Javanism Methods of Fasting , Austerities 4

Other Austerities

Jejeg

No bending of the legs (i.e. no sitting) for 12 hours from dawn to dusk.

Lelana

Non-stop walking from midnight to 3 am. This is a time for introspection.

Kungkum

This is quite an interesting austerity. Many have found strange sensations occurring in their body as a result of this discipline. The method of Kungkum is thus: one has to submerge oneself naked in a sitting position up to the neck at the mouth of a river where two minor rivers meet. One has to face against the currents. The appropriate place and spot ought to be located before starting this austerity--the currents should not be too strong and the sand-bed flat. The environment should be quiet without other human beings lingering about. Commenced in the middle of the night, Kungkum is to be carried-out for the designated period by the magickal rite which may be 3 hours or more. Needless to say, this requires lots of practice. One must not fall asleep while doing the Kungkum as this would be perilous--one must not even move as this would defeat the purpose of the austerity. Before entering the river one has to perform a ritual cleansing. While in the actual act of submerging into the water the following mantra ought to be recited:

"Putih-putihing mripatku Sayidina Kilir, Ireng-irenging mripatku Sunan Kali Jaga, Telenging mripatku Kanjeng Nabi Muhammad."

The eyes should be shut, and the hand crossed over the chest. The body's lower orifices also ought to be closed (perhaps one with a plug made out of cork) and the breathing regulated accordingly.

The Kungkum discipline is often carried-out for a period of 7 consecutive nights. It is especially useful in accumulating magickal force.

Ngalong

In this austerity one meditates with the feet up in the air with the head pointing downwards. The feet may be supported by a wall or one may do any related yoga asana for this. More advanced methods requires one to hang oneself upside down on tree branches, like bats. One should not attempt to sway or move while hanging thus. Physically, the constant exercise of this discipline helps the practitioner to develop the ability to control the breath--to refrain from breathing for hours at a time. This austerity is accompanied by the Ngrowot fasting method.

Ngeluwang/Nglowong

Ngeluwang is considered to be a frightening austerity that really tests one's courage. Various magickal powers are said to be acquired through the constant practice of Ngleluwang such as clairvoyance and the ability to making another see illusions. In Ngeluwang one has to place oneself in a large hole dug for the purpose, preferably in a graveyard or in a quiet place, and to remain there for the designated period--normally 24 hours. The basic biological needs of the body such as nourishment may be catered to. While carrying out this austerity one may face many temptations and frightening visions. Before entering the hole, the mantra below ought to be recited:

"Niat ingsun nglowong, anutupi badan kang bolong, siro mara sira mati, kang ganggu marang jiwa ingsun, lebur kaya dene banyu krana Allah Ta'ala."

From the descriptions of the types of fasting and austerities above, it can be seen that they are not easy to accomplish. The people of our contemporary times lack the fortitude as compared with the older generations; thus many do not possess the powers that their ancestors displayed.

Nowadays, with the materialistic orientation and life-style, people expect instant powers without too much effort. Although certain powers may be acquired through a transference of power, these are not the especially unique ones as applied and exhibited by the famed heroes of old, and may be temporary in nature depending upon the process used and personal potency of the channeler of the power. Perhaps we will provide examples of magickal rituals of occult-power acquisition that makes use of these shamanic fasting in future articles.

Since Kejawen or Javanese mysticism, and traditional shamanism have been influenced greatly by Islam, it would be most appropriate to complete this article by providing the types of fasting (called "saum" or "siyam" in Arabic. Lit. "self-control") as enjoined by this religion.

Basically, Islam categorizes two forms of fasting: obligatory and non-obligatory. The obligatory fast is part of the five-pillars of Islam, which is the mandatory fasting period in the month of Ramadan. Below we list the types of fasts:

The Ramadan Fast

This is the fast carried-out for the whole month of Ramadan. Islam does not encourage complete fasts such as taught in shamanism, thus there is food intake but within the hours designated. The Ramadan fast commences at dawn and ends at dusk--roughly 12 hours. Food and drinks may be consumed at any hour other than the 12-hour daylight period.

The Fast of King David

This non-obligatory fast is said to have its origin with the Hebrew King. Muhammad The Prophet, blessed is his name, is supposed to have said that among the non-obligatory fasts, the fast of King David is the best. This is recorded in the Bukhari and Muslim hadith, or recorded sayings of the Prophet. The method of the fast is similar to the one done in the month of Ramadan except that it is done every other day--fast one day, rest the next.

The Three-day Fast

This fast is done every month of the Arabic/Islamic calender for three consecutive days. The method is as the Ramadan fast. The best dates to commence this is on the 13th, 14th and 15th. This fast is non-obligatory.

The Six-day Fast

This fast is done for six days, preferably consecutive days in the month (Syawal) following Ramadan. Like the obligatory fast, no nourishment is taken from dawn to dusk. This is a non-obligatory fast like the above.

The Arafah-day Fast

To those who are not going on the pilgrimage to the Ka'ba, the Arafah-day fast is suggested for cleansing and the gaining of merit. It is done on the 9th day of the month of Zulhijah. This non-obligatory fast is supposed to wipe one's sins created within a two-year period--the year before the fast and the year after.

The Eighth-day Fast

Another single-day fast is the one done in the month of Zulhijah, just a day prior to the Arafah-day fast.

The Tasu'a and Asura Fast

This fast takes place on the 9th and 10th day of the month of Muharam.

The Al-Baidh (Full Moon) Fast

It is recorded that the Prophet enjoyed fasting in this period and encouraged others to do so. This is a three-day fast during the full moon.