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Fasting
Fasting and asceticism are essential practices in Javanese Kejawen and
shamanism--especially Indonesian shamanism. Most of the unusual and unique
powers acquired in Indonesian occultism are dependent upon the mastery of these
disciplines with their many forms and variations. Another important factor that
must not be overlooked in the acquisition of these occult powers is the
knowledge of the correct timing such as the proper month and day which magickal
rites and disciplines are to be commenced, and this is intrinsically linked with
the Javanese calender; this however, will not be dealt with in this article for
it is beyond its scope. We will mainly focus on the many variations of fasting
and the austerities carried-out in Javanese mysticism/occultism.
Fasting as a religio-spiritual practice is known the world over by modern and
ancient cultures. Initially, fasting was the result of the inaccessibility of
food and proper nourishment in the face of lack and poverty. It was later
adopted by the religious/shamanic community for magickal and devotional purposes
as it was found to provide certain interesting results psychologically,
biologically, and metaphysically. The ancient grimoires, both eastern and
western, are filled with rituals that require fasting as a preparation for the
work.
Modern researches on fasting reveals that the practice results in health and in
a regeneration of the physical body when done rationally and not carried into
extremes. Fasting maintains one's health as it provides the needed rest to the
digestive organs.
From the magickal perspective, fasting has an occult effect on both mind and
body. Shamanic fasting changes the polarity of the physical body and also raises
its vibrations, making it sensitive to the magickal frequencies imperceptible to
the five senses. It especially sensitizes the autonomic nervous system making it
a fine receptor for receiving psychic impressions that are overlooked by the
nerves of the central nervous system.
Psychologically, fasting induces a certain borderline state making the mind
susceptible to data fed into it in the form of affirmations, mantras, and
prayers, and thus strengthening subconscious response to the information given.
Fasting likewise orients the mind to the spirit within making it conducive for
inner attunements and communications to take place with the Cosmic Mind and the
various intelligences composing It. The increased vibrations of the body,
cleansed of all toxic matter through fasting makes it possible for the
attraction of certain types of spirit beings that normally would not come into
close proximity to us because of the noxious affluvia that we emanate.
Indonesian shamanism urges one to fast on one's natal day (according to the
Javanese calender) to accumulate extra power and to strengthen the relationship
with one's guardian angel and what they call the "four spirit
brothers."
There is no denying that fasting aids the etheric body to accumulate cosmic
power, especially when done in conjunction with the appropriate metaphysical
exercises. Without physical nourishment, the body is forced to acquire the
energy it needs through some other channels. When adopted as a regular practice,
fasting unfolds psychic sensitivity.
As a spiritual discipline, fasting teaches one to refrain from greed in all of
its hideous forms. It is a practical reminder of the injunction of the Master
Jesus: "to be in this world, but not of it." Fasting, when accompanied
with contemplation and spiritual reflection, causes beneficial changes in one's
psyche. By fasting from the things of this world one would find oneself being
nourished by the Divine Spirit, as Nature hates a vacuum. One would become a
"god-eater" where physical nourishment becomes superfluous. This is,
of course, quite an advance stage.
Generally speaking, during the period of fasting/austerities one should refrain
from generating negative thoughts, feelings, and actions and should be busily
engaged in spiritual works. It is a time of introspection and the reaching out
(in) for the divinity within us. One's thoughts ought to be kept at a lofty
level. If the fasting is related to a magickal ritual, the meditation or mantras
of the work ought to be conducted or recited during the fast. The intention of
the abstention of food and drink must be affirmed and impressed upon the
subconscious mind ere the commencement of the ritual itself.
In Javanese mysticism, fasting is normally carried out during certain months of
the Javanese calender, such as the month of Sura, as these months are considered
conducive to spiritual activities. Fasting periods are between 1--40-days.
Auspicious days to commence one's fasting from the Kejawenese point of view are
Kliwon-Tuesday, Legi-Wednesday, and Pahing-Thursday. Fasts/austerities ought to
be preceded by a holy wash/ritual cleansing, as this puts one into the proper
frame of mind--aside from its other metaphysical benefits.
During fasting and the conducting of the austerities, one would indubitably
encounter varied forms of temptations, visions, and physical discomfort that
would thwart one's efforts. This is partially the result of the body elemental's
protest against the discipline imposed. Because of its puerile and irrational
nature, it will not accept anything that would upset its routine work.
Fasting and austerities brings out the worst in us onto the surface--and this is
indeed a blessing as we would be made aware of all the neurosis, psychosis, and
complexes lurking within the psyche that requires our attention in the art of
transmutation. These dark elements are often projected onto the consciousness in
the forms of hallucinations and illusions. This is one of the alchemical stages
symbolically described by the mages of old. When these forms arise one should
understand what they represent or interpret their symbolical nature. Knowing
what they are is the first step of getting rid of them, of which would
consequently make it easier for the empowerment of one's psyche and the raising
of one's magickal power-level. It should be noted that even though such blocks
are removed, one still has the source of the problem lying deep within in our
spiritual forgetfulness and divine ignorance. They are like tentacles belonging
to an unseen creature which if not killed, new limbs would form. However, we are
digressing; this topic goes beyond the scope of this present article.
One thing more should be mentioned: traditionally, we are informed that
inspirations, visions, and intuitive impressions of worth occurs from 1 am to
dawn. It is said that during this period the impressions emanate from a divine
source. At other nocturnal periods they issue forth from the subconscious mind
or from spirit beings of the lower planes.
At the conclusion of any ritual fast or austerity it is a custom in Javanese
occultism/shamanism to offer a thanks-giving consisting of yellow rice,
glutinous-rice porridges, fruits, etc.The practitioner would invite friends and
relatives to the feast.
Below are most of the methods of fasting and austerities as taught in Kejawen.
We have intentionally left out the types of the left-handed path:
Mutih
In this fast one may only eat white rice without anything else to go along with
it. Not even salt or other condiments. Mutih is a tasteless meal. One may
perhaps simply eat plain bread providing no salt has been added to the dough. In
the mutih fast only plain mineral water is permissible to satisfy one's thirst.
One may eat several times a day but with the stated conditions or once a day as
perhaps designated in the magickal rite.
Ngeruh
In this fast one may only consume vegetarian meals. Meat is to be completely
avoided. Fish, eggs, and animal products are not to be consumed in this fasting
method. It is permissible to eat 3 times a day. This fast is actually the
refraining from eating animal life-forms.
Ngebleng
This fast/austerity is a cessation of all normal activities. One may not eat,
drink, get out of the house, or engage in sexual activities. Sleep should be
minimized. One should preferably stay in one's room for the designated
period--normally for 24 hours. During the twilight and night hours, the room
should preferably be without physical illumination. The room itself should be
dark. In this austerity it is permissible to visit the WC (located in other
parts of the house), unlike the next difficult discipline.
Patigeni
Like the above, one may not eat, drink or engage in any sexual activities. In
addition, one may not sleep, get out of the room, or have any physical
illumination during night hours. One has to be in complete seclusion in a dark
room. If one has the natural urge to discharge any waste in has to be done in
the room--one with a bathroom attached to it would be a fitting place for this
austerity. Depending on the requirements of the magickal rite, this austerity
may run for a period of 24 hours, 3, 7 days, or more.
Ngelowong
This is a lighter form of the above two austerities. One may not eat or drink
for the designated period. Three hours is the maximum sleep allowed. One may
wander outside of the house.
Ngrowot
This is a complete fast from dawn to dusk. When one breaks the fast in the
evening, one may only consume fruits--nothing else! This is a fruitarian
discipline. It is permissible for one to eat as much as desired so long as they
are of the same kind--bananas, for instance. The other harsh disciplines of the
above such as seclusion, no sleep, do not apply in this austerity.
Nganyep
This is a fast from consuming anything that would cause a sensation in the
tongue. In other words, the things that one eats or drinks should be tasteless.
It is similar to mutih except that one has a more variety of foods to choose
from: for instance, the tasteless diet biscuits . . .
Ngidang
Only edible leaves are eaten and plain water drunk in this austerity. Other
foods and fluids are not allowed to be consumed.
Ngepel
Ngepel means "fist-full." In this fast, one eats a single meal a day
and only a hand-full of rice is allowed or unless indicated by the requirements
of the magickal ritual; two or three fist-full may be permitted. A very
difficult fast as three days may be required to complete it.
Ngasrep
Only cold, tasteless foods and drinks are eaten and drunk in this fast--three
times a day, if you will.
Monday-Thursday Fast
This fast is normally done at the conclusion of the other types of fasts. On
Mondays and Thursdays one would refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to
dusk. It is uncertain if this fast originates with Islam, as this religion also
teaches it.
Wungon
This is a complete fast--the abstinence of food and drinks--for a period of 24
hours. One should also not sleep for that 24 hour period.
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.
Copyright © 2006 Luxamore
Bio:
Leonard Lee aka Luxamore is a Metaphysical teacher, counseler, healer and
merchant of occult/magickal items of Indonesia.
www.indotalisman.com
Talismans,
Amulets, Mustika Pearls, Bezoar Stones and Magick of Al Hikmah and
Javanese
www.bezoarmustikapearls.com
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