An amalgam acquired over centuries, they are steeped in Javanese thinking with elements of animism, ancestor worship, Hinduism in the tradition of tantrism, Buddhism in the form of Mahayãna and Tantrayãna, and mystical Islam with its Sufi practices.
Kejawen may be understood as a body of paradigms embedded in mysticism and/or a set of worldview related beliefs in the true nature of the universe and life. On a personal level, it is outwardly directed and expressed through community-oriented lifestyles manifested in physical forms, rituals, and practices. Puppet shows such as wayang kulit and the like, with their moral underpinnings, humour and parody, are an example of how audiences are directed to lead a better way of life.
By comparison, Kebatinan refers to the path to “awaken” and “nurse” the inner self by pursuing inner peace, the balance of egoism and altruism, the acquisition of proper knowledge and powers and using them wisely through reading, speech, listening and actions such as fasting, praying and meditation. The journey to achieve Kebatinan is an arduous but righteous one, and even knowledgeable masters of these teachings and discourses are aware that they may suffer from human fallibility one day due to their vast knowledge and wisdom.
Heavily populated Java, Indonesia’s geographic and economic centre, is truly a melting pot of diverse cultural influences. Hence, it is no wonder that various physical forms, rituals, and practices of Kejawen and Kebatinan emerged.
Jawa Dipa
Jawa Dipa translates to “light of Java” and is the oldest known form of these spiritual and philosophical teachings and discourses. It is rooted in a belief that Sanghyang Urip, the Supreme-Life-Source, dwells in each form of the fauna. This supreme being expects mankind to show him gratitude and respect by giving security and love to each other and the other beings of the universe instead of worshipping him. In this belief system there are only two explicit prohibitions: Do not kill someone and do not hurt someone’s feelings. In