Giring, Ki Ageng Pemanahan,
Panembahan Senopati (the first ruler of the 2 nd Mataram Kingdom).
Panembahan Purboyo (the main advisor and the great chief-warrior of Sultan
Agung) and Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo (the great king of Mataram).
Romo said, those pictures are photos of original paintings which at present
hung in the Karaton/Royal Palace of Yogyakarta. The imaginary pictures were
a result of his strong laku (spiritual effort). As he himself was not a painter,
he had asked a collaboration of a painter, Pak Sutopo, to put on canvas the
imagination of Romo. Prior to the execution of painting, Romo and the
painter went together to all remains and graves of the Mataram founders.
With God's blessing and kind permit from the 5 Mataram founders, the
pictures are excellent. Through spiritual contact, Romo Soebadi was told, the
pictures are correct.
Noble advices

Romo Soebadi Poespowinoto got some noble advices from the Mataram
ancestors, related to change of time/situation in the country. Whatever the
situation is, someone must always have a noble character, says one of the
advices: Luhuring budi tan hangasorake' wataking sesami, means: A person
with noble character should never humiliate other people
The Experience of Ki Soekardi
The 71 year old healty and kind man, is living in Yogyakarta.
almost 20 years ago he has submitted his retirement as a
government employee. He did not want to be assigned in a
position which should involve him with 'dirty job'. A position which in fact
could give him a chance to be financially rich. He said he did not want to be
"a thief". As a man who practices Samadi, he decided to live from his pension
and he was ready to lead a simple honest life.
He looks younger at his age. His athletical body is still clearly seen. Everyday,
he does gardening energitically. Sometimes, he visits his friends living in the
same town, by pedalling his old strong bike.
Some of his friends call him Wisanggeni, the son of Arjuna with goddess
Dursanala. Wisanggeni always tells the truth to everybody in open manner,
consequently he is also doing and fighting only for the truth. The wise Pak
Soekardi agrees to be interviewed, in the hope, our younger generation
should correctly knows this knowledge and let's the world knows that in fact,
the low-profile Javanese has something valuable.
Kebatinan
The objects of Kebatinan is all metaphysical matters. In Kebatinan, the
universe and all its contents, including the metaphysical things is a reality. It
works by using the 6th sense. The exercise of feeling/rasa is very important
thru the practice of Samadi.
Samadi
Samadi from the words: Sam means great and Adi means good or splendid.
Someone who is doing Samadi is someone taking the position (patrap) to
reach great and beautiful and holy Budi.
A holy Budi is a silent Budi without lust, without any wish or interest. This is a
condition of void (suwung), but there is an activity of pure live vibration as a
live characteristic from God. The holy Budi can be seen as a light which is
called Nur. Nur is the heart of Budi. The oneness of Budi and Nur is
mystically called curigo manjing warongko/keris in the scabbard or servant
unites with master or Bima unites with Dewa Ruci.
In another term, this is Pangrucatan/Kamukswan. Pangrucatan means to be
released. What is released? The influence of lust. Mukswa-to be abolished.
What is abolished? The influence of lust. It can be said that Samadi is a
process of Budi's purification, Budi becomes Nur. In the Nur, servant can
communicate with master to receive some guidance as in accordance with his
position as servant.
The practice of Samadi You may sit or lay down on a bed. Choose a clean,
quiet and safe place. Breath relaxly. If you lay down, put your legs in a
straight position, put both of your hands on the chest. Listen attentively to
the voice of your breathing, calmly inhale, exhale. It will make your thinking
inactive. Enjoy to listen your breathing by closing your eyes. It's the same if
you concentrate your sight to the peak of nose. By doing this, you neutralize
the thinking, fantasy and the influence of the five senses. After that you
neutralize the lust in the 6th sense.

If you succeed, you would be in suwung/void, and Nur to get mystically

simbolic guidance.
The human-being

The human-being are created by God. A human-being is a creature who has:

1. Physical body (badan kasar-rough body)
2. Soul body or jiwa (badan alus-refined body)
3. Light body or Nur (suksma).
With the above 'construction', a human-being should be able to know
Sangkan Paraning Dumadi.
The Universe Before the existence of the universe, there was nothing but
emptiness and void. Inside the void, there was the characteristic of life of
God. The universe was a 'Causa Prima'. The characteristic of God's life is felt
like vibration. The vibration is everlasting. There were three elements:
• Red elements with red ray, it is hot
• Blue elements with blue ray, it is cool.
• Yellow elements with yellow ray, it is wonderful.
These elements are always vibrating. As the result of the mixture of those
three elements, a fourth element, white or silver-white was born and it is
called Nur. Nur is the essence of the universe. Some are becoming the would-
be planets, some are becoming badan budi/jiwa = soul body of human
beings, when Nur became the essence of human physical body. That's mean
that in the universe or in the galaxies shall always born new planets, stars
etc.
The condition of the newly born planets can differ one to another. It depends
to the influence of the three elements. There are planets which can be
inhibited and there are planets which can not be inhibited.
The construction of a planet:
1. The body of a planet in layers, the outer part is the skin of planet.
2. Inside, there are gases and liquides.
3. The most inside part is the essence of the planet. It is the Nur of a
planet
In the case of a human-being, Nur should be the essence of a human-being,
as a result of meeting between sperms of a man and a woman. A baby is
born with complete body and has the essence of Nur. The baby cries when he
comes into contact with the nature outside his mother's womb. The influence
of nature vibrates his nerves, it is a reflex movement. From medical point of
view, the baby is healthy i.e. all his body components are functioning actively.
Nur in its function as the essence of body should mix with human lusts: red,
blue/black, yellow and white. The white lust was due to the mixture of the
other three lusts (remember the birth of Nur from the three elements).
The lusts are vibrating continously. The brain is influenced, it develops feeling
(rasa), the rasa develops karsa (wish). The wish produces metaphysical thing
at first. But if the wish is strong, a real product is created i.e. culture, could
be in the form of science, art etc. Culture is a product of active/working Budi,
based on the activities of Nur turn out to be lust which influence the brain.
This is logic.
Human-being as a living construction Same with planets, human being
is also a living construction. The divisions are:
1. The most inner part is Nur, which influences the brain.
2. The most outer part is body. It has five senses and the 6 th sense.
3. Budi or soul body is metaphysical. It is born or created after Nur
became the essence of the body.

Some say that soul body is also called Mayonggo seto from the
words: maya-metaphysical; Anggo-body. Its color is white (seto) like a
cloud.
The division of the body

The division or parts of the body which are important with the process of
Samadi
1. Giri Loka, the head.
2. Indra Loka, the chest with the heart as an important part
3. Jana Loka, the sexual organ.
The Cakras

There are seven cakras in the bodies located at:

1. Anus
2. Sexual organ
3. Navel
4. Heart
5. Under the throat
6. Between the eyebrows
7. Crown of head
Someone who is doing samadi should feel the vibration, free of lust and
fantasy. It is the vibration of true life from Nur. The vibration is felt like
electrical current, it does not make pain, it is cool and fresh. In every cakra, it
stops for a while but always vibrates.
First passing thru the anus to the sexual organ then to navel. When it walks
to the heart, some where below the heart, you would be concious that you
would die. Do not be afraid, someone would die only at a predestined time, it
is a God's will. If you were determined, the cakra would reach the heart and
it would continue to the points under the throat, between the eyebrows and
crown of head. And then it goes out, the man is unconsious like in position of
sleeping. Nur walks out of the body and reaches mystical experience.
There are 7 cakras, each has its own power. In order to be able to use the
cakras. One has to do exercises thru concentration of cipta (meleng cipta)
3 ways of olah-rasa (exercises of inner feeling)
1. Samadi to achieve Nur.
2. Concentration of cipta (meleng cipta)

Focus on your wish. Do not exaggerate the ability of your body. It could
be dangerous.
3. Tayuh
It is a way to know something thru metaphysical means. To know the
past or the future, among other:
a. What's the character of certain people
b. The sick person, should he be healthy again? what's the medicine
to cure him/her?
c. Would he pass his exams?
d. Who are her ancestors.
e. What's the fate of a country
f. What's the after-death situation etc.
The way you do 'tayuh' is just like when you are doing samadi. But you
should not reach the suwung/void. It's depend to your ability. When you do
that calmly, you could get the reply, (usually) in the form of symbols or signs.
You have to make a proper interpretation. In the daily life, most people are
doing 'tayuh' not samadi.
To learn to practice samadi

When you do samadi, first you have to be able to control your lust, your five
senses and nine holes of the body. That's mean you have reached 5 W s
1. Wenang : you are authorized to control lust.
You become:
2. Wening : clear thinking and feeling
You become:
3. Waskita : you can see metaphysical world and you are able to predict.
You become:
4. : You could be prepared and alert to what's going to happened, in good
Waspada or bad situation. Whatever would happened, you must be calm, have a
peace of mind.
You become:
5. : ability to face or solve any problem in a proper way. Correct thinking,
Wicaksana proper action and solution.
For those who are interested to study samadi, must be able to reach the 5
Ws. Good luck!
Mystical Experience

As a traditional Javanese, the young Soekardi, a teenager, upon his grand-

father guidance, had started learning self-defense martial art. He began to
know some mystical things, in that case was kanuragan-the exercises of
body, among other: become very powerful, has a strong and thunderous
blow, invulnerable to sharp weapon, bullet etc.
Seeing what he achieved in kanuragan, his belief to spiritualism grew. But
one important thing he has learnt, in the exercise of using inner energy as
well as in spiritualism, one has to learn step by step.
Take care the ability of your body, be always well prepared of your step! As
an elder generation, he has lived under Dutch colonialism and Japanese
occupation forces. He joined another youths to become a fighter of
independence. In the free Indonesia, he worked as a public employee. He
started to learn spiritualism, abandoning kanuragan. He was determined to
know the true reality.
Meeting with spirits For Pak Soekardi, who has learned samadi for more
than 30 years, the world of spirits is reality, it is not an 'unseen' creature.
There are two kinds of spirits:
1. Genuine spirits - they were 'born' / created as spirits.
2. Spirits from human-beings who have passed away.
Just like in our world, there are good and bad spirits, fool and clever ones. A
long time ago, he helped a village-head to find back some village heirlooms
which had gone missing for quite some time.
The villager was happy and grateful to him. But not only the villager who was
happy, also the spirits who accompanied the heirlooms were also happy. They
were back in the right hands. By chance, in the same village, he found a ring.
Two genuine spirits - big and strong male were living in the ring. They said to
Pak Soekardi that they were willing to serve him and they would obey all his
instructions. Pak Soekardi said OK but there was no commitment whatsoever.
He explained to the writer:
"With spirits you must be tough. You are a free man, any decision you make,
the spirits have to obey and the most important thing: no commitment at
all!"
It is a fatal mistake to conclude a commitment: As long as the person lives,
the spirits help him, to be materially rich and powerful, but after this life the
person has to pay back. Until when?
Those spirits knew that Pak Soekardi was a wise man, so they would like to
learn something. At first glance, it was an advantage to have spirits.
Immediately you could know anything you wish to know, among other:
what's happened with your relatives in another town or country, what's going
to happened etc. you just ask them and they'll reply.
But for a seeker of true knowledge, who is serious in samadi, that kind of
thing is unnecessary. We are seeking for true reality, we are not seeking to be
praised by other people for our ability. For Pak Soekardi at the end, the
presence of these spirits he wore in the ring was annoying.
At the beginning it was all right, he had companions during lonely time. But
they always wished to go somewhere with Pak Soekardi. It was enough for
him. He sent them to where they belong.
One day, a spirit of a powerful Javanese prince wished to live nearby him. It
would made him peaceful to live nearby a good and wise man. One night, his
old cook, who lived in a small house nearby was dreaming of the arrival of a
prince in his hut. He told Pak Soekardi of his dream. Pak Soekardi told his
cook to burn incense in the evening and give offering of 3 kinds of flower
(kembang telon).
The loyal old cook did accordingly. He was astonished that his hut became a
big court mansion. He met with the same prince in his dream who asked him
to give a message to his master (Pak Soekardi). The prince wished to live
nearby Pak Soekardi and he asked permission to Pak Soekardi, he wanted to
help the old cook sincerely, because the cook was loyal in his entire life to Pak
Soekardi.
The cook resigned with Pak Soekardi's approval of course and all of a sudden
became a medicine man (wong tua-old man, dukun). More and more people
visited him for help. He became a famous dukun for several years, until he
died.
Pre-destined fate
Pak Soekardi completely believes that life is pre-destined. A human-being has
a duty to carry-on with his life. He got road accident twice. First, when he
was young, on a motor bike. He 'knew' that he would got accident, he sat on
the saddle behind the rider. He always told the rider to be careful and slowly.
Despites of all the precautions, he got accident. Luckily he was only slightly
injured.
Second, he was travelling with some colleagues in a car. He 'heard' that he
would got accident. As a precaution, he sat somewhere in the middle, among
his friends, he told the driver to drive slowly and carefully. All of a sudden,
Boom, the accident, the car slipped out of track. Once again, luckily he was
only slightly injured.
He told frankly that in both cases, in facing pre-destined accidents which he
knew that it had to occurred, he was a coward. What should happened, let it
happened. It is the best natural way.
What will be or what will happened

In his age, Pak Soekardi has a lot of interesting experiences. If he meets

someone, he would know for sure who is he/she, what is he/she doing, what
should be the follow-up. He knew and knows the change of time or situation.
He has been given signs of change, in many occasions. What would
happened in this country? So many people are worried!
For him the most important thing to do for a responsible person except to
work honestly is to do samadi, with proper mental attitude, correct manners
and behavior.
The World of Spirits (in Java)
What do you say, spirits? I do not believe such a thing. It's children story
or it's superstitious!
For those who have such an opinion, we will not argue, we honor their
opinion. Please do not read this article.
In fact, some people are interested in the world of spirits. Perhaps they hear
some stories or they read some articles or books. For those who have
reached the true knowledge of kejawen (or perhaps who masters
metaphysics), the world of spirits is reality, it is not non-sense!
Here-below is the correct information of their worlds (more than one world!),
at least as occurred in Java.
In the same opinion with some kejawen experts, in this one and same
world, there are in fact occupied by 7 worlds of life, including the world
where human-beings live. This worlds has 7 channels of life, occupied by
different creatures. The Creatures of these seven worlds, in principle, they
mind their own world. Their activities do not mix, every world has their own
business to do. From the seven kinds of worlds, only the world of the human-
being has sun, and the population (human-beings, animals) have physical
bodies.
The 'population' of the other 6 worlds they have bodies from light (badan
cahya) or popularly known as spirits (wong/mahluk alus; refined or unseen
creatures). There is no bright day in these 6 worlds, as there is no sun. The
situation is like in the clear evening, under the light of stars. It is clear but
there is no glaring light as the sunlight.
There are two kinds of spirits/mahluk alus-unseen creatures:
1. Genuine spirits-who are born/created as spirits.
2. Spirits from human-beings who have 'passed away'
Just like human-beings, there are bad and good, fool and clever spirits. The
genuine spirits they live in their own worlds, each of them, they have their
own societies. As they have societies, consequently there are spirits with
high-position (kings, queens, ministers etc) and low-ranking position
(soldiers, employees, workers etc).
This is reality, it's not an illusion or imaginary things. The 'other worlds' are
among other:
1. Merkayangan
The life 'in this channel' is almost the same with the world of human-
beings except there is no glaring light like the sun, there is no day. In
the world of Merkayangan, they smoke same cigarettes, they pay with
same money, wear same type of dress, there are same cars in the
street, there are factories precisely like in our world. Astonishingly,
they have more advanced technology than human-beings!
Their cities are more modern than ours!

So they have also skyscrapers, sophisticated airlines etc.

There are also mystical things in this Merkayangan world. Sometimes, if
necessary human-beings are invited by them, among other: to perform
wayang shows, to attend wedding parties, to work in the factories of
batik, of cigarettes etc. Those human-beings who have performed job
in the Merkayangan world, they were paid with valid money-the same
as our money.
2. Siluman
These 'unseen creatures' live in the watery areas, such as lakes, seas
etc. their societes are set like in the ancient time. They have kings,
queens, aristocrats, court-employees, servants etc. they live in
 palaces/karaton, court mansions, old style houses etc.
If you go to Yogyakarta and Central Java, you would hear some of
them, among other: Kanjeng Ratu Kidul-the queen of the South Sea,
a legendary, powerful, beautiful spirit-queen, living in her palace of
South Sea, with Parangkusumo as its gate. Parangkusumo is renown
place of meeting between Panembahan Senopati and Kanjeng Ratu
Kidul. In the meeting, Kanjeng Ratu Kidul had promised to protect all
kings and kingdom of Mataram.
She has a strong a loyal woman Patih/Prime Minister, Nyai Roro Kidul.
Her empire stretch-out along the South beach of the island of Java. In
some places, she has Adipatis/Viceroys.
As in a normal ancient country, the Empire of Ratu Kidul they have
ceremonies, rituals etc. they have also a strong army.
Sarpo Bongso - the ruler of Rawa Pening a lake nearby the town of
Ambarawa, located between Magelang and Semarang. Sarpo Bongso is
a genuine Siluman, living in the lake for quite a long time with his
siluman people. Kanjeng Ratu Kidul is not a genuine siluman, centuries
ago she was a princess of a Javanese kingdom, but her Patih, Nyai Roro
Kidul is a genuine siluman since thousand years ago.
3. Kajiman
Their way of life with antique mansions, aristocrat style of society is
almost the same with siluman, but kanjiman live in the mountainous
area and places with hotter temperature. They are mentioned as Jim by
people.
4. Demit
They prefer to live in the green mountains. The demit society live in
simple houses, made of wood and bamboo. They look like human-
beings but they are of smaller built.
Besides the orderly societies of Merkayangan, Siluman, Kajiman and Demit,
there are 2 other societies which the writer is not authorized to state in
detail. In short those 2 societies are preserved for honest, holy and wise
people.
The non-perfect spirits

Besides the 7 permanent channels, there is an 'emergency' channel where

spirits of bad people are being sentenced/are starving due to their past
mistake while they lived as human-beings.
A human-being shall be punished if he/she makes mistakes. The punishment
shall be carried-out while he/she is still alive in this world or worse, in the
afterlife. The afterlife punishment is given to those people who have
committed: slander, dishonesty, prewangan (spiritual medium, his/her
body is used by spirits for consultation), witch craft and black-magic
(make other people suffer, sick, death etc), pengasihan (to be loved by others
in unethical deed), killing other people.

Worship to berhala/looking to be rich/pesugihan;sugih-rich. For Javanese

berhala/idol does not mean stone statue. They are 9 kinds of evil spirits, who
'help' human-beings to be rich with material wealth. The worship to these 9
evil spirits is a fatal mistake.
The 9 evil-spirits:

They are spirits, if seen by ordinary person looks like:

1. Jaran Penoleh - a horse with turn head
2. Srengara Nyarap - a biting dog
3. Bulus Jimbung - a big land turtle
4. Kandang Bubrah - a broken stable
5. Umbel Molor - a hanging mucus
6. Kutuk Lamur - a blind kutuk (a kind of fish)
7. Gemak melung - a singing gemak-quail (a kind of bird)
8. Codot Ngising - a defecating bat
9. Bajul Putih - a white crocodile
For those who have committed the above mistake, they shall be punished
"after their death". Their bodies and their souls are sentenced heavily. They
will be danyang, as they can not pass the requirement of Sangkan
Paraning Dumadi (you come from holiness, here in this earth you live in
holiness and you'll go back to holiness again).
Only good and honest people could pass the test. If you pass the test, you
are perfect. Your life is perfect, your death is also perfect. If you fail, your life
shall go somewhere between the world of mankind and Merkayangan. You
are punished! What's the punishment and how long, it depends to your
mistake. So, be careful and do nice and correct things, when you are
entrusted to live as a human-beings in this world! Be grateful to God the
Almighty.
The other famous danyang-bad spirits who could help misleading people to
be rich are among other: Buto Ijo - (green giant), Klabang sayuta (a
million of scorpions), Ula Ngripi (a moving snake). They need very cruel
offering among other the lives of human-beings. There are spirits-experts in
stealing money: tuyul, in the form of a small boy with bold head, Babi
Ngepet, in the form of pig.
Various 'after life' sentences

The worst punishment is the afterlife one. There is no comparable suffering.

Everybody has to avoid this kind of sentence. OK. But how? It's simple: Be
grateful to God the Almighty, by doing nice and correct thing, have a good
conduct, be honest, help the needy, do not cheat, do not steal, do not kill, do
not do any harm and bad things. But regretfully many people dare to
trespass those simple regulations due to lust and self-interest. Those people
for sure should be severely punished and they will be danyang (non-perfect
or bad spirit) for a very long time and if, in the life as danyang, they commit
again another crimes, they will receive another punishment.
There is a Javanese parable, says: 'Urip iku mung mampir ngombe' : you live
in this world as if you just drop in to drink. It means you live in this earth
only for a very short time. You should behave properly.
What are the punishments?
For killers

Would be reborn as animals for 1000 days, for every killing, for every soul (In
the form of cat, dog, horse monkey, sheep, pig, camel, elephant etc - 13
kinds of animals).
• Killer would be a danyang -Banaspati (a spirit with burning head of
fire)
• Those who committed slander, witchcraft, black magic, will be a
danyang kemamang (a spirit in the form of a burning head)
• Those who instruct others to do the killing, slander, witchcraft and black
magic, will be a danyang sundel bolong. (a spirit in the form of an
ugly woman)
• A prewangan/spiritual medium.

A woman would be a danyang peri, a spirit of a bad smelly woman.

She likes to bother lonesome men. A man would be a danyang
gendruwo, a spirit in the form of a bad smelly man. He is a criminal,
he also has a bad habit to bother a wife of a certain man by
transforming himself to be a false husband.
• For a seeker of material wealth by worshipping the evil spirit, he/she
would be a danyang kuntilanak (a spirit in the form of beautiful
woman, with a big hole in the back)
Usually danyangs live in the trees, there are 13 kinds of trees preferred by
them. Among other in the trees of Banyan (waringin), wild cotton-tree (randu
alas), sapodilla (sawo), cananga, magnolia (kantil) etc. The above bad
danyangs, they like to bother people with weak-mind, have a confused life
and those people who carry out punishment due to power of nature or God's
will. Sometime the danyangs transform themselves into the form of human
beings (beautiful or old women, handsome or old man). But there is an easy
natural detection: their feet do not touch the land and there is no hollow
under the nose, above the upper lip.
Bekasaan
All the bad spirits and the spirits with ugly and scary forms belonged to
criminal group in Javanese they are called: Bekasaan (unpolite, Rough)
Danyang Smarabumi

The danyang/spirit guardian of a village or certain places. She/he is a

good danyang. In his/her life as a human-being, he/she was sakti, had
supernatural power, but his/her knowledge was not perfect.
In the afterlife, he/she is assigned as a danyang Smarabumi to guard a
certain village or place and the people living in the village or in that place, to
live in safety. He/she is danyang in charge of the village. In the event of
traditional slametan/praying together with ceremonial meal, an offering is
prepared for the danyang Smarabumi, usually in the form of burning incense
and a glass of hot water, a glass of coffee (no-sugar), betel leaves, areca nuts
etc.
He/she is called Nini Kaki Sang Danyang Smarabumi Sing Baureksa
ing Desa ………… grand-ma/pa danyang Smarabumi who is responsible in
the village of ………………………………..
Eeri / Haunted places

Probably you heard that a certain house is haunted by ghosts or some places
are eerie. You have to see it case by case, you should not generalize it.
Herebelow are some examples of spirits appearance:
(You know, there are good and bad spirits)
1. The spirit(s) wish to tell to the dwellers or visitors of the house/place of
his/her or their existance.
2. The spirits would like to be helped. Usually they are the spirits of
human-beings who have died not in a good way (died in accidents,
killed, suicide, in punishment, etc)
3. The spirits who wish to have friendly relation by helping someone in
various fields.
4. The spirits who intentionally bothering the peaceful life of human-
beings.
For those who know the secret of life or for the kejawen followers the ones
who have known the true knowledge, the appearance or haunting of spirits is
not a big problem. But the question is many do not know but curious. In
principle, in this world with its seven channels of life, there is a peaceful co-
existence of life (co-habitation) among the creatures and every 'nation' has
its own world and business.
What is annoying, some people who boasting themselves as experts of
spiritualism, paranomals, psychics etc. exploiting this topic with goal for
commercialism. A person with true knowledge should never do that. Normally
they are very low profile. If they give advice that helping other people they
are of the opinion that helping other people is a duty.
The majority of people, they wish to live safely, peacefully without being
disturb by any kind of spirits wherever they are, at home, at work place,
during travel etc. luckily, their wish is granted. In Java and Indonesia when
someone feels that his/her house is haunted by spirits, he/she should ask a
help from 'an old man/woman' wong tuwo in Ngoko-low level language or
piyayi sepuh in Kromo-high level language or shaman (dukun) to get rid of
the disturbance.
Usually there are two ways to cope with this problem:
1. The spirit(s) should be told not to disturb the people in the house
anymore. But the spirit(s) is/are allowed to stay in the house. (Peaceful
co-existence).
Sometimes the spirits have lived longer in the house than the human or
even they have lived in that place before the house was built.
2. The spirit(s) should be asked to move to other place, especially if they
are 'naughty/or bad'.
Request for help
1. In the mid of night, someone is screaming, scared to death, because
she/he sees a scary appearance of spirit, the body was in bloodshed or
in other horrible forms. The spirit is looking for help to be released from
the wrong path.
2. In the cemeteries, there are spirits who have not found their right way
to eternity or they still wish something in this worldly life, even they
have passed away for quite a long time.

It is important to pray to God the Almighty to forgive all mistakes and

sins of the deceased. A kejawen people with true knowledge should
know how to handle this.
Eerie places
Some places like road-junctions, bridges, museums, old castles, retreats,
cemeteries etc are eerie or hair-raising.
1. On a certain bridges, there are a lot of accidents, many people died.
The drivers know the bridge is eerie, so they horn every time they pass
it.
The spirits of the dead people, can not release themselves from the
'earth gravity', they stay on earth, they are starving. They want to have
more 'friends', staying with them. That's why, more accidents
happened.
2. In certain museums, old castles, cemeteries etc. Especially at night are
frightening, haunted by ghosts. There are some spirits who guard the
places or some antiques or heirlooms not to be bothered by anyone.
In the cemeteries, there are some spirits who guard a tomb of the
deceased. They remain loyal to the deceased. You know there are
clever and fool, good and bad spirits. Sometimes, those guards-spirits,
due to their blind loyalty attack a visitor.

The majority of that kind of spirits do not know the quality of a visitor.
If a visitor does not know anything about spiritualism, or he/she is
weak, the attack is dangerous. He/she can be sick or even died, if not
properly taken care.

Some old people say, it is better not to live nearby a cemetery. Or if you
go to a cemetery or to some old places, you have to be spiritually
prepared. In your heart, you should say that you have a good intention,
you are not doing any harm to anybody, you should be in safety.
3. By nature, some places are having strong power. Become good places
for meditation. Or some places are attractive to various creatures from
different worlds. They like to visit the places.
4. The domains of spirits. The palaces, the houses, the villages of spirits
usually are located in lonely places far away from human residential
areas, such as in the mountains, in the forests, in the lakes, in the
beaches etc. but nowadays due to the fast growing of human-
population, it seems nobody seriously thinks about it.
Cross-Relations
Somebody is married with a spirit from another established society of
creature, for instance with a siluman or kajiman. The mix family has children
too. Do you believe it? Yes, you do! Just like a marriage between an
Indonesian with a westerner and the children are Eurosian.
Usually the mix children of men and spirits, they are spirits, they do exist but
they live in the world of spirits, with the Merkayangan, silumans or kajimans.
Those who married with spirits, surely they have made agreements between
them, how they should meet, live together etc, most of the agreements
indicate that when the married person dies, he/she would join her/him and
their children to live in the spirit society.
Most of the piyayi sepuh (old men) say, it's better a human marries to
another human. But if you marry a spirit, he/she should be a spirit from an
established society, not the punished spirits. It should be a fatal mistake!
It's hard for ordinary young people to resist the temptation of a
merkayangan, siluman or other spirit beauty and handsome. A young man
should say: I have never seen such a beautiful lady in my live!. And she
would say that she's is ready to marry him but he has to join her to live in
her world. So, it's better not to make a rendez-vous with spirits when you are
still young! You may know one thing, spirits are more aggressive than
human-beings in love relation. You should know, that in their respective
societies, there are plenty of living spirits, their worlds are also crowded.
Why do some people are married with spirits? They learned mystics, when
they were not yet strong enough in spiritualism, they met with spirits,
beautiful or handsome, attracted and getting married.

Those who marry with spirits, they become clever, they would know
everything, they could be spiritual consultants, their partners would always
help them.

But it does not mean that they have achieved true knowledge (ilmu sejati),
the harmonious relations between servant and master. Regret-fully, after they
become clever, they are lazy to do samadi, which is the most important factor
for person seeking true knowledge. Most of their time are engaged with
spirits.
Invited by human-beings

As a general rule, the spirits should live in their own societal worlds, they
have nothing to do with the affaires in the human world.
But why so many spirits exist in the human world? The biggest part of them
are invited to live here, they are need by some people. To become guards of
somebody or to dwell in a certain heirlooms.
Their 'arrival' in our world are invited or drawn by a strong old man / shaman
or dukun. They were assigned to do some duties. Once they live here, they
are isolated from their own folks and world. It's very difficult or almost
impossible for them to return to their own society. In fact, there are
'migrants' of spirits in our world, most of them are siluman and kajiman.
Nowadays, some people say openly, they have collection of spirits for sales.
The price is according to their ability. No comment to the trading of spirits!
The spirits with higher position (kings, queens, ministers, and messengers)
from time to time, according to need, they come to visit some people,
because of their own wish or they are invited. But after the meeting they will
go back to where they belong. They have duties and assignments in their
places, but not here.
The shamans (dukun) or medical men/women of the spirits sometimes cross
the border and visit a wise people here for consultation. Some spirits with the
permit of their shaman, visit a human dukun to be cured from illness.
Black knowledge

Besides people who are learning true knowledge, there are also somebody
who are learning 'black knowledge'-ilmu hitam such as black-magic. This is
horrible for normal people! But, regretfully it is a fact!
Those narrow-minded people, usually with lower educational background,
they wish to achieve a quick profitable result in their life, they wish to have a
supernatural power, no matter what are the consequences.
They are seeking supernatural power such as invulnerability (towards sharp-
weapon, bullet, blow), able to disappear from sight, able to run very fast,
have a tremendous fist blow etc to back up their disgraceful occupation.
Through a black dukun/shaman, they make commitments with black
knowledge. They would be helped in their jobs by a certain bad spirit, in turn
despite they have to pay fee for the dukun, they have also to give some
offerings to the related spirits and these people should be helped by the
spirits as long as they live in this world, but after this life, they have to be the
spirits' helpers. For how long or until when?

Usually the dukun say that he is not involved in whatsoever commitments. He

is just doing his job. No, it is not true, the fact is the dukun is responsible
for what he/she does and he/she should pay the price.
A bigshot robber, he had a black knowledge which is called welut putih
(white eel). Like an eel he was difficult to be caught. He had tremendous
invulnerability. He has been beaten up badly, he almost died, but within a
short period he could recover, as if nothing has happened to him. He could
recover instantly if he drinks water. He has similarities with eel.
It was not easy to get this welut putih black aji/knowledge. He had to pay
the price by fasting, making some offerings etc. if he could pass the
'education', with the help of the dukun/black guru, a spirit of a white eel
should enter his body. That's why he has characteristic almost the same with
eel, he has to stay nearby water and consumes more water.
The Guru of black knowledge

There are also people who become gurus of ilmu hitam (black knowledge).
Probably it's their destiny. They should have known what is the price to be
involved in that kind of activities. It's true that the black guru is having very
strong magical power, it can be said, probably, that all his wish in this world is
fulfilled. He does not want to think about the after life, or he would be proud
to live again in that kind of circumstance. It's his affaires.
As an ordinary normal people, seeing the fact that learning black knowledge
is also not easy, why then, they do not learn true knowledge. Of course,
learning true knowledge is longer, one has to have great patience and there
won't be any cross-cut to acquire the knowledge. And the goal is completely
different!
A guru of black knowledge, in his fight to defeat his enemy, he/she could
transform his body to be a gigantic dragon (Naga raksasa). He/she could
eliminate at once his opponent. He/she has many followers, respected by
them. All his words are obeyed. He/she has power, abundant material wealth,
a lot of pleasure.
But that kind of guru had committed his after life, when his life in this world
ended, he should prepare himself to go the world destined for him, the world
of spiritual snakes.

Who is R.M. Anom Binaji?

'The world of spirits' as told to the writer by R.M. Anom Binaji, a native of
Ambarawa, Central Java, living in Jakarta.
Everyday, as a child when he woke up early in the morning, in his native, cool
and hilly town of Ambarawa R.M. Anom Binaji or Mas Ajid or Ki Anom, as
his friends call him, immediately confronts with the gigantic powerful
mountain, Mt. Merbabu.
In the Southern part is another giant active volcano Mt. Merapi. A few
hundred meters from his house is the large lake Rawa Pening. Born 43
years ago, in that tranquil green natural surroundings with strong magnetic
power, the young boy Mas Ajid was influenced by the power of nature,
notably, he was raised in a traditional Javanese family. His late father, a
teacher of a public high-school with dozen of children, was a master of
traditional self-defense, Pencak Silat. Consequently he had some
mystical power and he practised also kejawen.
The young boy learned the names of several strong spirits in his vicinity. The
spiritual ruler of lake-Rawa Pening is Sarpo Bongso, the spiritual rulers of
Mt. Merbabu are Lempir and Terapa, the spiritual rulers of Mt. Merapi are
Pujangga and Parlapa. He was very much impressed by the peaceful life in
his hometown. They care and help each other. They live in harmony, the
traditional people, the Muslims, the Christians, the Catholic, the Chinese
ethnics. It's the root of local culture.
The Keris and Antique Furniture

Since elementary school, he was adopted by his uncle and lived in Jakarta.
Years later, his adopted father after he was retired from service, opened an
antique furniture shop in the big house of the family.
Mas Ajid, as a teenager sometimes helped the delivery of the merchandise or
at home, he helped to arrange the antiquities including some keris. At first,
he did not pay any attention, when he stood close to some keris or very old
furniture, he felt something and he had hair-raising.
After he noticed it, he felt some vibration. He started to feel that in some
keris, there were spirits. He could not understand how it could be. Keris is a
sharp weapon from metal made by someone. As he could not solve the
problem by himself, he asked a piyayi sepuh, an old man. By chance, the old
man had a thorough knowledge of kejawen. He told him a lot of thing
including heirlooms, spirits and the story of true knowledge etc.
Learning true knowledge

He was so surprised to see some people who know a lot of thing in

spiritualism. He admires people with their magical knowledge could cure sick
people. He met people who could predict precisely. He said to himself: If
other people could have those abilities, why I could not? He began to practise
the learning of kejawen. He did it seriously without being noticed by other
people. He did a lot of exercises, fasting, less of sleeping, be patient,
concentration of cipta and the most important thing is breathing exercises,
every midnight for at least one hour.
In a remote village

In 1988, he was entrusted by his family to take care of a fish pond in a

village in West Java. It was a fish pond with fast flow water system to quickly
fatten the fishes, supplied with super quality of feed. Included a rice field and
the fishery stood on 10.000 sqm of land. For the first 2 years, there was no
electricity in the village.
After the sunset, the place was quiet and dark. Coincidentally, the place fits
for spiritual exercises. He could practise concentration of cipta and breathing
exercises (ulah napas) quietly without any disturbance for 2 to 3 hours per
night regularly. That kind of regular exercises should open the inner feeling-
rasa. He saw clearer the reality.
Mayangkara
As a result of serious samadi, he could meet Mayangkara (for men) or
Mayang Sarkara (for women) Mayangkara or Mayang Sarkara is bigger and
blacker than the person.
Both of them are called Mayang Gaseto (people call it Mayonggo Seto)
means love of Gusti/Lord, in the broader sense, means: the love of Lord are
for all women and men.
For urgent matters, during samadi, Mayangkara should transmit a message to
the people who is doing samadi. If a person is already familiar with samadi,
he/she while doing physical and soul purification, totally surrender his/her life
to God the Almighty, he/she should receive mystical message in case of
necessity. He/she begins to have a harmonious relation with Lord.
White shadow/wewayangan putih

Sometimes you feel by yourself that you have asked too much for your self.
You said that you do for others, but in fact it is your self-interest, your own
lust to do something. In that case you have to purify your self. Take a bath
and concentrate your cipta to Holy Creator you ask to be forgiven for all your
mistakes.
The best way is in the mid night during full moon. You stand firmly outside
the house, in the garden, see your own shadow, concentrate by breathing,
you are sorry for all your mistakes. You should see your black shadow
becomes white, don't breath and you see the sky. You would see your white
shadow like snow or white cloud in the blue sky.
That's mean your request is granted. If you are already familiar to see white
shadow outside the house, than you could learn to do it inside the house.
You sit under a lamp, where you can see your shadow in front of you.
With concentration this shadow could become white. But it's need a lot of
exercises, it's much more difficult. But with a firm determination, it should
work.
A clear view

Within almost 20 years of learning kejawen, Mas Ajid has a clear view of
what happened in this world. Only a very limited people are aware that he
had achieved true knowledge. He is low-profile, he is busy with his
permanent job in the field of manufacturing.
Replying to a question, why did it take too long time to master kejawen, he
said firmly:

"Because in kejawen, you exercise yourself, you do it by your own power. You
do not use outside help (for instance from spirits) You become your real
self! And the most important: You are blessed and permitted by Lord".
SASTRO HUTOMO
Seeking a True Knowledge
Looking from my own experience, almost 60 years living in the world, I dare
say that way of life is pre-destined for everybody. I mean that everyone has
his/her own place in this life, probably it is said as fate by many people, said
Pak Sastro Hutomo to the writer, in his family house in Panembahan, East of
Kraton, a more antique quarter of the city of Yogyakarta.
'Please have your coffee and try some snacks, please feel free', he said nicely
with high Javanese politeness, offering to the writer to taste some pieces of
boiled cassava and fried peanuts. He sipped his warm and black coffee and
before litting his kretek (clove) cigarette, he offered also the writer to smoke.
'What I've told you, is just a confirmation of what my late father has told me
years ago, also in this house', smilingly he told me, inhaling deep his
cigarette. Then the explanation went on smoothly the whole evening, in his
own words Pak Sastro said:
Right from the start, since my birth, I am a traditional Javanese - the
family, the tradition, the education, the surrounding, the culture, the nature
and I believe even the situation when I was created thru my parent are all
completely Javanese.
Since my childhood, I get used to wayang as my bed time stories. I had a
collection of wayang puppets from hard-paper, from time to time, I played by
imitating a dalang (puppet-master). I am accustomed with gamelan music. I
learned Javanese traditional dance, pencak silat martial art etc. I grew with
tradition of slametan (ceremonial meals) and sajen (offerings) and taking
good care of family heirlooms especially the kerises. I get used to the talk of
spirits and mysticism. As any other child I was tought Budi Pekerti, a
Javanese morality and good conduct, etiquette, at home and at school.
The most important and impressive lessons for me: I must be always
grateful to Gusti, our Creator who has given us life. I have to always
worship and honor and remember him anytime, anywhere in any situation. I
am obliged to respect my parents, my elder relatives (uncles, aunts etc), my
grand-parents, my ancestors, my parents-in-law, my teachers etc.
The practice of self-denial has been taught since I was young as fasting,
less of eating or do not eat specific food for certain period of time, less of
sleep or stay awake for 24 hours or all night stay alone in the room with no
light. I have followed obediently this habit. I taught that as a man. I had to
be able to go through it. I see it as a tradition. I see that my father and also
my grand-father (the father of my father) they did the same, thing from time
to time. This practice brings you closer to Gusti. When I was in Junior High
School, at the age of 12 or 13 year old, I oftenly accompanied my grand
parents in their eighties. I slept in their house. I noticed that my grand father
never slept in bed.
Even during the night. He only sat on his sitting chair. But he was healthy
until the end of his time, although he ate not much, preferably vegetables
and fruits and he smoked 12 kretek (clove) cigarettes per day. He didn't
talked too much to me, sometimes he asked me about my school, my silat
artial art training. He told me his experience of learning kanuragan
(invulnerability), usually considered as first level in learning kejawen) when
he was a youngster. He told me when he did ascetism in Parang Tritis, with
his friend in the beach of South Sea. After the third day of meditation on the
beach, his friend 'saw' a palace in the middle of the sea, he wanted to go to
that palace, he walked toward the sea with its huge waves and strong
current, my grand father had to use all his ability to safe his friend, to be
back in 'normal' world again, he was successful.
My grandpa was on ordinary person, a small priyayi (kraton/palace
employee), carried-out his simple life with determination. My father told me,
that he had pushed all his children to study diligently and to have good
conduct and to do self-denial, with strong belief that one day their life should
be bright, in the correct path!. In the 1960's, my grand parent in their 80ties
were famous in the neighbourhood and a lot of people knew them and their
children. They had 8 children, all of them earned a good living, have good
position in the society as government's ministers, members of parliament,
intelectuals, high ranking government officials, business executives. What a
parent's pride!
The topics of the family conversation was not narrow-minded. Although the
family has its deep root to tradition, preserves the culture strongly, it is open
to any kind of discussion of various subjects from arts to politics, from local
to national and international affaires. For a Javanese everything is permitted
as long as for 'Mamayu Hayuning Bawono' to embellish the beauty of the
world (lit) in a broader sense means to preserve the world for the benefit of
mankind.
It is a progressive Javanese slogan since the ancient time! It is a
proof that our ancestors have seen the sign of globalization, in the common
spirit that all nations should agree to build the world for the benefit of all
nations, for harmonious satisfactions of all people. Because we live in the
one and same world, under the roof of same sky, inhale same air,
consuming same source of water and benefiting of same sun. We have to
preserve the world, that's mean we are environmentalists-we love the nature
and the universe.
Towards the universe the right of human-beings are equal. There
should not be discrimination in whatever form: color of skin, ethnics,
gender, religion etc. all kind of differences should be regarded as valuable
assets, a unifying factor not exposed to be sources of conflicts.
As it is written in the country's coat of arms 'Bhineka Tunggal Ika' there
are difference but they are one /united/. So everyone lives in harmony
(rukun). Should harmony prevail now and forever?. Logically, the reply is yes.
But it depends to the counciousness of the people. That's why, our world
needs good, sincere and intelligent people to whole heartedly carry out their
task to preserve the world for the benefit of mankind.
So, Gusti/Lord - the Creator gives a challenging task to human-beings to
preserve the beautiful world, to live creatively in peace and harmony.
Kejawen, silently is giving opportunity to people to learn true
knowledge (kawruh sejati), to see reality (kasunyatan), to experience the
state of harmonious relation between servant and Master. Where there is no
more secret, everything is clear.
The harmonious relation, must be preserved among people and between
human beings and nature to keep our world safe and sound. To reach this
goal, among other the world needs people with good cipta (the forefront of
feeling), to do a lot of concentration of cipta, based upon sincerety and
holiness deprived from self-interest to help maintain the good and correct life
in the world. The best condition of the universe with all its content including
human-being is of our prime concern. The genuine Javanese approach of the
fate of our common world is always optimistic, the world is beautiful and
the life is also bright and beautiful!
We have to respect each other and we have to help each other with the
blessing of all loving God! This should be our common platform where a true
civilization is preserved, where a real sense of freedom is guaranteed, where
everybody could live in peace, safety, prosperity and happiness free from any
kind of intimidation, menace, torture, worriness and fear. That should be the
world of today and tomorrow!
As a humble citizen of the world, I do sincerely hope, Kejawen should be
considered as one of the positive outlooks with universal value. I
carried-out my simple life as many other people: graduates from school, get
a job, get married and having a family. I felt that everything was smooth, as
if it had been pre-arranged that way, what I had to do was just to follow the
direction.
I understood well that both my parents were traditional Javanese too. In their
fifties, they became serious kejawen followers. There were times when I had
to accompany my father or mother or both of them to meditate in a certain
places out side town or purified themselves by bathing in a spring or lake.
They always prayed for the safety and well - being of the family and later on
the big family, daughters and sons-in-law and grand children.
From my mother side, I am closer to the royal family of Yogyakarta. my
grand-father, from mother's side was a high-ranking aristocrat of the Palace
of Yogyakarta. he was supposed to be the Patih/Prime minister of Yogyakarta
Kingdom, but cancelled by the Dutch colonialists, as he was too nationalistic.
He , then assigned as an expert of royal art in Karaton (palace). His younger
brother was inaugurated as Patih.
They never told me to follow their path, only some times they told me of
their experience. Probably it was meant to be understood by our own mind
and consciousness. There were some precious examples by my parent, which
I never forget, it was happened during the Dutch occupation period when
Yogyakarta was occupied by the Dutch colonial army for 6 months in 1949. I
was 7 year old boy.
1. Sincerity and loyalty

My father was a civil servant with the regional office ofYogyakarta under
the Governor of the late Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX. During the
occupation period, all officials loyal to Indonesia did not work. He was
entrusted to keep a lot of bundles of money from his office. He kept the
money above the ceiling of our house, 1 kilometer west of the famous
Malioboro street. A colleague of his, made the book-keeping.
Every month, some money were taken and distributed to employees
and donated to the guerrillas independent fighters. After the war, the
rest of the money and the book were given back to the state treasury.
It was a lot of money available in front of eyes, life was difficult, and
my father and his friend did not steal even a piece of it! They were
sincere and loyal to the country. There was no greediness of material
wealth. A half century ago this country could pride their civil servants.
It should be also at present!
2. Bravery
 In the situation of war, some criminals and robbers appeared. One night
our house was robbed. At gunpoint they tried to ask money from my
father. He told them calmly that there was no money at home, all
money was kept in the office. The robbers took almost everything from
our house, but the government money were intact under the roof.
To see that kind of situation, allow me to be proud of my father and
mother! Comparing with present condition, has time changed the
morality of human-being? It was how my parent teach me of sincerety,
loyalty, no greediness of material wealth and bravery.
Since my school day in Yogya, I get used to have friends from various
ethnics of Indonesia including Chinese. Many pupils and students from
other islands studied in Yogya, some of them work after their
graduation, live and have families in Yogya. There are also expats in
Yogya. That's why Yogya is a metropolitan at present. When I worked in
Jakarta, I mixed also with colleagues of various nationalities I travelled
a lot in many parts of the country and some countries of the world.
Every where I go, I always admire the local specific nature, arts and
cultures. Having seen other countries, I feel sure that Indonesia is also
beautiful, especially its green pictoresque nature, beautiful seas and
ancient monument heritage. Our art, culture and various traditional
ceremonies are also valuable. Now, I think kejawen is also an
interesting subject to study, as one of world's philosophy or
belief.
3. Our children

We care our children with correct treatment as: belief in God, teach
Budi Pekerti (good morality) and etiquetes. My wife and I have same
perception that our children are entrusted to us by all-loving God. We
have to treat them with great responsibility. We are determined to give
them the best formal education at university level as their assets to
have their own independent life. We always pray that all-loving God
should bless our beloved children to live safely and happily physically
and spiritually, to be a valuable asset to their respective families, society
and mankind. We are not envy to other parents who could afford their
adult children with material wealth.
My normal life until my 53 year old of age with my family was a happy
one. I got good income, my wife always works with foreign companies,
we sent our children to good schools, sent them to English courses
taught by expats, so now we are an English speaking family, sent them
to learn traditional dances etc.
 Except a cozy house where we live in Jakarta, we had a country house
in the nearby mountainous region and other facilities to support a
convenient life. On holidays, we enjoyed together, visiting our parents
in traditional Lebaran holidays (to end a month of fasting) or just
holidaying in beautiful resorts at home or abroad.
As traditional Javanese, happily we have supported our parents and our
families. It is our duty. Thanks God we could afford. During that time, I
remained loyal to Javanese value and tradition. Sometimes with my
wife, we saw whole night wayang (shadow-puppet) performances with
pleasure or I attended some lectures of Javanese culture. I met with
some experts of kejawen. I visited some places of pilgrimage of
Mataram dynasty.
Change of life style

5 years ago or sometime in the end of 1993, I felt something strange. I was
frustrated that some people who I trusted as my friends have betrayed me
cruelly. In short it was due to the glamour of material wealth. As a normal
human-being, I saw the world falling apart. It was painful, out of logic, how
could people whom I have helped, by providing good job & position, ruin me.
I was put in a such situation that I could do nothing! That was it! I was
forcefully out of biz. What about my family? As a Javanese, I felt that I was
moved to open my private notes of kejawen teaching. In the first days,
overcoming a shock desperate feeling mixed with anger, it was hard for my
body to support my urgent wish to find a just answer from Gusti/Lord.
I prayed a lot, practicing a lot of self-denial. (I skip details what I have done,
I'll tell later on for those who are interested to learn reality). Step by step
after a long process of spiritual practice and I can accept the true life in
accordance with kejawen, I got the reply: My understanding of life based
upon logical thinking, where a human-being is happy if he has adequate
material wealth as food, clothes, house, other wealth and pleasure, power
and position has changed.
That kind of understanding is to fulfil the need of my body and my logic
thinking. From now on, my life has to fulfil the need of my holy spirit who
does not need any kind of material wealth. It is a divine call, it is the wish of
Gusti. I have to dedicate my life to the wish of Gusti. I got the reply after a
long devoted spiritual practices including samadi, after I am in harmonious
relations with Gusti. It is a true knowledge, a reality. The usual terminology in
Javanese is:

Nglenggahi urip ing marcapada lan urip kang sejati.

Nglenggahi from lenggah - to sit on; to take care urip - life; marcapada-
world; sejati-true) meaning: some one with blessing of Gusti, is able to take
care of a good and correct life on earth and knows true life. Don't ask me
when I get this message. It was just recently! So, I Admit that I myself is
still and always be in the process of learning!
Process of Seeking a True Life
The alteration of my life style happened unexpectably. I was not prepared of
it. I was snatched from ordinary busy and fortunate activities. I had no
position and financially weak. Usually I was good in problem solving, I could
manage things in good order. But this time, all my efforts to repair the
damage were fruitless. The more I tried, the more trouble I got, of course, at
that time, I could only blame others.
Thank God, I was not out of control. Powerless, I prayed very seriously at
midnight after taking a bath with cool water. I prayed also outside the house
directly under the night sky. I felt calmer when I saw the clear blue sky with
the shinning moon and twinkles stars. I worship God the Almighty, requesting
protection and a way-out. I began to remember the spiritual Javanese
teaching which I have ever been told long time ago by my parents and other
old people, although my emotion was still high.
Only you can solve your own problem

At that time due to frustration, I consulted to some elder wise people. They
advised me to do this and to do that, I did some of the advices, but there
was no effect. Until one night, I understood a whisper in my heart, saying:
"Only you, yourself, can solve your own problem".
As if replying to my immediate question 'But how? The inside message said:
"Be calm, ask yourself" The following nights. I tried with difficulties to
meditate. I got again the message from inside: 'Take care of your real life, no
need to blame others, mix only with good people.
It was difficult for me to understand, but at least I started to feel that my
praying got replies. Meanwhile an old friend of mine offered me a job,
although the income was far less than what I usually earned, it was great for
me. At least I was not too ashamed to my family.
I forced myself to work at my best, trying to forget the painful past. At night,
I continued with praying and meditation, which had become more solemn.
One night, when I was in silence, praying to all loving God, all of a sudden a
clear picture of my beloved family appeared in front of me, as if I saw a TV.
Screen
I held my breath, grateful to Gusti/God, that I've been reminded to take good
care my family. In two months, my first daughter was going to marry,
meaning that that we should make wedding ceremony. My wife was worried,
from where we would get the money. Our daughter understood the financial
situation we were having. She told us not to make a wedding party.
A simple marriage registration would do. I was very touched with her kind
understanding. Through solemn praying, I would like to ask Gusti's blessing
to marry my daughter. The reply was unexpected. I saw a picture of a
complete Javanese wedding ceremony and I heard a voice: 'Celebrate the
wedding! The next morning, I told my wife confidently to go on with her plan
for the wedding celebration. Prepare everything including invitations,
traditional dresses, ceremonies etc. She was, of course, a bit hesitated, but I
told her: "Please believe me"
A relative of mine very nicely offered me a hand for the wedding, but he
need me to do some jobs for him. Then, other relatives and friends
supported us, it was the hands of God, I believe who helped us in time of
need, of course I am very grateful to all parties who have helped us. The
wedding ceremony was successful, attended by relatives, friends and even
some dignitaries.
A period of Panalongso

It was the first experience in my life when I realize that my life, my fate is
entirely under Gusti supervision. I carried out my simple daily life, I worked
with very limited earning but I did not complain. I'm grateful to Gusti for the
protection, He gives to my family. I understood with devotion that I have to
behave accordingly, so that I became closer and closer to the wish of our
Creator.
For about 1000 days, I carried on my life with a lot of self-denial, I became a
Total vegetarian to learn to be more patient and to be easier to control desire
and lust. Wholeheartedly I'm always grateful to Gusti who has given me life. I
decide that my Cipta (forefront of feeling), Rasa (feeling), Karsa (wish) and
Tumindak/Karya (deed) to be always good and correct, clean and holy. I
completely believe that a Javanese proverb saying:

"Ati suci jumbuhing kawulo Gusti" = "A holy heart is the harmonious relation
between servant and master" is correct and true.
Within this period, I slept only around 4 hours in a day. I always took a bath
at midnight and did praying and samadi solemnly. I did ask to Gusti the
safety and well-being of my family, other people, the country as well as the
world, as the Javanese teaching says mamayu hayuning bawono - to
embellish the world for the benefit of mankind.
People say it was Panalongso i.e. to suffer consciously for a quite long period,
before reaching an awareness of total devotion to all loving God. If you can
pass Panalongso, you should be Katrimo (accepted) by Gusti. You continue
your total surrender (sumarah) to Gusti and your life should be in tune with
your true life, a position towards a harmonious relations between Kawulo
(servant) and Lord (Gusti).
Spiritual experience - Part I
During the period of Panalongso, I got spiritual teachings step by step. The
first year was very hard, although I tried to completely surrender to Gusti,
but I still tried to evaluate everything with logical thinking. But I was decisive
to understand the path of my real life. My experience which are significant
among other:
The appearance of light

At midnight after cleansing my body by taking a shower, I tried to purify also

my soul by complete devotion to Gusti. I control my breathing, doing
meditation alone in my room lighted only with a small table lamp. The room
was a bit dark. When I was concentrating my mind, suddenly the room
became bright. I noticed a bright but not glaring white and a bit yellowish
light surrounded me. I felt peaceful and relieved. It occurred almost every
night when I made meditation. Then sometimes it happened also when I was
not meditating. I felt peaceful and I was grateful to Gusti whom I believe
should open my way to the path of true life.
The family

Above anything, the fate and well-being of my immediate family i.e. my wife
and my three daughters are my first concern. I am the head of the family
and I feel responsible. I can't see them suffering. Sincerely I always request
to Gusti to protect my family to live in good and correct manner. I said to
Gusti that it's OK for me to suffer, but please not my family.
I never get a direct reply from Gusti, but I am sure my request is granted. My
wife is still working, our first daughter got married in decent manner. She and
also her husband work and live happily. (They have 2 kids at present)
Our second daughter graduated from university, got a good job and her
marriage was also celebrated well as in accordance to our Javanese custom.
Our youngest daughter continued her study in the university and she easily
could find jobs on non-permanent basis in various offices. By now, she has
completed her study and got a permanent promising job. I myself, I am
working although with modest income, never mind. I still have a good family
and live relatively happy. I am fully aware that everything is decided by a
good judgment from Gusti.
Spiritual deed
a. Someone precisely resembles me.

It was hard for my body to practise the new style of life. In order to
purify myself (physic and soul) to open my way to a real life, I did as
the javanese say "mbanting rogo" meaning lit. "Throw down forcefully
the body" i.e. to conquer the wishes of the physical body in favor of the
correct wishes of true life.
Sometimes I felt that I fall sick. In the normal time I would go
immediately to medical doctor. But the fee was expensive. In that
situation, all of a sudden, someone precisely looked like me, came to
me, messaged or just touched me and immediately I felt healty again.
That kind of things occurred whenever I felt sick. During 1000 days of
my spiritual deed, I have never been ill! Less food, less sleep, normal
work, more praying and meditation have make me stronger.
b. Roso/Inner feeling

Sometimes I had strong feeling to accomplish something among other:

to fast, to stay awake until certain time, take a walk at night without
talking etc. I followed accordingly the wish of Roso, believing entirely
that it is my spiritual steps.
I feel also that my roso becoming sharper. I began to know that (thru)
roso, dawuh (instruction) and sasmito (message) can be received.
With more and more or constant practises or exercises, you should
know right away the meaning of the dawuh or sasmito and whether it is
true.
c. Visiting sacred places

As a native of Yogyakarta and Mataram, in case of necessity I began to

visit one by one the sacred places of Mataram dynasty. I did it in
accordance with the messages I received. Usually during this visit with
clean heart, I got new knowledge of spiritualism. My wish was only
concentrated to mamayu hayuning bawono (to embellish the world for
the benefit of mankind).
d. Meeting ancestors, famous people and spirits
 Before doing samadi, I always worship Gusti with clean heart,
requesting His protection and blessing that I always have a good
conduct in carrying out my life. I'm grateful to Gusti. I honor my
parents, my parents-in-law and all my ancestors. Sometimes I felt or
saw that some of my ancestors visited me. Some say that they are only
spirits, but kejawen teach me that life is eternal. It is a reality. When I
visited some sacred places or graveyards of ancestors or well known
people, I met them, even before I arrived in those places. If I was a
painter, I could easily draw their pictures.
Usually there was some communications. I don't know how could I get
this ability, it just appears all of a sudden. I could only be grateful to
Gusti, without his permit I know nothing. Besides ancestors or well-
known people, sometimes I met with spirits from another dimension
who now live in the human world or just come from his/her world due
to some necessities. Afterwards, he/she shall go back to where he/she
belong.
e. Lessons during my sleep

After 1000 days of serious and continuos spiritual practise (of my own
wish and determination), guided only by the believe of Gusti blessing, I
fall sick. Almost one month my entire body was sick. Apart from routine
job, I wanted only to have a rest and to sleep. While laying in bed at
night, I remember Gusti but I felt powerless. I understood that I was
made to be sick and I have to accept it.
But something strange happened, in my sleep I received "lectures" of
spiritualism, almost everynight. Fantastically, I remember what I was
told. Once again, I believe, it must be the wish of Gusti. The above, I
call it spiritual experience Part I. hereunder is the following Part II.
Spiritual experience Part II
Weton: Javanese birthday

It is a tradition of my family to remember our weton. (Javanese birthday,

every 35 days, a combination between the 7 days from Sunday to Saturday
and Javanese 5 days of Kliwon, Legi, Pahing, Pon and Wage. Someone has a
weton of Sunday Kliwon or Friday Legi etc.)
In this weton day usually we make a simple offering in the form of a plate of
red and white rice porridge and a glass of water. This offering is to remember
mother and father whom have been trusted by the Creator to have children.
It is also to remember the spirits-sisters and brothers who have born
together with the person. (see Cipta Tunggal, point 16)
Sometimes it is accompanied by a ceremonial meals. When I made my weton
offering, it was received by a person who precisely resembles to me, also the
dress he wears. When I changed my dress, he also wears the same dress like
mine.
The night when I did samadi, I got a message that I was entering the
process of true life. I should be more careful when I talk, it could happened. I
must always have a good cipta (forefront of feeling) wish and deed. I am not
supposed to curse someone. Even to a very bad guy, instead I would ask
Gusti to pardon him/her/them.
Anoraga
I understood from my true feeling (roso sejati) that I've tried sincerely to
adhere the principles of true knowledge. I devote my life to Gusti for the
benefit of mankind, sincere to myself as well as to others, practising good
conduct and morality. I have tried hard to annihilate the evils in my heart
(see: The secret of Dewaruci, page 2 consist of 12 points). But I still have
difficulties in accepting "Anoraga" i.e.
I would not fight back if someone does something evil to me. If I really trust
in Gusti, I have to accept it without reserve. Surrender totally to the decision
of Gusti. Gusti is just, wise and the most powerful. Solemnly I am grateful to
Gusti.
Family
I was told previously that I'm too much concern for the fate of my family. I
would like to provide them the best: good life, good education and enough
material wealth, which is logically acceptable. My perception to give my
children good education is correct. If I could afford them with abundant
material wealth, it is good for ordinary people, make me proud and happy,
but it is wrong from the point of view of true life. Why?

Excessive protection shall hinder the understanding of real life to my children.

It's true, they are your children, your responsibility until they are adult, but
you must be aware that they have their own life. Their life is also seeking
their true life, which is the care of Gusti. My judgment from now on, must be
based upon true life.
Mission of life

Every creature has its own mission in this life as planned by Gusti, even
before she/he was born. I have been made to confess that I was complaining
a lot of my financial deterioration. How could Gusti have punished me so that
I become materially poor? Gusti does not believe me, if I'm rich I would be
glad to help the needy. No, I completely misunderstood. Gusti does not
punish me, neither punish anyone else. Gusti cares for me. Gusti put me back
in the correct track of life, I supposed to be. I was snatched from the world
of business, because it was not my correct place. In business, I would be
involved to some extent in dishonesty.
I was created to be a seeker of true life. I have to be entirely clean physically
and souly. I was supposed to be one of Gusti servants who spread sincerity
and good morality, to preserve the world for the benefit of all creatures.
It does not mean that I should forbid anyone doing business, I could just tell
them to do it with good manner, avoiding dirty tricky business. I had
experience in business, so I know very well the difference between good and
dirty deals.
Once again, I praise all-loving God. I was clearly told to work in the field of
culture. The whole mankind and the world need culture which means a true
path to civilization.
Roso Sejati

Roso means feeling, sejati is true = true feeling. After a relatively long period
seeking of true knowledge (kawruh sejati), I start to have a more open mind
and spiritual view. With the blessing and permit of Gusti, my true feeling is
opened. The true feeling is a direct communication to the world of reality.
It's not supernatural, it is a reality. It is a proof and not merely an illusion,
that a seeker of true knowledge could see reality, could achieved "a
harmonious relation between servant and Lord", for the noble sake of
mamayu hayuning bawono. (to preserve the world for the benefit of
mankind).
Samadi
The most important factor for a seeker of true knowledge (kawruh sejati) is
samadi. He/she has to do it regularly. Before doing samadi his/her body and
soul must be prepared accordingly. Take the position comfortably (eneng),
concentrate fully your mind, think of nothing except sincere devotion to
Creator of life (ening), do and listen to your regular and comfortable
breathing. With Gusti's blessing you would reach a state of harmonious
relation between servant and Lord. It is a true experience of perfectness. It
can't be described, as there is no such a thing in earthly life
The Experience of K. Suwardi
Sastra Jendra
Kanuragan
"When I was in secondary school, I learned Kanuragan very
seriously. (Kanuragan teaches the students to be physically powerful by using
inner power and/or mantras, and invulnerable to any kind of weapons, bullets
etc) That kind of practice was common in my place where people adhered
strongly to Kejawen principles" explained Pak (father) K. Suwardi, a man in
his fifties, one evening in his house.
He is a native of Central East Java, a civil servant by occupation living
peacefully and modestly with his Yogyanese wife and 4 children. "Seeing the
result of mystical achievement I got, I did the learning more confidently by
following all my Guru's instructions".
"If I remember now, what kind of exercises I have followed through, it was
unbelievable". It was really hard, he said further, among other he had to fast
without any food and water for a week, he had to remain outside directly
under the sky for 24 hours; he and his friends had to submerge in the middle
of a river for one night listening the teaching of their Guru.
He believed it could happened only by protection of Lord/Gusti. He was not
satisfied to learn only from one Guru. During school holidays he went oftenly
to learn in other places. He considered Kanuragan as the first step to learn a
higher knowledge in spiritualism and Kejawen, to believe more and more to
the unlimited power of Gusti.
Knowledge (Ngelmu) from his father

Continuing his experience, he said: "I have become an adult, already work
and have a family. 20 years ago, I was called by my father to visit him
immediately. I went home to my native village at week-end, I found my
father was ill.
He asked me to stay until Tuesday despite my protest. In the eve of Tuesday,
he talked to me in the veranda of the house. He asked me to open widely the
front door of the house. Unexpectedly he told me that now, it was time for
him to leave the family and the world. He instructed me to call my mother.
My father held her hands tightly, saying clearly in composed voice:
"Well ma, we have been living together for a quite a longtime. I wish you
apologize me for any mistake I did to you. It's now the time for me to leave
you and the family". All of a sudden my mother collapsed and fell
unconscious. My father fell on my lap, I embraced him, kissed his head. He
whispered to me some sentences which he told me to be remembered
correctly. He asked me: "Do you know?" "Yes, I replied". Then he passed
away.
(seven years later, I understood that my father's last words are precious
teaching of perfect knowledge, ngelmu Kasampurnan) Since I got my father's
message, I deliberately dropped my kanuragan knowledge. I decided to learn
a higher knowledge i.e. True knowledge.
Kasepuhan
Kasepuhan means knowledge for old people (sepuh means old in refined
javanese). In his forties, Pak K. Suwardi was decisive to learn wise
knowledge. He felt that he was getting older, it was a high time for him to
learn something valuable for him as well as for others.
Praise Gusti, he met a right old wise man who knows kejawen perfectly. He
learned and exercised with determination, step by step, unconsciously he
became wiser. Without any promotion people started coming to him for
consultation, of course, he can not reject the visitors. They come for various
reasons. He started to help people among other:
• To cure sick people.
• To solve family problems.
• To help someone to regain his/her consciousness due to black magic
(santet)
• To clean properly haunted houses etc.
Replying to question that in this modern time black magic or santet still
exists, Pak K. Suwardi inhaling his breath deeply, said: "Regretfully yes, there
are people who mischiefly using black spiritual practices to achieve different
goals. I have helped a lot of people who suffer from these deeds. Really it's
annoying".
Recently he have just helped someone who lost his twelve year old daughter
for 3 weeks. The man has tried to find her every where: in his relatives
'houses, hospitals etc, before he came for a help to Pak K. Suwardi. Looking
to the girl's photo, Pak Suwardi told her parents:
"The most important, your daughter is still alive. At that time, she is
abducted and hidden by some spirits. Please pray solemnly to God the
Almighty to protect your girl and request God to help you, so your girl shall
return to your house safely. I will do my best also to help solve this problem
by blessing from God". "The next day I got a phone call informing me that his
daughter had return safely. Thank God! ".
My partner-Mas Kijan Djajatirta

In the effort to help sick people, I have a reliable partner Mas

(brother) Kijan Djajatirta, a 44 year old man, an employee of an
International Hotel. He has a tremendous ability to cure sick
people by doing a kind of message. Upon request by the writer,
Mas Kijan explained in his own words:
" I was born and bred in the eastern slope of Mt. Lawu, Batu Retno
district, about 100 km South-East of Surakarta. My father a kejawen
practitioner, many people come to him for consultation, he is treated as an
old man by our local community. Since the age of 12, I learned kanuragan
together with my fellow-village boys. I have been given opportunity to learn a
lot in kanuragan knowledge. A spiritual training among many exercises which
I never forget: When I have to remain in a forest for 7 consecutive days and
nights, did fasting, did not meet other people for the whole period.
Only by the permit of Gusti and total belief to the knowledge I pursuit. I
could successfully pass this spiritual deed. Needless to say that I have to
learn step by step with the supervision of a Guru. He told me that I have to
remain always low profile and above everything else, I am obliged to be
grateful to God the Almighty. In kanuragan, I have the advantages to know
about the strenghts and weaknesses of all parts of human body.
A basic knowledge which is very useful later on doing my duty in helping sick
people. Growing older, I felt that I need a spiritual knowledge useful also for
the well being of other people. I am happy that Gusti replies my sincere wish.
I met a wise old man from whom I learn a lot.

Now, I am practicing to help sick people as far as I could with sincerity. I am

fully aware, this is a part of my duty as an ordinary creature seeking real
knowledge. Ngelmu Kesunyatan".
Sastra Jendra

Back to Pak K. Suwardi, he said further: "I admit that up to now, I am still
learning true knowledge or some say kasunyatan (reality). I am very well
aware that process of learning never stop. My aim for myself is to be in
harmonious relation with Gusti and to be able to mamayu hayuning bawono
(to embellish the world for benefit of mankind), that's why I consider helping
people as my duty in life. Although, I confess that I can help successfully only
with Lord's permit" My late Guru said it is Sastra Jendra. A person who had
accomplish the real meaning of the teaching of Sastra Jendra is a spiritually
great person (Priyagung in spiritualism).
In the ancient time Sastra Jendra was only for certain gods, it was a top
secret knowledge. In wayang stories, the supreme god Batara Guru had
tought this knowledge to god Indra. Only a selective people could achieve
Sastra Jendra, after passing successfully his/her Tapa Brata (spiritual
ascetism)
In his classical works, Arjuna Sasrabahu, a poet of Surakarta Palace
(1824), R.Ng.Sindusastra mentioned that "Sastra Jendra is a world secret"
(Sastra Jendra wadining rat)

Despite several comments circulated Sastra Jendra Hayuningrat

Pangruwating diyu is Sastra - knowledge; harjo - Raharjo - safe; Endra -
god, king; yu - Rahayu - safe; ningrat - world, body; pangruwat - to be freed
from; diyu - giant or buta - blind, can not differentiate between good and
bad.
Previously it was Sastra (Har) Jendra - a secret knowledge of gods, but at
present it is becoming Sastra Ceta - a clear knowledge, showing a human
being who is successfully doing his/her samadi, accepted by Gusti, he/she
would see the reality (kasunyatan) for a person seeking for a reality, samadi
is one of the most important thing to practice. By achieving spiritually Sastra
Jendra, means: A human sees his/her real-self (kejatenira), his/her life is
safe/perfect, able to 'mamayu hayuning bawono' - to embellish the world for
the benefit of all creatures, knows the real knowledge of 'Sangkan paraning
dumadi' - the secret of circulation of life, from where it comes and where it
goes. Of course it could happened only by the permit of Gusti as a blessing to
our good, correct and continuos spiritual efforts.
Closing his remarks on Sastra Jendra the low profile man said:
"Some kejawen people say this teaching can be achieved by those who
perfectly understand the real meaning of Hanacaraka Javanese characters.
Based upon experience, I am of the opinion, the most suitable time to
disclose the true essential purpose of Sastra Jendra is the night of 1 st of Suro,
the Javanese New Year, the holy day for Javanese"
Prof. DR. Sukintoko
From Olah Rogo (physical exercises)

To Olah Roso (true feeling exercises)

Keris from Panembahan Senopati

One night, sometimes in 1987, Pak (father) Sukintoko was

meditating in Lipuro, a sacred place of pilgrimage of Mataram
dynasty, 10 km south of Yogyakarta city. He was accompanied
by some of his friends, amidst the other pilgrims.
Lipuro is one of the famous places where Panembahan
Senopati did meditation in his efforts to build the 2nd Mataram
Kingdom. Here, he accepted a divine revelation 'Lintang Johar'
in the 16th century.
During his deep concentration of mind, he received a precious gift from
Panembahan Senopati. A mystical keris (Javanese dagger). It is a straight
keris, the form resembles to the genuine Tugu monument of Yogyakarta. the
occasion was witnessed by some of the wise pilgrims (pinisepuh). He heard
also a clear message, that he is allowed to visit Panembahan Senopati, in his
house.
Expert in the fields of sports

Dr. Sukintoko for a long time, dedicates himself as Professor in the State
University of Yogyakarta-UNJ, formerly known as IKIP. Since his youth, he is
active in the field of sports among other basket-ball, football etc. Since 1953
he has joined a sport organization Yuso'. In 1957, he became a teacher of
SGPD-(Secondary Teachers' School of Physical exercises) in Yogyakarta.
He was appointed as assistant coach of basket ball, where he was sent with
the National Team to Mexico in 1968. He has also visited some other
countries of Latin America, Europe and Asia. When he was only 15 years old,
he joined the famous student army T.P-Surakarta in 1946, fighting for the
country's independence. In 1948-1950, he was a member of Army volunteers
Corp, under the legendary Brigadir General Slamet Riyadi.
A descendant of Mataram

As a youngster, Sukintoko was living in Solo with his parents, his father was a
teacher of sports, Javanese language and physics. He is a true descendant of
Mataram family lineage. From his father's side, he is a descendant of Sultan
Hamengkubuwono II of Yogyakarta, where as from mother' side, he is a
descendant of Sunan Pakubuwono III & IX & Sri Mangkunagoro I of
Surakarta. All of them have direct link to the kings of 2 nd Mataram kingdom
as Panembahan Senopati, Sultan Agung etc.
Javanese Spiritual Teaching

As a traditional Javanese, a believer in God, he always worships Gusti/God

the Almighty, tries to be always close to Gusti. In his best, he thinks and does
good conduct and behavior (laku utomo), helping others in a good and
correct way, in short to participate for mamayu hayuning bawono (to
embellish the world for the benefit of mankind)
Since his youth, he has heard a lot from his father who is expert in Javanese
language, some examples of noble characters and deeds, found in Javanese
Tembangs (songs), poems and literature. By his own wish, he began visiting
some places of pilgrimage of Mataram dynasty.
The 68 years of age, healthy and symphatetic, Prof. Dr. Sukintoko, carries a
happy and simple life with his family in Yogya. His house is in the university
complex in the north part of the city. As routine spiritual deed, during his
'nepton' (Javanese birthday every 35 days), for three days he eats less, no
salt and meat.
His meditation is also a daily exercise. Anytime, he can do it, wherever he has
a free convenient time. Sitting relax and control the breathing is important.
Sometimes he got mystical messages. Sometimes, he does Samadi to
exercise for true knowledge. He lies down on his back, on a clean bed, in a
relax position. Listening to his controlled breathing. During the night, it is
proper time to do exercises to acquire Kawaskitan (ability to see metaphysical
world and to predict in various fields: personal life, situation of country etc)
Visits to ancestors' sites

In his own words, DR. Sukintoko further explained: "I go to certain places, if
I have an inner feeling. Sometimes I go using public transport, motorbikes or
if I'm lucky someone lend me a car. You know I have no car of my own, it's
not a problem for me". He said smilingly.
"Arriving on sites, I adjust myself, my mind with the natural surroundings. I
sit relaxly and concentrate my feeling, asking first the blessing of Lord.
Usually I should see some images as mystical symbols. Interpreting the
symbols properly is another important matter.
Since 1985, I got a partner to interprete the symbols I see. He is my
colleague, Prof. Drs. R. Imam Sudjagad Saleh. We always go together to the
sacred places of Mataram dynasty. We are a good team-work!
Prof. Drs. R. Imam Sudjagad Saleh
Kejawen a proper way, to improve quality of life
A gentleman has just parked his motorbike in the front garden
of Prof. Dr. Sukintoko's resident, he is also a professor of State
University of Yogyakarta - UNY, formerly known as IKIP, he is
Prof. Drs. R. Imam Sudjagad Saleh, a good friend, relative and
partner of Pak Sukintoko in seeking reality (Kasunyatan).
He looks much younger despite his 70 years old of age. Every
where, he goes riding his motorbike, a practical means of
transport in the city of Yogyakarta. Even he goes to remote places outside
town using his bike together with his partner. A simple way of life, he carries
on relaxly and with dignity. People, especially the younger generation should
follow the example of this respected University professor.
Self-discipline
Pak (father) Imam was born in Manado, North Sulawesi. His father was an
officer of Post-Office. Then, following his father's assignment, the family lived
in South Sulawesi. As an elder generation, he has a worthy experience to live
in various political circumstances, under the Dutch, Japanese and in the free
Indonesia. He takes only positive lessons. He is of the opinion all the changes
are always improving the development. In the old days, a strict method of
education to school pupils should, pave the way to a conscious self-discipline.
Geography and Kejawen

After finishing his study in Faculty of Geography, Pak Imam becomes a

lecturer of Geomorphology. The subject is closely related with the study of
nature with its different components. The relation of nature and human life is
clearly visible. Human-beings should treat the nature and the symptoms of
nature in a correct way in order to have a good, correct and noble life.
Through Geography as a science, it is easier for Pak Imam to understand true
knowledge (kawruh sejati) as described in the traditional spiritual teaching
of kejawen.
The Quality of life

Prof. Drs. Imam Sudjagad, is a descendant of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono II

of Yogyakarta, his wife has a direct family lineage to Sri Mangkoenagoro III
of Surakarta.
Since 1985, his interest to kejawen grew. He met his colleage and relative,
Dr. Sukintiko who has same interest. When they went together to their
ancestor's graveyard, Adipati (court regent) Djajaningrat, famous with his
nick-name Eyang (grand-pa) Sapujagad, a son-in-law of Sultan
Hamengkubuwono II, they got a mystical instruction (dawuh), that from
that moment, they become partners seeking true spiritual knowledge. They
go together to many sacred places. The mystical messages, received by Pak
Sukintoko, properly interpreted by Pak Imam and vise versa.
Pak Imam does Samadi anytime. He sits cross-legged, worshipping sincerely
to Gusti, God the Almighty. Sometimes he does tayuh, solemnly requests
Gusti of something he would like to know. With full concentration of mind, he
begins to meditate as long as he can. If too-night, he got no message yet, he
should continue the following night. Everything could happened only with the
permit of all-loving God.
As a believer in God, his focuss of pray is to mamayu hayuning bawono (to
embellish the world for the benefit of mankind), a good correct life and well-
being for other people as well as for himself and his family.
He is confident that kejawen is a proper way to truly improve the quality of
life, for the benefit of mankind. confidently he told the writer:
"Regarding kejawen, I have same opinion as my partner and probably with
other lovers of kejawen that it has a universal value. The basic is Budi
Pekerti based upon logical thinking of good, honest mind and good conduct
and behavior. To do (makarya) everything decently not only for her/his
benefit but also beneficial for others.
Always remember to worship and be grateful to God the Almighty, think and
do only things in the paths blessed and permitted by Gusti. Sincerity and
morality are a must and have to be practiced consciously. Only with clear
mind, holy heart and correct deed, you should be able to be closer to Gusti.
Based upon the above moral guidance, preservers of kejawen are always
concern with the safety and well-being of mankind and the Universe with all
its contents.
"Some people ask me how I got this spiritual ability. Well to tell the truth, I
myself do not known how I get this small ability", said the low profile
Professor.
"I might say I do it in a relax way. I work in the University which is my duty
and as the head of the family I have also to perform my duty to take care of
them. In the evening when I feel fit, physically and mentally, I do pray and
samadi. I never force myself to do something which is beyond my capacity.
This way, I keep the balance of life in the correct track and direction, always
praying to be blessed by God the Almighty"
Soepadi Soetowilopo
To help others is a duty
There are some visitors in the house of Pak Soepadi
Soetowilopo in Kotabaru, a clean well arranged area of the city
of Yogyakarta. Mas Manyul, as his friends call him, is a helpul
and open-minded gentleman in his seventies. He is healthy
and looks much younger. Most of the visitors are coming to
him for consultation. Some request advices to get rid of
physical sickness and others need a way out of various
problems, including spiritual matters.
His services began sometimes in 1969. For more than a decade, his house
was always plenty of visitors from sunrise to sunset and even in the evening.
He always tried his best to help the needy with a proper solution. He did not
know how it begin. How he could help people and why did they come to him.
One thing he is sure, he is able to help others, only with the permit of God
the Almighty. He never ask any fee for his services, this is a divine duty to
help others. His visitors consist of local as well as foreigners-Europeans and
Americans.
Miracles of life

Mas Manyul was born in Solo. From his father' side he is a descendant of
Pakubuwono IV, from his mother' side, he is a descendant of Pakubuwono VI,
one of the country's National Hero, granted for his firm support to Prince
Diponegoro, the eldest son of Hamengkubuwono III, during the Diponegoro
war in 1825-1830 against colonialism.
He spent his childhood in the hilly town of Temanggung, Central Java. His
father, a nationalist fighting for the country's freedom worked as an employee
in the local office of public works. He worked with the consent of Sukarno, a
brave national leader who's later on become the first President of the
Republic of Indonesia, upon one condition: his father had also to support the
struggle of independence financially. A duty which he accepted with dignity.
His father, a traditional Javanese had a tradition to visit some places of
pilgrimage. Sometimes, the young Soepadi accompanied him. One day in
1938, his father rrestored the place of pilgrimage of Ki Ageng Makukuhan
in Kedu Regency. A famous ascetic of ancient time, respected by many
people. During this construction, the young Soepadi began to see miracles
which he should not forget for the rest of his life. The miracle for him is a
proof of the holy power of God the Almighty.
In the era of independence, the family settled in Yogya, where his father was
assigned as a lecturer in the Technical Faculty of Gajah Mada University. The
same with his father, sometimes he visited places of pilgrimage. He tried to
calm down himself, to clear his mind, to clean his heart and begin to
meditate.
Until one night, in 1969's, he was meditating with some of his friends in a
cool tranquil small village in the slope of Mt. Merapi. He felt that he was
unified with the nature, his inner feeling told him that he is in harmonious
relations with all loving God. In true happiness, he did not remember how
long he had been meditating.
After the meditation, the village wise man and some of his friends told him
that during his samadi, they saw eight colors of splendid lights shine from
inside his body. It was really a miracle. Since that time, without any
promotion, a lot of people visit him for consultation.
Golekono dewe

It is a Javanese language for "find with your own way". Mas Manyul believes
that every one has her/his own specific way to reach the world of reality
(Kasunyatan), to be in spiritually harmonious relation with the Creator of
life, God the Almighty.
The process of spiritual learning never cease. He admits frankly that besides
giving advices to others, by chance he receives also knowledge from other
people. Meditating sometimes in places with strong natural power is
beneficial to sharper true feeling and the messages received are worthwhile
to open the horizon of knowledge.
Indonesia in the Universe

A Painting by Pak Soepadi, as seen during his meditation in

Bayat, Klaten, Central Java - in the eve of 1 st January 1979.
He is of the opinion that places of miracles are found in many
parts of the world. He experienced by himself when he was
visiting France and the US. Concluding the precious
conversation for this time, he added: "Based upon my
experience and the experience of my friends-Indonesians as well as
foreigners coming from several parts of the world, many of "world-class"
spiritualists, are of the same opinion that some places in the region of
Mataram (Yogya, Solo and surroundings) have very strong mystical and
natural power. These places are worth to be visited for spiritual practices
The Noble Women
The piyayi sepuh (old wise persons) consist of not only wise men but also
women. In Java, as well as in the other parts of Indonesia, men and
women have same equal right. Since the ancient time, there are
prominent women; queens, fighters of Independence, teachers, artists,
scientists etc, last but not least: experts in Kejawen or Kebatinan. No doubt,
they are precious assets to the country and to civilization. With deep respect,
the writer would like to present some of these women - 'piyayi sepuh' to the
esteemed readers.

Princess G.R.Ay. Brotodiningrat

I help by giving light to the needy
"I am grateful to God the Almighty that I am destined to have a
very close spiritual relationship with my father, the late wise King
Paku Buwono X of Surakarta, as well as with my ancestors of
ancient Java. Many people have hand-phones to make easy
contacts with others. I have also a "hand-phone" to contact my ancestors, of
course in my own specific way", said the charming and dignified 85 year old
Princess in her residence in Solo, Central Java.
"You ask me, how do I get my ability in Kejawen? "Ok, I'll tell you frankly",
said Gusti Broto seriously. "I am confident that my beloved father had helped
me a lot in my ability of spiritualism. One day he told me when I was a child:
"Koesdinah (my original name), you look like Princess Pandanrukmi my
beloved grand-mother, the daughter of King Paku Buwono VIII". I used to call
her Mbah (grand-ma) Gabres. That's why, I also love you very much". My
father, a king with dignity, respected by people, but at the same time he was
also a social man, he was a populist king. He liked to help his people. During
his tenure, the karaton (Royal Palace) was opened widely to common people.
Of course, there were regulations, but the regulations did not prevent people
to visit karaton. I had a lot of opportunities to mingle with villagers and
commoners visiting the palace.
At the age of 6, as a small kid, I had begun to help people suffering from
lighter sickness, such as having high body temperature, stomach-ache etc. I
got the knowledge from (the spirit) of Eyang (grand-pa) Sunan Kalijogo (a
famous muslim saint (wali) from the Kingdom of Demak in the 15 th Century).
Formally I was sent to learn at a Dutch Lagere School. In the karaton as a
girl, I had to learn to get used of household matters. When I was a teenager,
I had a divine call. I was fasting for 40 days and then for 3 consecutive
night, I only ate a handful of rice and drank a cup of water.
After that I washed thoroughly my hair 7 times. Clean souly and physically, I
made an audience to Gusti, God the Almighty. I burned incense, so angels
knew that I wish to make an audience to Gusti. I worship Gusti and ask his
protection as I always do. I understood that my wish was granted. Since that
time I have an open mind (Tinarbuko), I see what ordinary people do not
see. I began to help others. Once I told you, that I am not a paranormal. I
am a 'Pandito' (Javanese priest). I help by giving light to the needy.
I got married in 1936, in a grandeurous royal wedding ceremony. From this
marriage I got 6 children and I have 12 grandchildren and now I'm a great-
grand-mother. Since 1962, I am a widow, I was relatively still young to take
care by myself all my children. Although I am a Princess, I am used to live in
simplicity. I do not complain, I feel close to God the Almighty and to my
parents and ancestors.
Samadi and Kejawen

Samadi is a must in Kejawen practice. Sit properly, comfortably, then follow

your breathing. You use your own power. You should enter the secret of life.
You might go anywhere, you might see a lot of things. It depends entirely to
your ability. The 4 elements of life are also very important the wind, water,
fire and land. They should be entirely under your command. You could blow
evil spirits by using fire coming out from yourself. These 4 elements should
be used for the benefit of all living-being and the world.
The life itself is eternal, that's why re-incarnation is possible. It is true
that someone who had been living centuries ago, at present lives again by
the wish of Gusti. He/she could remember her/his previous life, when, where
and what was her/his occupation. Who could be a wise person? Everybody
could, including common people".
Many of my father' spiritual students were villagers, ordinary people, with the
permit of Gusti, they become wise or clever persons spiritually. There is no
discrimination whatsoever, in learning Kejawen spiritual teaching. Men,
women, common people, courtiers, Indonesians, Westerners, they could
learn Kejawen. It depends to their talents and divine call.
The change of time

"In the ancient period, Indonesia as a country did not exist yet. At that time
only Java was known, followed later on by other islands. So, it is understood
that Java has already a very old civilization. I see that beginning with the
year of 2000, it would be a change of time. The 'crazy time' would end.
The Indonesian nation would not tolerate dirty practices as occurred in the
past anymore. Honesty would prevail, improvement would come and realized.
I hope that a "Rejo Mulyo Toto", an orderly noble and prosperous society
could be materialized soon in Indonesia, where small people could smile.
There is no shortage of foodstuffs, clothes and housing. Our fertile country
has abundant supplies. Order, peace, safety and happiness prevail. Indonesia
would have a good reputation and highly respected by the world community.
This should be the only determined hope, blessed by Gusti, God the Almighty
Ibu Soekirno Hadipoetranto
"The peace of mind, a second nature"
"Kebatinan is an invention of knowledge, which gives peace
and understanding to human experiencing troubles, sadness
and difficulties in daily life. It has a sole purpose to guide
human to a correct path to minimize her/his suffering. This is
a starting point of the birth of the knowledges of wisdom,
nobility, peacefulness and braveries which are beneficial to
human, physically and spiritually" said Ibu (mother) Soekirno
Hadipoetranto softly and clearly in Javanese refined (kromo inggil) language.
She further said: "Human has an increasing demand, never stops. He/she
should do to reach perfectness as determined by himself/herself, natural
surroundings and time. For us who are used with kebatinan, we are not
surprised to learn any achievement. Our spiritual ability should be used
positively to improve the quality of life and the need of human. So that our
perfect mind could be used for its best to give light during darkness
encountered by those people who have lost their mind toward progress. This
wish, must be consistently strengthened to accomplish our duties of life, in
accordance to our own destined duties consciously or unconsciously". It's her
opening of explanation regarding the knowledge of Kebatinan or Kejawen.
A happy grand-mother

Smiling politely, Ibu Soekirno, a symphatetic lady who neatly dressed in

Javanese costume, invited the writer to have a talk in her cozy house in
Jakarta. She was born 77 years ago in Boyolali, Central Java. With an open
heart she talked about her experience to gain the knowledge.
"I was a small kid, when both of my parents passed away. So I know quite
well since my tender age what is the meaning of sadness. I lived then in
Yogyakarta with my uncle. I was well taken care, I attended good schools in
Yogya, so I can speak Dutch and English. I had a happy family with my
husband, Pak Soekirno, we lived in Surabaya. As people from the elder
generation, it was normal that we have 10 children.
The merciless blow

In 1957, I had a very painful experience, my youngest children, nos. 9 and 10

passed away. I blamed that kind of fate. I asked Gusti/God, why he was so
unjust by taking the life of my two children. If I was wrong, the one who
should die was me, and not two my beloved children. I was so emotional that
I almost lost my faith to God.
In the ritual to commemorate my late children, I had to light a kerosene
lamp, in the middle of the offering. As if I heard a voice saying "Don't light
the lamp now, pray first" I prayed to All-loving God together with my
husband and brother. Then I heard again the voice "Now light it". The room
became brighter. The voice heard again: "You know, it was dark, now it is
bright".
After that, I was seriously ill, due to fatiqueness but most probably from
stress. I was paralyzed for quite sometime. The drugs and injections from
medical doctors could not cure me. Until one day, in 1958 an old wise man
(piyayi sepuh) visited me. He said that I could not be healthy again, unless I
got spiritual enlightenment as pre-destined for my life. I understood this
mystical message. Together with my husband and brother we decided to go
to Yogya to meet a spiritual Guru. My inner feeling told me the name of the
Guru and through mystical sight, I knew how he looked like.
When I met him in his house, he was exactly the man I saw in my mystical
sight and the name was also correct. He was very kind to me and I was
accepted at once to learn Kejawen knowledge from him. Normally, it would
need a long time for a Guru to receive a new student. A Guru should observe
carefully the would be student and see whether he/she is strong enough to
receive the knowledge.
I learned and practiced Kebatinan knowledge whole heartedly with total
devotion to God the Almighty. With the blessing and permit of Gusti/God, in
1963, I knew the essence of Kebatinan and I began to practice it by helping
other people". (Mandireng)
Since 1970, after her beloved husband passed away, she had to take care by
herself their 8 children to finish their study and one by one they left the
house to have their own families. Now, thank God she has 17 grand-children,
9 of them are already working.
She confesses that she is happy to be able to overcome all obstacles in her
life. It is in accordance with her principal understanding that Kebatinan
experts through batin/ inner side life, using their minds should have ability to
find a solution.
In order to have a clear thinking, one should control the lusts. The lust
should be used positively. Those who wish to live in the world of Kebatinan,
have to ask themselves whether they are ready to pay a certain price. As
they won't gain anything without paying the price. And what is the price?
There are: 1. Diligence 2. Capability 3. Confidence 4. Carefulness 5.
Determination. Be careful before making a decision.
The unavoidable pre-requisites to become a spiritually clever person (wong
pinter) are noble and strong character, good conduct and morality, devotion
to God, responsible deeds to herself/himself, the family as well as to the
nation, the country and the world.
As a result of a proper achievement in spiritual conducts and practices, the
vibration from the center of batin could be received. Every one has her/his
own specific way dedicated to Gusti/God, who is the center reins of all
vibration. Only then, the divine light would reign in the human body.
As it has been explained above, everyone has her/his own specific experience
toward the road to spiritual enlightenment. Usually they face something
troublesome.
• It could be in the threshold of wrong path.
• It could be a disappointed suffering
• It could be an obstacle to the wish of progress.
It is called the darkness, a trial of life.
It needs a solution. Those who can't listen to the voice to their hearts or have
weak voice of hearts, would act anything to satisfy themselves although it
could be harmful to others. Those who has strong voice of hearts, they
should solve even the most difficult obstacles in a good, useful and noble
ways. Good from the point of view of moral behavior, useful to others and
noble is free from self-interest.
Meditation could find a solution properly to avoid any conflict. It is a peaceful
way to understand true life in a correct manner. It could be achieved by those
who have trained their wishes properly, as a result thereof, have a perfect
consciousness to implement the nobility of their minds and wishes to always
'mamayu hayuning bawono' (to preserve the beauty of the world for the
benefit of mankind). The above is the teachings of Javanese Kebatinan or
Kejawen.
The spiritual exercises

Ibu Soekirno Hadipoetranto writes a 35 pages booklet, 'The basic

understanding of Kebatinan' in Indonesian. She would gladly give this book to
be read by those people who she considers as already have matured
character to be able to understand the knowledge. She is very wise, by
meeting directly someone, she would know right away, who is really the
person she encounters. For the visitors who have problems, she would gladly
help them. For those who have gained true knowledge, she would say: "Let's
help the needy and to mamayu hayuning bawono' in our own ways".
In her book, she emphasizes the way to do spiritual training. There are 2
ways:
1. To accomplish spiritual exercises while he/she is working normally, living
in the middle of society as a family head, member of a family, a citizen,
a creature of God.
2. To do spiritual exercises by living alone as an ascetic.
Both ways are correct, as long as the goal is noble.
Guru
The method of training depends to every individual. He/she may choose the
way which is suitable. But she strongly advises not to try to practice it alone,
because everyone doing spiritual exercises should need a control of what
he/she receives and does.
The best way if he/she has a proper spiritual Guru. A good Guru is someone
who is mentally and physically perfect, noble in morality and deed and of
course the one who has wisely master true knowledge. 'An ancient Javanese
advice' says: ' Be careful in choosing knowledge and Guru, so you won't walk
in the wrong path'.
For those who have found a perfect road would be safe to reach
enlightenment in their life with the peace of mind. They should keep it as 'a
second nature'
Ibu Sudarni Saimin
It's up to the wish of God
The 12 year old little girl was accompanying her beloved
grand-father, Eyang Puspodipuro to the royal palace/Karaton
of Surakarta. That night, the karaton was celebrating the
Javanese birthday (Weton, every 35 days) of His Highness Sri
Susuhunan Paku Buwono X, a highly respected and
charismatic King of Surakarta.
A special ceremony was organized in the evening, continued
by a whole night (Wungon-not sleeping) audience by several court
employees. After the official audience, the king entered his private domain.
Sometime after midnight, some court-employees, including Eyang
Puspodipuro were playing at cards, usually until sunrise. The little girl,
Sudarni was falling asleep. Unconciously, seeking for a natural comfort, she
was leaning herself on the chair belonged to the wife of King Paku Buwono X.
At 03.00 o'clock in the morning, all of a sudden, the King appeared in the
hall. He saw a little girl was sleeping deeply by leaning her body on the
official chair of his wife. The court – employees, busy with their cards game,
were not aware of the situation. The King asked the court-servants: "Who is
this little girl?" The court-servants were caught in big surprise, the felt guilty.
Eyang Puspodipuro immediately woke-up his grand-daughter by pinching her
repeatedly. The wise king said in his authoritative voice: "Stop hurting her.
It's okey. She did not make any mistake. Although she is an ugly little girl
(cilik-menthek), but one day she would be able to receive spiritual knowledge
(momot), she would have power (kuat) to take good care (momong) of
her families and many other people".

Her spiritual ability was predicted long time ago by King Paku Buwono X. The
73 year old, great-grand-mother, Ibu Sudarni Saimin always feels highly
honored.
The green cool hilly town of Salatiga was poured by big rain in the afternoon
of the last week of October 1999. The writer was accepted warmly and
friendly by Ibu Saimin. Hot black coffee and traditional snacks prepared from
banana and cassava were served abundantly. We were chatting freely, from
heart to heart, as if we have known each other for quite a long time. In fact,
it was our first meeting. "My feeling told me that you are a good person, you
have a noble intention. I trust you entirely. I would tell you everything you
wish to know", she told the writer politely and confidently. "I wish my
explanation should be considered as valuable, as I am an uneducated
woman", further said the low-profile woman. Then, fluently followed her true
story in her own words:

"I am from Solo. My grand-father and father were court-employees of

Surakarta palace. Since 1970's, I lived here to following my husband's
assignment as an Army member. Life was difficult at that time,
economically. I experienced by myself what is the meaning of poor. I did a
lot of praying and self-denial. Sometimes in 1967, requesting a brighter path
of life to God the Almighty, I meditated by fasting and stay awake for 3
consecutive days and night. It seems that my request was granted. I heard a
voice that I have to help the needy, such as sick people, people who have
problems etc. But how should I help? The voice said that I would know
automatically.
A relative of mine was suffering from mental disorder. Already a week, he
was sent to a mental hospital in the city of Magelang. He was punished as a
crazy man. Again I heard the voice (of my guardian spirit) that I have to help
my sick relative, I was told to give him some traditional snacks but I have to
meet him directly. Right away I bought 3 pieces of small snacks in the market
and I went to Magelang, located about 100 km from Salatiga. I was advised
by the hospital guards that I should not see him because he was considered
as an aggressive lunatic man. He was dangerous, he was locked-up in a
strong cage.
But I insisted to see him, no matter what was his condition. It was horrible,
his room was so smelly from his urine and feces. He was moving wildly and
screaming. Standing near by the cage accompanied by the guards, I called
him. He recognized me, came to me and ask me to help him. I said okey, but
first he had to clean himself and the place. Surprised, he obediently followed
my instruction. The guards cleaned the place and bathed him. I give him the
snacks to be eaten. He ate the snacks very quickly. He was crying and said
that he was not crazy. He begged me to release him at once from this mental
hospital. He was longing to live again with his wife and children in Salatiga.
He would return to his job and promise to take good care of his family and
make them happy. My relative was back to normal instantly and lived
again peacefully with his family"
"It was my first experience in helping people. Thanks God, I was successful".
As in accordance with my inner feeling, I visited almost all sacred places
in Central Java. I always ask the blessing from all-loving God. Since 1970
to present date my house was never empty. Especially after 1973 &
after I could help a paralyzed man. The man was sick for more than 3
years could do nothing. With God's permit, I could cure him. It was a miracle
for the man and frankly speaking also for myself.
I have an unforgettable spiritual experience in 1973. I felt mystically that I
have to visit the domain of my ancestor in a village in Magelang Regency. I
understood it was the domain of my ancestor, Eyang Yudhotaruno, a
spiritual Guru of Prince Diponegoro – son of Sultan Hamengku Buwono III,
who had a war against the Dutch Colonialists in 1825-1830. From my solemn
meditation, I knew that Eyang Yudhotaruno is spiritually close to me. I got a
mystical advice to continue my life mission to take good care of my families
and to help others.
I believe that my ability is a divine gift. When I face a sick people, I
never think, how should I help him/her. It automatically comes out from
my mouth. The delicate problem arises, if I knew that a sick person soon
should return to where he/she belong. I have to say it diplomatically as I am
forbidden to predict the death of somebody. It is solely the authority of God
the Almighty.
I do not know until when I would have this gifted ability. It's up to the wish
of God. Ibu Sudarni Saimin now is a widow. She has 3 children, 11 grand-
children and a great grand-child. In her age, she is quite healthy,
enthusiastically performing her duty to help others. Concluding her
explanation, she said seriously: "I feel happy, many piyayi sepuh (wise
persons) come to see me, offering good relationship. I know they have
greater ability than me. But they care of me. Of course, I feel honored and
always request blessing and advices, so that I could perform my duty
properly"
How to understand Kejawen
I. Let's quote a Javanese classical Tembang (song) :
I finish my talk
(tak uwisi gunem iki)
I only wish to make you understand
(niyatku mung aweh wikan)
There are a lot of Kebatinan knowledge
(Kebatinan akeh lire)
There are extremely serious
(lan gawat kaliwat-liwat)
So, be alert
(mula dipun prayitno)
Do not make a wrong choice
(aja kleru pamilihmu)
When you learn Kebatinan
(lamun mardi Kebatinan)
•
This Javanese classical song represents an advice from an old wise man
(priyayi sepuh) to those who are interested to learn Kebatinan or Kejawen.
As it has been written in preceding chapters that the real goal of Kejawen is
to gain a true spiritual knowledge to reach true life and harmonious relation
between servant and God (jumbuhing kawulo Gusti).
This spiritual condition could be achieved by every believer in God, having
good morality and sincerity. Some ways of behaving (laku), have to be
practiced with utmost consciousness and determination.
The seekers of true knowledge and those who have gained true knowledge
are obliged to do somethings for the benefit of all people thru their minds
and deeds. Cipta (forefront of feeling), rasa (feeling), karsa (wish) and
karya (deed) must be good, correct and holy and solely focussed to
'mamayu hayuning bawono' – to preserve the beauty of the world with all its
contents for the welfare of all living-beings and the safety of the universe.
'Ati suci jumbuhing kawulo Gusti' – holy heart is the harmonious relation
between servant and God. No doubt that Kejawen is an asset of traditional
Javanese with universal value. The Kejawen outlook could contribute to the
world peace and prosperity.
Do it relaxly
Some readers find the scrutinized explanation of Kejawen, consisting of:
General knowledge and the experiences of some people as very interesting.
Some appreciate the goal of this spiritual teaching but it is hard to practise.
Javanese wise man (priyayi sepuh) gives a simple advice – Do it relaxly!
Kejawen is a flexible knowledge. First, you are required to understand it. Do
not force yourself. As a believer, it is not hard for you to be honest. As a
moral and life guidance, you are obliged to be grateful to Gusti, God the
Almighty that you have been given a chance to live in this world.
As a responsible human you have obligations:
• To work decently, to fulfill the need of yourself and your family.
• To keep your body healthy, so you would have a healthy mind too. To
take a good care of your physical body is of prime important to do all
activities physically and mentally.
• To have a noble mind (Budi luhur).
By conducting the above obligations, it is easier for you to contribute to the
society i.e. to others, to the country and to the world.
Relation with God
Usually people say that relation with God is a personal matter. That's right,
only you-yourself know, how is your relation with God. Whether it's usual or
deep or sincere. Might be you don't know or might be you try to understand
God or you don't care, the most important thing that you believe of the
existence of God.
Is it enough to say that you believe in God? The wise people should reply:
"No, it's not enough"! In your heart you glorify His name, and the best you
worship God. You may call God in your own native language or as taught by
your faith or religion you confess, in order to feel closer to God.
People have different experience, some always praise God since childhood,
some remember God when they are in trouble, sick or facing delicate
problems. As a general rule, you may pray to God, anytime, anywhere, in any
situation. But to be closer to God, you are required to make a special
time to devote God.
Prepare yourself, clean physically and soul, in a clean and tranquil place. It
could be in your room, outside the house or in a holy place. Say your pray
and good wishes to 'Gusti kang paring nugraha' to all-loving God who gives
comfort, with all your good wishes and deeds, God should give you a
comfortable life for you and your family.
The Kejawen people do their pray, preferably at night before going to bed.
During the day time, they work as a duty to fulfill the need of the family.
Prepare yourself, be alone in the room. Relax your body, have a peaceful
mind. You may sit cross leg on the floor or sit relaxly on a chair, with the
permit of God, say your pray solemnly, say your requests clearly and
whole heartedly. Do not be ashame to ask forgiveness from God, if you
feel you have made mistakes, promise not to make mistakes again.
If you are not tired, you may do spiritual exercises with your mind
concentrated to God. Listen to your breath attentively, inhale, exhale slowly
for about 10 minutes. Then with a peaceful mind you go to bed, tomorrow
you wake up early with fit body and clean mind, ready to work.
You do it regularly until you feel that it's not a burden for you. It's a duty, you
do with pleasure. You may add the duration of your breathing exercises to
15 or 20 minutes or more but never force the ability of your body.
When you have time and you are not physically tired, go outside the
house, stand directly under the night sky for about 5 minutes to breath clean
air. But if the circumstance does not allow you to go outside, for instance due
to bad weather etc, just open your window for a while or stay in the balcony
if you have any. It's good to calm your mind.
If possible do it regularly when you are healthy. That's why, it is prime
important to keep your health. Consume good quality of food with less of
meat, do regularly physical exercises, work well, have enough time to rest,
have several minutes to pray and spiritual exercises. Thus, you should have a
balance of life. You have your normal life and at the same time, you are
closer to God.
A good and healthy person
Practicing this way of life, you are healthy, physically and mentally, in a better
shape. In your job, you become more productive. If you have family you
become a better family man, you live happily. You are a wiser human who
has heart to help the needy. Normally, breathing exercises is good for your
health. It makes your heart stronger and your body is in better condition.
The breathing exercises or more seriously called 'meditation' or in Kejawen
spiritually called 'samadi' is good for your mind too. It should make you to
be more patient and you should be able to control your desires easier.
You are on the right track, if you feel as stated above. You are a good and
healthy person. You are precious asset to your family and society. It’s perfect,
carry on with enthusiasm.
You live in a good and correct path, blessed by All-loving God. You are
healthy, you have a good logical thinking and clear mind. You consistently do
your praying and meditation. You wish to deeper your knowledge of
spiritualism, to be closer to God, to know the secret of life.
Now, you are ready to develop your roso (feeling). It won't be difficult. You
have to go on with your meditation. With the same position (patrap), the
most convenient position for you, you should improve the quality of
breathing exercises. Previously it was 'to inhale' and 'to exhale', now: :
1. Inhale, slowly, calmly.
2. Hold breathing for a certain period.
3. Exhale, slowly, calmly.
Focus your sight to the peak of your nose. Listen attentively to your
breathing, it is a way to help you not to think of something else. Try to
concentrate your mind to supreme God. Do it in a relax way for 10
minutes, 15 minutes or 30 minutes if you are not tired and you have free
time. Do it gradually and never force your physical ability.
This exercises should develop your roso step by step. Together with
developing roso/feeling, you should develop also your Cipta/forefront of
feeling-mind. With the same position, only you focus your sight to a black
spot in front of you. (see 'Cipta Tunggal' point5). When your Cipta becomes
more powerful, your good wishes could be realized. Meanwhile the roso
should gradually becomes true roso (roso sejati). This true roso, is a
divine gift, you have it, but you have to develop it. Spiritually 'True
Roso' could receive messages (Sasmita) and instructions (Dawuh)
which are always correct from your true life. For these exercises, you may do
sometimes exercises for Cipta and the other time for roso. Once again, do it
relaxly and do not force yourself, after that go outside the house to breathe
fresh air as explained previously. It is an effective way to help to develop
your roso.
The spiritual sisters and brothers
Please refer to sub-article 'Cipta Tunggal' point 16 to know who they are.
They are always with you, guard you wherever you are. Might be you are not
aware that they help you in all your activities. They would be glad if you
know their existance. So it is wise to ask them to participate in every
activities you are doing such as drinking, eating, studying, working, driving,
taking a bath etc.
In your heart you call them, for instance:
• All my spiritual sisters and brothers: I want to eat, you help me
(ewang-ewangono). It's mean that they would help you, so that you
are safe while you eat and the food is good for you.
• Help me to drive the car safely to my office. It's mean you drive safely
until your office, there is no accident occurred to you, to the car and to
others.
• I'll work, help me to accomplish a good job etc.
You won't ask them to participate when you are going to sleep, instead you
would say:
I'm going to sleep, protect me (reksanen) while I am sleeping, if there is
any disturbance or danger, wake me up. Lying in bed, before closing your
eyes, you say, touching your heart. With your right hand "I am also alive".
By knowing them that's mean you care of them, and in return they should
take care of you too. If you don't pay any attention to them, they would do
nothing to help you, they wish you to go back to where you belong soonest.
They wish to be released soonest from their duties to accompany you. When
you go back to eternity, they would go too and they hope to be given a
chance by God the Almighty to be born as human, with soul and body in their
new life in earth.
Weton, is a special Javanese traditional birthday occurred every 35 days. As
it has been explained, except the 7 international days (Monday-Sunday),
there are 5 pasaran days Legi, Paing, Pon, Wage, Kliwon. From Monday Legi
– to Monday Legi again is 35 days. From Friday Kliwon to Friday Kliwon again
is 35 days.
So for a traditional Javanese it is important to know her/his weton birthday.
Every one has a weton birthday which has to be remembered. By knowing
your date, month and year of your birth, it can be calculated what is your
weton.
A traditional Javanese in the weton birthday usually should do:
 1. Make an offering in the form of a small plate of red and white porridge
of rice and a glass of water.

This offering is for all his/her spiritual sisters and brothers. Put the
offering on a table in the evening, he/she would say: "This offering is
for all my spiritual sisters and brothers, I always remember you, know
you, take good care of me".
More over, this offering of red and white porridge is meant to remember
and to be grateful to mother and father, through them you were
born and live in this world. Further, to remember and respect ancestors
and the most important to remember and worship the Creator of life,
Gusti, God the Almighty. The reference to call spiritual brothers and
sister is:
Mar marti, kakang kawah, adi ari-ari, getih puser, sedulur
papat, kalima pancer.
• Help me to ……….. (say what you need)
• Protect me while I sleep.
You are advised to refer to their complete names until you are get used
(jumbuh) with them, let say for several months. After that you may
refer 'all my spiritual sisters and brothers'.
But when you pray or meditate, you should refer their
complete names. Also when you make offering to them, say their
names one by one. You should know that kakang kawah (elder
brother kawah) and Adi ari-ari (younger brother ari-ari), are the ones
who help you most. Kakang kawah would do his best to realize your
wishes and efforts, while Adi ari-ari would comfort you.
That's why when you have an important thing to do or before you
pray, after you refer their names one by one to help you, you should
repeat by calling kakang kawah and Adi ari-ari to help you.
2. Except making offerings to spiritual sisters and brothers, someone could
purify herself/himself in weton birthday, among other by 24 hours of
fasting, or consume only fruits and vegetables or eat only white rice
and drink water, does not consume salt and sugar, stay awake until
midnight etc. Other people would do as the above for 3 days in a row
(it is called Ngapit), one day prior to weton, during the weton plus one
day after the weton.
By always asking your spiritual sisters and brothers to participate in all your
activities that's mean you are active lahir (outer side) and batin (inner side)
(see 'Exposing the Universe' point 48)
The one who does something is not only I (Aku in Javanese) but Ingsun,
i.e. Aku –the outer side (lahir, jobo), joined by aku – the inner side (batin,
jero). That's why, a Javanese wishing to do something important, he/she
would say "Niat Ingsun" niat-wish, Ingsun as explained above most
probably the word 'Ingsun' is a new vocabulary to you.
By doing those spiritual deeds, they usually hope to have a safety and well-
being in their life or for the seeker of true knowledge to feel closer to true life
or reality (kasunyatan).
Danyang Smarabumi
The Danyang Smarabumi is good danyang, a guardian-spirit of a village or a
certain place. In her/his life as a human, he/she was sakti, (had
supernatural power), but his/her knowledge was not perfect. He/she could
not pass the requirement of 'Sangkan Paraning Dumadi' – lit. means 'Where
you come from and where you go', spiritually understood – you come from
holiness, in this earth you have to live in holiness and you go back to where
you belong – the holiness. (see "The Experience of R.M. Binaji – The World of
Spirits – Danyang Smarabumi)
He/she is assigned by divine power to be a Danyang Smarabumi and he/she
has to do her/his job with responsibily. You, as a good human a believer in
God, is entitled by divine power to instruct her/him to protect you, your
family, your house, your office etc to be in safety, not to be bothered by evil
spirits.
Please do remember, you may ask for protection only. It's your right and it's
the duty of a Danyang Smarabumi. Do not ask any other kind of help such as
fortune, material wealth etc.
When, you do your praying and spiritual exercises, you are advised, to
instruct this Danyang Smarabumi to protect you, so you won't be disturbed
by evil spirits. Be confident, he/she would do accordingly. Of course you have
to say it in a nice way. You refer him/her: Nini kaki Sang Danyang Smarabumi
sing Baurekso. Nini-reference to an old woman, kaki-reference to an old man,
Sang-reference of politiness. Sing-who is, Baurekso- authority, responsibility
means: Nini kaki The Guardian spirit who is responsible.
You could say before praying:

Nini kaki Sang Danyang Smarabumi sing Baurekso

• In the village of …….., (say name of the village) – here in this place
• In the street of (say name of the street, no) – here in this place
Protect Ingsun (the I, lahir and batin; the complete I) while Ingsun doing
my praying to God the Almighty, no one should disturb Ingsun, the family of
Ingsun and the house of Ingsun. For your proper protection to fulfill the wish
of Ingsun, I am grateful.
Yes, surely you must be grateful, the same if you ask a security guard to
protect you, your family and your house. By giving instruction to Danyang
Smarabumi, no unauthorized spirits should intrude your solemn
communication with God.
The sincere worship
So, now you are aware of your spiritual sisters and brothers and Danyang
Smarabumi. As a good and healthy person, you always worship sincerely to
God, also doing spiritual excercises – samadi, to be closer to God.
Prior to praying:
• You clean yourself physically by washing yourself or if you wish you
may take a bath or a shower. It's good to feel fresh.
• You wear a clean dress.
• Take a comfortable position, in a clean and tidy room.
• Sit relaxly and you are physically calm and so your mind.
• Glorify the name of Gusti/God, you respect God sincerely and
wholeheartedly. Ask his blessing, before you say your pray and good
and correct wishes.
• Ask your spiritual sisters and brothers to participate in your pray, so
that your pray and wishes should be accepted by God, by saying: Mar
Marti, Kakang Kawah, adi ari-ari, getih puser, sedulur papat, kalima
pancer, all my spiritual sisters and brothers who have been born
together with me, help me to worship God, so that my pray and wishes
should be accepted by Gusti.
• Instruct a protection from the Danyang Smarabumi as has been written
above. Remember the use of the word Ingsun.
• Say your pray and wishes solemnly, with full devotion to God the
Almighty. You are free to say your pray and wish in your own language
or as in accordance to your faith.
• You do breathing exercises calmly, with full concentration by listening
attentively to your breathing and concentration of mind to God. Inhale,
hold breathing, exhale slowly. Focus your sight to the peak of your
nose.
a. This should develop your roso (feeling) and step by step, it
should be developed to roso sejati (true feeling)
b. You may exercise also to sharper your Cipta (forefront of feeling),
by focussing your sight to a black spot in front of you. (see 'Cipta
Tinggal' point 5).
• You go outside the house (if possible) or just open your window for 5
minutes to breath fresh air from the tranquil nature. It's good to calm
 your mind and help develop effectively your roso (feeling).
• If you do regularly to devote yourself to God, the Creator of life, as
described above, you would have sharper thinking and feeling, you
would have a clean and peaceful mind. Your pray and wishes should be
accepted by All-loving God.
• Then, you go to bed with healthy body and peaceful mind. Take a good
rest, as you have to work again tomorrow for a brighter life and future.
Before you sleep, you ask to be protected by your spiritual sisters and
brothers, as explained above.
Midnight
According to the experience of many wise men and women, the seekers of
true knowledge and who have gained true knowledge, the best time to say
your pray is at midnight. It is a favorable time where the situation is
peaceful and tranquil and human mind is at the peak of sensitivity toward
spiritualism.
If you wish to follow this practice, you should adjust your time of sleep. Some
of you need 6 hours rest, others need 8 hours sleep per day. It depends to
your own physical ability. For instance, you decide to pray and meditate
between 11.30 p.m. to 00.30 a.m., then you should sleep in the evening,
you wake up 5 minutes before your scheduled time to pray. You do your one-
hour praying and meditation, then you go to bed again. Thus, you keep
yourself healthy which is very important. The adjustment of time is entirely
your own decision. Do it comfortably with enthusiastic determination.
Moonlight
Let's quote an old Javanese children song (tembang):
Come on, friends let's play outside
(yo pro konco dolanan neng jobo)
It's moonlight, it's very bright
(Padang bulan, padange koyo rino)
The moon is calling us
(Rembulane-ne, sing ngawe-awe)
Remind us not to sleep early in the evening
(Ngelekake ojo podo turu sore)

In the old time, when the island of Java was not too crowded like nowadays,
they were many spacious yards in the villages. During moonlight, the village
children played happily outside their houses. They sang and danced together,
some of them played at hide and seek and so on. The parents looking on
their children, sat on a mat put above the ground, they chatted on various
topics of common interest. They were ordinary villagers, carried out their
simple life, their income was enough to survive, but they were happy with
their traditional peaceful and harmonious life.

Together, they were enjoying the moonlight, with the moon and stars shining
brightly the Universe. This is the power of God the Almighty, whom they were
grateful from the bottom of hearts.
In this simplicity, they felt very close to nature, inseparable with their
beautiful and fertile surroundings. They felt secured and protected by Gusti,
God, the Creator of the Universe.
During moonlight, the direct shine of moon and stars give a strong influential
power to the back brain of human to develop spiritual strength. So moonlight
is not only long awaited by the children but as well by the adults, especially
'adult' in their spiritual knowledge. To remain outside under the sky for
several hours during moonlight are good for those who are seeking true
knowledge.
A happy and successful life
By practicing voluntarily the above Kejawen way of life, you should have a
happy and successful life as a result thereof. As Kejawen has universal value,
this way of life is not only suitable for Javanese but for every member of the
world community.
You are a creative person, a person of integrity with high morality and
etiquette, implementing consciously only good and correct action. You are
healthy physically and mentally. Your existence is not only useful for yourself
but as well as to your family and society.
You should be able to realize your positive wishes without being harmful to
others. On the contrary, you care for others because through your sincere
mind, you are aware that other people and living beings are in fact same as
you, creatures belong to the Creator of life.
The concept of 'mamayu hayuning bawono' (to preserve the beauty of the
world with all its contents for the welfare of all living-beings and for the
safety of the Universe) is obliged to be carried-out whole heartedly. Based
upon this attitude, you love others and you care to environment, nature and
the Universe.
From logical point of you, you have done the right thing. As a believer, you
are in the correct path blessed by God. Spiritually, the regular devoted
practice should develop your roso (feeling) to roso sejati (true feeling),
opening the way toward secret of life.
II. What has been explained in point I is a guidance usually given by a
spiritual Guru of Kejawen or Kebatinan in Java to those who wish to learn
Kejawen wholeheartedly. Before practising it, they have to understand the
basic principle of the knowledge (kawruh). The practise of worship to God,
strengthened by meditation and the knowledge should go hand-in-hand.
They are totally interrelated, inseparable!
This article has described concisely:
• The fundamental knowledge of Kejawen
• The experiences of some wise people
Kejawen is a flexible spiritual teaching. In the effort to master it,
everyone might have different ways and experiences. It is clear because
every one has her/his own background and personalities. Possibly it could be
compared that the goal of life of people is to reach happiness materially and
mentally. In order to realize the goal, they study in different schools, with
different subjects. Then they work in different fields in accordance of their
various expertise. To cater the need of their spiritual life, they confess
different faiths or religions. But they have same goal-the happiness of life.
It makes sense, if Kejawen followers have different ways of behaving and
experiences in their effort to gain their goal. Please remember that the goal
of the seekers of true knowledge (kawruh sejati) is the harmonious relation
between servant and God (jumbuhing kawulo Gusti) which is reality
(Kasunyatan).
To reach the sacred goal, based upon good conduct, moral and deeds,
honesty, sincerity, consciousness and a firm believe to Gusti, God the
Almighty, they might use different vehicles, roads, dresses etc. the most
important thing, they have only one and same goal – the harmonious
relation between servant and God.
As a result thereof, which is accepted as a fact, they would have different
spiritual experience. In the process to gain true knowledge, some know the
world of spirits, some have power to cure sick people or help others to solve
delicate problems, some have a sharp alertness, some have power of clear
sight or clairvoyant, able to predict, some are very wise etc.
Some are having 2 or3 kinds of above abilities or some have all the abilities.
Once again it depends to the background and talent of every personality. And
of course, permitted by Gusti/God. A seeker of true knowledge, should not be
surprised upon witnessing a tremendous spiritual ability of someone.
He/she has the ability due to the blessing of Gusti/God. Because a seeker of
true knowledge could have also spiritual abilities (hopefully one day) by doing
spiritual exercises as written above and grasping the knowledge correctly.
One thing to be understood, the process of learning true knowledge of
Kejawen, takes a long time. Because you are using your own power
and ability. You develop them step by step until you are in the right track-
clear thinking, true feeling (roso sejati), true life (urip sejati), harmonious
relation between servant and God. (jumbuhing kawulo Gusti).
You won't get it by miracles or outside help for instance from spirit (s). The
one who help you to gain this true knowledge is only you, yourself. You might
say that you would be helped by your spiritual sisters and brothers. To some
extent, yes, but they depend to you. They could help you to be in safety or to
accomplish some wishes or jobs or help you to pray to God. But the one who
has to act is you.
The comparison is like the process of study of a University student, from
under graduate – graduate – Master – Ph.D. it takes time. The longer you
study, you know more knowledge, when you got your Ph.D. you still have to
read and learn more by your own initiative. The same in Kejawen, the
process of learning and practice never stop, although other people refer you
as 'Clever man/woman' (wong pinter) or 'old wise man/woman' (piyayi
sepuh).
The writer would suggest the esteemed readers, to read this article in your
spare time. Hopefully the explanation is clear and could be understood. At
least you know Kejawen directly from its genuine source. Perhaps you would
use this Kejawen spiritual teaching from far away island of Java, Indonesia as
a source of comparative study.
Probably, some of you agree with the flexible principle of Kejawen. Or might
be, you would try to understand and further to practise Kejawen way to gain
true knowledge, in order to be able to reach a harmonious relation with God,
to have a perfect life (kasampurnan urip), where there is no more secret in
this life. everything is opened i.e. Reality (kasunyatan). For these people, you
are invited to read again this article, everytime you have a free time until you
understand it completely. You may practise 'the package of worship' relaxly
while you are healthy and have time. Do it step by step, gradually, do not
force yourself.
The time is in the evening/night as stipulated above, you may start with 10
minutes for several days or weeks until you feel comfortably. If it is all right,
you may go further to 20 minutes – 30 minutes – one hour.
If by practising it, you feel good and in a better shape, it is an indication that
Kejawen way of worship and meditation are suitable for you. You continue
with this spiritual exercises on regular time and in the same place i.e. in your
house.
You go on with this kind of exercises for 6 months or a year. Anytime
necessary, read again the knowledge and the knowledge found in the
experiences of some people. Even the 'experts' or people who have gained
true knowledge, from time to time, they read the knowledge to improve
deeper and deeper their understanding of Kejawen to be closer to God.
Guru
Guru is teacher in Javanese and Indonesian. Guru could be a teacher in
school or a teacher in spiritual teaching. The Javanese terminology for a
spiritual teacher is Guru Laku (laku-way of behaving to spiritualism) or
Guru Ngelmu (Ngelmu-spiritual knowledge). Some say that Gu-Ru is
acronym of digugu (to be trusted) and ditiru (to be followed) means Guru is
a person who can be trusted and be followed as good example in his words
and deeds. A very hard requirement for ordinary people.
There are several people who have a good knowledge in Kebatinan or
Kejawen. Many people visit them for consultation or help. People call them
Wong Pinter (clever person), Wong Tuwo (old person) in refine language
Piyayi Sepuh. But only very view of them who become Guru. Usually a Guru
has only several 'students' of 4, 5 or 8 people. He accepts students very
selectively, after he is confident that the would be students are serious and
should be strong enough to understand and to receive spiritual knowledge.
(see " Method of Learning Kejawen " – Sastra Ceto)

It's like a private or semi private lesson. The subject of teaching are secret to
outsiders. The Guru would guide them step by step by giving knowledge and
the method of exercise.
In his/her own specific way, he/she should supervise closely the exercise,
progress and achievements of the students. He/she would do his/her best, so
the students should not practise mistakenly. A wrong way of practise and
achievement in spiritualism could be dangerous. That's why almost all piyayi
sepuh (old wise people) are of the opinion, to learn Kebatinan or true
knowledge (of spiritualism) must be with a Guru. In that case you have to
choose a wise Guru suitable for you. Guru is usually very polite and low
profile. So sometimes, he/she does not want to be referred as Guru, he/she
would say that he/she is only your senior in learning spiritual teaching.
There is no Guru who promote himself/herself by looking for students. The
would be student is the one who apply to be accepted as student. There is a
good comparison. A Guru is like a spring. Those who need water should
come to the spring to fetch some water.
After a certain period of time, the Guru would say that he/she has given all
the necessary knowledge to be able for the students to independently
practise the spiritual knowledge by themselves. Their relation continues not
as Guru – students relation but as 'sedulur' or 'kadang' (brothers and
sisters).
Only some of the 'graduates' should be active wise persons (piyayi sepuh)
and only certain active piyayi sepuh are authorized by the Guru to spread the
spiritual teaching by becoming an independent Guru herself/himself. It is
called 'Mandireng', an independent spiritualist who can help others and at
the same time becomes a Guru.
Usually the 'sedulur' (brothers and sisters in spiritualism) they have a
common perception of true knowledge but it is not necessarily to having
same opinion of various issues.
III. Now, you have a clearer picture of the silent but existing world of
Kejawen. Kejawen is not a narrow-minded spiritual or philosophical outlook.
Its flexibility could accommodate the spiritual need of people from different
strata and background. Kejawen teaches us that every human is equal in
front of God. Every human is given the same chance by All-loving God to
perform her/his life at the best.
For those who decide to practise Kejawen spiritual teaching including 'the
package of worship' to be closer to holy God the Almighty, you may go on.
Kindly follow the stipulation as explained in point I. Be confident that you are
on the correct path blessed by God. So you would be safe. Your spiritual
sisters and brothers and Danyang Smarabumi should protect you from any
evil spirit.
After praying, before doing samadi, say by heart:
1. I 'eling' to my life

(eling means remember. In Kejawen it has a broader sense: remember

what's right and wrong, so you would do only the right thing)
• I know 'sangkan paraning Dumadi' – I come from holiness, here
in this earth I live in holiness and I'll go back to holiness.
• I don't begin the life and I don't end the life.

I live together with the Creator of life who gives me life. Life is
eternal.
• My life should not only follow the wish of my physical body
(badan rogo), Budi (clear thinking) and lust. When physical body
does not exist, so Budi and lust would vanish.

I love the life of soul, the real life, the life of light (cahya), the life
of Atma (the place of life) which are eternal, which could guide
me to kasunyatan (reality).
• I know Triloka (see 'exposing the universe' point 45): Guru Loka,
 (head), Indraloka (chest) and Janaloka (love instrument).
I put my mind from Guruloka to Indraloka (touching your heart)
to be my true feeling (roso sejati). (True feeling could receive true
instruction and messages).
• I know the life (see 'Exposing the Universe' point 46)
• If I come back to where I belong, it will be a perfect life.
2. I 'eling' to both of my parents, mother and father; (you are grateful to
them, you have been born due to them and you have been well taken
care). To my ancestors (you respect them); to my parents-in-law (if you
are married) you respect them. Sometime you pray for them.
3. I 'eling' to all my spiritual sisters and brothers.
• You stay properly in your real place, help me and protect me to
carry out my duties properly.
4. I 'eling' to Guru Sejati (True Guru) who should unite my life with true
life.
5. I 'eling' to true knowledge (ngelmu sejati).

My wishes and deeds must be in accordance with etiquette, moral

principle. I love others, low profile, my desires of 5 senses are only for
positive things. I'll not hurt others, I'll not speak bad things of others,
I'll not torture animals because they belong to Gusti/God. I'll be patient
(sabar), not envy to others' success (nrimo), grateful, accepting the
destiny (legowo), always 'eling' believe in God (percaya) and obey God
(Mituhu).
To realize the above, I'll:
• Cegah dahar (control the appetite by taking moderate amount of
food)
• Cegah sare (control the sleeping by taking a rest when already
sleepy).
• Cegah sanggama (make love only with legitimate partner)
• Cegah duko (control the anger)
• Cegah pangandiko (control the words, by speaking the truth and
politely).
I'll be able to have a blessing from God, to take care of good and
correct life on earth and know true knowledge.
6. I 'eling' to Danyang Smarabumi.

It is a divine stipulation that he/she upon my instruction has to protect

me, my family and my house. For that I'm grateful and wish him/her a
good life.
 7. I am confident that my life is uniting with true life.
Then, peacefully and confidently you do samadi. If possible, do the
breathing through your stomach. Of course, you have to do exercise
first, before practising it.
1. When you inhale, your stomach is swollen, like a pregnant women.
2. Hold breathing
3. When you exhale, your stomach is flat, sunken.
Breathing through stomach is good for your health, and it is effective for
spiritual exercise.
If you have time, before you say the '6 eling', you might say:
1. I know the elements of wind, water, fire and earth which are
interrelated with the life of mankind. If human does correct thing, they
should be beneficial, otherwise could be disaster.
2. I know Trimurti
3. I know Hasta Retna (eight colors)
4. I know the 5 mystical lights
5. I know Tridarma
(Point 1-4, read carefully 'Exposing the Universe', Point 5, read Tri-Darma)
Do it relaxly. Do not force yourself, you may do it step by step. Until you feel
that it is not at all a burden. You would feel, if you don't do it, you don't feel
comfortably.
You are going to be spiritually more sensitive and stronger. Some say you
start to have the 6 sense. Don't worry, if you happened to have some
mystical experience, your concentration is only to God the Almighty based
upon true knowledge. You are a seeker of true knowledge! Hopefully,
you got God's blessing.
IV. You have reached a high grade in Kejawen. You know the essence of the
knowledge. When one day, you come to Java and you meet experts of
Kejawen or Guru, you know already the most important ingredients of
Kebatinan or Kejawen.
They will always repeat the Javanese terminology, you already know the
meaning. If you wish to improve perfectly the true knowledge as taught in
Kejawen, it is advisable to meet a Guru who should guide you. And if you
have time, it's a good idea if you could visit some places in Mataram
(Yogyakarta, Surakarta and surroundings) having strong spiritual
power.
(Mataram means clear vision. The first kingdom of Mataram established in
the 6th century. The second Mataram kingdom established in the 16 th
century).
The friendly people of the region with breath-taking natural beauty and
ancient precious cultural heritage should warmly welcome you, during your
spiritual journey in the land of Mataram, Java, Indonesia