| Fasting and asceticism are essential practices in | | | | If one has the natural urge to discharge any waste in |
| Javanese Kejawen and shamanism--especially | | | | has to be done in the room--one with a bathroom |
| Indonesian shamanism. Most of the unusual and | | | | attached to it would be a fitting place for this |
| unique powers acquired in Indonesian occultism are | | | | austerity. Depending on the requirements of the |
| dependent upon the mastery of these disciplines with | | | | magickal rite, this austerity may run for a period of |
| their many forms and variations. Another important | | | | 24 hours, 3, 7 days, or more.NgelowongThis is a |
| factor that must not be overlooked in the acquisition | | | | lighter form of the above two austerities. One may |
| of these occult powers is the knowledge of the | | | | not eat or drink for the designated period. Three |
| correct timing such as the proper month and day | | | | hours is the maximum sleep allowed. One may |
| which magickal rites and disciplines are to be | | | | wander outside of the house.NgrowotThis is a |
| commenced, and this is intrinsically linked with the | | | | complete fast from dawn to dusk. When one breaks |
| Javanese calender; this however, will not be dealt | | | | the fast in the evening, one may only consume |
| with in this article for it is beyond its scope. We will | | | | fruits--nothing else! This is a fruitarian discipline. It is |
| mainly focus on the many variations of fasting and | | | | permissible for one to eat as much as desired so long |
| the austerities carried-out in Javanese mysticism | | | | as they are of the same kind--bananas, for instance. |
| occultism.Fasting as a religio-spiritual practice is known | | | | The other harsh disciplines of the above such as |
| the world over by modern and ancient cultures. | | | | seclusion, no sleep, do not apply in this |
| Initially, fasting was the result of the inaccessibility of | | | | austerity.NganyepThis is a fast from consuming |
| food and proper nourishment in the face of lack and | | | | anything that would cause a sensation in the tongue. |
| poverty. It was later adopted by the religious | | | | In other words, the things that one eats or drinks |
| shamanic community for magickal and devotional | | | | should be tasteless. It is similar to mutih except that |
| purposes as it was found to provide certain | | | | one has a more variety of foods to choose from: for |
| interesting results psychologically, biologically, and | | | | instance, the tasteless diet biscuits . . .NgidangOnly |
| metaphysically. The ancient grimoires, both eastern | | | | edible leaves are eaten and plain water drunk in this |
| and western, are filled with rituals that require fasting | | | | austerity. Other foods and fluids are not allowed to |
| as a preparation for the work.Modern researches on | | | | be consumed.NgepelNgepel means "fist-full." In this |
| fasting reveals that the practice results in health and | | | | fast, one eats a single meal a day and only a hand-full |
| in a regeneration of the physical body when done | | | | of rice is allowed or unless indicated by the |
| rationally and not carried into extremes. Fasting | | | | requirements of the magickal ritual; two or three |
| maintains one's health as it provides the needed rest | | | | fist-full may be permitted. A very difficult fast as |
| to the digestive organs.From the magickal | | | | three days may be required to complete |
| perspective, fasting has an occult effect on both | | | | it.NgasrepOnly cold, tasteless foods and drinks are |
| mind and body. Shamanic fasting changes the polarity | | | | eaten and drunk in this fast--three times a day, if |
| of the physical body and also raises its vibrations, | | | | you will.Monday-Thursday FastThis fast is normally |
| making it sensitive to the magickal frequencies | | | | done at the conclusion of the other types of fasts. |
| imperceptible to the five senses. It especially | | | | On Mondays and Thursdays one would refrain from |
| sensitizes the autonomic nervous system making it a | | | | eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. It is uncertain |
| fine receptor for receiving psychic impressions that | | | | if this fast originates with Islam, as this religion also |
| are overlooked by the nerves of the central nervous | | | | teaches it.WungonThis is a complete fast--the |
| system.Psychologically, fasting induces a certain | | | | abstinence of food and drinks--for a period of 24 |
| borderline state making the mind susceptible to data | | | | hours. One should also not sleep for that 24 hour |
| fed into it in the form of affirmations, mantras, and | | | | period.Other AusteritiesJejegNo bending of the legs |
| prayers, and thus strengthening subconscious | | | | (i.e. no sitting) for 12 hours from dawn to |
| response to the information given. Fasting likewise | | | | dusk.LelanaNon-stop walking from midnight to 3 am. |
| orients the mind to the spirit within making it | | | | This is a time for introspection.KungkumThis is quite |
| conducive for inner attunements and communications | | | | an interesting austerity. Many have found strange |
| to take place with the Cosmic Mind and the various | | | | sensations occurring in their body as a result of this |
| intelligences composing It. The increased vibrations of | | | | discipline. The method of Kungkum is thus: one has to |
| the body, cleansed of all toxic matter through fasting | | | | submerge oneself naked in a sitting position up to the |
| makes it possible for the attraction of certain types | | | | neck at the mouth of a river where two minor rivers |
| of spirit beings that normally would not come into | | | | meet. One has to face against the currents. The |
| close proximity to us because of the noxious affluvia | | | | appropriate place and spot ought to be located |
| that we emanate. Indonesian shamanism urges one | | | | before starting this austerity--the currents should not |
| to fast on one's natal day (according to the Javanese | | | | be too strong and the sand-bed flat. The |
| calender) to accumulate extra power and to | | | | environment should be quiet without other human |
| strengthen the relationship with one's guardian angel | | | | beings lingering about. Commenced in the middle of |
| and what they call the "four spirit brothers."There is | | | | the night, Kungkum is to be carried-out for the |
| no denying that fasting aids the etheric body to | | | | designated period by the magickal rite which may be |
| accumulate cosmic power, especially when done in | | | | 3 hours or more. Needless to say, this requires lots |
| conjunction with the appropriate metaphysical | | | | of practice. One must not fall asleep while doing the |
| exercises. Without physical nourishment, the body is | | | | Kungkum as this would be perilous--one must not |
| forced to acquire the energy it needs through some | | | | even move as this would defeat the purpose of the |
| other channels. When adopted as a regular practice, | | | | austerity. Before entering the river one has to |
| fasting unfolds psychic sensitivity.As a spiritual | | | | perform a ritual cleansing. While in the actual act of |
| discipline, fasting teaches one to refrain from greed in | | | | submerging into the water the following mantra |
| all of its hideous forms. It is a practical reminder of | | | | ought to be recited:"Putih-putihing mripatku Sayidina |
| the injunction of the Master Jesus: "to be in this | | | | Kilir, Ireng-irenging mripatku Sunan Kali Jaga, Telenging |
| world, but not of it." Fasting, when accompanied with | | | | mripatku Kanjeng Nabi Muhammad."The eyes should |
| contemplation and spiritual reflection, causes beneficial | | | | be shut, and the hand crossed over the chest. The |
| changes in one's psyche. By fasting from the things | | | | body's lower orifices also ought to be closed |
| of this world one would find oneself being nourished | | | | (perhaps one with a plug made out of cork) and the |
| by the Divine Spirit, as Nature hates a vacuum. One | | | | breathing regulated accordingly.The Kungkum discipline |
| would become a "god-eater" where physical | | | | is often carried-out for a period of 7 consecutive |
| nourishment becomes superfluous. This is, of course, | | | | nights. It is especially useful in accumulating magickal |
| quite an advance stage.Generally speaking, during the | | | | force.NgalongIn this austerity one meditates with the |
| period of fasting/austerities one should refrain from | | | | feet up in the air with the head pointing downwards. |
| generating negative thoughts, feelings, and actions | | | | The feet may be supported by a wall or one may do |
| and should be busily engaged in spiritual works. It is a | | | | any related yoga asana for this. More advanced |
| time of introspection and the reaching out (in) for the | | | | methods requires one to hang oneself upside down |
| divinity within us. One's thoughts ought to be kept at | | | | on tree branches, like bats. One should not attempt |
| a lofty level. If the fasting is related to a magickal | | | | to sway or move while hanging thus. Physically, the |
| ritual, the meditation or mantras of the work ought | | | | constant exercise of this discipline helps the |
| to be conducted or recited during the fast. The | | | | practitioner to develop the ability to control the |
| intention of the abstention of food and drink must be | | | | breath--to refrain from breathing for hours at a time. |
| affirmed and impressed upon the subconscious mind | | | | This austerity is accompanied by the Ngrowot fasting |
| ere the commencement of the ritual itself.In | | | | method.Ngeluwang/NglowongNgeluwang is considered |
| Javanese mysticism, fasting is normally carried out | | | | to be a frightening austerity that really tests one's |
| during certain months of the Javanese calender, such | | | | courage. Various magickal powers are said to be |
| as the month of Sura, as these months are | | | | acquired through the constant practice of Ngleluwang |
| considered conducive to spiritual activities. Fasting | | | | such as clairvoyance and the ability to making |
| periods are between 1--40-days. Auspicious days to | | | | another see illusions. In Ngeluwang one has to place |
| commence one's fasting from the Kejawenese point | | | | oneself in a large hole dug for the purpose, |
| of view are Kliwon-Tuesday, Legi-Wednesday, and | | | | preferably in a graveyard or in a quiet place, and to |
| Pahing-Thursday. Fasts/austerities ought to be | | | | remain there for the designated period--normally 24 |
| preceded by a holy wash/ritual cleansing, as this puts | | | | hours. The basic biological needs of the body such as |
| one into the proper frame of mind--aside from its | | | | nourishment may be catered to. While carrying out |
| other metaphysical benefits.During fasting and the | | | | this austerity one may face many temptations and |
| conducting of the austerities, one would indubitably | | | | frightening visions. Before entering the hole, the |
| encounter varied forms of temptations, visions, and | | | | mantra below ought to be recited:"Niat ingsun |
| physical discomfort that would thwart one's efforts. | | | | nglowong, anutupi badan kang bolong, siro mara sira |
| This is partially the result of the body elemental's | | | | mati, kang ganggu marang jiwa ingsun, lebur kaya |
| protest against the discipline imposed. Because of its | | | | dene banyu krana Allah Ta'ala."From the descriptions |
| puerile and irrational nature, it will not accept anything | | | | of the types of fasting and austerities above, it can |
| that would upset its routine work.Fasting and | | | | be seen that they are not easy to accomplish. The |
| austerities brings out the worst in us onto the | | | | people of our contemporary times lack the fortitude |
| surface--and this is indeed a blessing as we would be | | | | as compared with the older generations; thus many |
| made aware of all the neurosis, psychosis, and | | | | do not possess the powers that their ancestors |
| complexes lurking within the psyche that requires our | | | | displayed.Nowadays, with the materialistic orientation |
| attention in the art of transmutation. These dark | | | | and life-style, people expect instant powers without |
| elements are often projected onto the consciousness | | | | too much effort. Although certain powers may be |
| in the forms of hallucinations and illusions. This is one | | | | acquired through a transference of power, these are |
| of the alchemical stages symbolically described by the | | | | not the especially unique ones as applied and |
| mages of old. When these forms arise one should | | | | exhibited by the famed heroes of old, and may be |
| understand what they represent or interpret their | | | | temporary in nature depending upon the process |
| symbolical nature. Knowing what they are is the first | | | | used and personal potency of the channeler of the |
| step of getting rid of them, of which would | | | | power. Perhaps we will provide examples of magickal |
| consequently make it easier for the empowerment | | | | rituals of occult-power acquisition that makes use of |
| of one's psyche and the raising of one's magickal | | | | these shamanic fasting in future articles.Since |
| power-level. It should be noted that even though | | | | Kejawen or Javanese mysticism, and traditional |
| such blocks are removed, one still has the source of | | | | shamanism have been influenced greatly by Islam, it |
| the problem lying deep within in our spiritual | | | | would be most appropriate to complete this article by |
| forgetfulness and divine ignorance. They are like | | | | providing the types of fasting (called "saum" or |
| tentacles belonging to an unseen creature which if | | | | "siyam" in Arabic. Lit. "self-control") as enjoined by this |
| not killed, new limbs would form. However, we are | | | | religion.Basically, Islam categorizes two forms of |
| digressing; this topic goes beyond the scope of this | | | | fasting: obligatory and non-obligatory. The obligatory |
| present article.One thing more should be mentioned: | | | | fast is part of the five-pillars of Islam, which is the |
| traditionally, we are informed that inspirations, visions, | | | | mandatory fasting period in the month of Ramadan. |
| and intuitive impressions of worth occurs from 1 am | | | | Below we list the types of fasts:The Ramadan |
| to dawn. It is said that during this period the | | | | FastThis is the fast carried-out for the whole month |
| impressions emanate from a divine source. At other | | | | of Ramadan. Islam does not encourage complete |
| nocturnal periods they issue forth from the | | | | fasts such as taught in shamanism, thus there is food |
| subconscious mind or from spirit beings of the lower | | | | intake but within the hours designated. The Ramadan |
| planes.At the conclusion of any ritual fast or austerity | | | | fast commences at dawn and ends at dusk--roughly |
| it is a custom in Javanese occultism/shamanism to | | | | 12 hours. Food and drinks may be consumed at any |
| offer a thanks-giving consisting of yellow rice, | | | | hour other than the 12-hour daylight period.The Fast |
| glutinous-rice porridges, fruits, etc.The practitioner | | | | of King DavidThis non-obligatory fast is said to have |
| would invite friends and relatives to the feast.Below | | | | its origin with the Hebrew King. Muhammad The |
| are most of the methods of fasting and austerities | | | | Prophet, blessed is his name, is supposed to have |
| as taught in Kejawen. We have intentionally left out | | | | said that among the non-obligatory fasts, the fast of |
| the types of the left-handed path:MutihIn this fast | | | | King David is the best. This is recorded in the Bukhari |
| one may only eat white rice without anything else to | | | | and Muslim hadith, or recorded sayings of the |
| go along with it. Not even salt or other condiments. | | | | Prophet. The method of the fast is similar to the one |
| Mutih is a tasteless meal. One may perhaps simply | | | | done in the month of Ramadan except that it is done |
| eat plain bread providing no salt has been added to | | | | every other day--fast one day, rest the next.The |
| the dough. In the mutih fast only plain mineral water | | | | Three-day FastThis fast is done every month of the |
| is permissible to satisfy one's thirst. One may eat | | | | Arabic/Islamic calender for three consecutive days. |
| several times a day but with the stated conditions or | | | | The method is as the Ramadan fast. The best dates |
| once a day as perhaps designated in the magickal | | | | to commence this is on the 13th, 14th and 15th. This |
| rite.NgeruhIn this fast one may only consume | | | | fast is non-obligatory.The Six-day FastThis fast is |
| vegetarian meals. Meat is to be completely avoided. | | | | done for six days, preferably consecutive days in the |
| Fish, eggs, and animal products are not to be | | | | month (Syawal) following Ramadan. Like the |
| consumed in this fasting method. It is permissible to | | | | obligatory fast, no nourishment is taken from dawn |
| eat 3 times a day. This fast is actually the refraining | | | | to dusk. This is a non-obligatory fast like the |
| from eating animal life-forms.NgeblengThis fast | | | | above.The Arafah-day FastTo those who are not |
| austerity is a cessation of all normal activities. One | | | | going on the pilgrimage to the Ka'ba, the Arafah-day |
| may not eat, drink, get out of the house, or engage | | | | fast is suggested for cleansing and the gaining of |
| in sexual activities. Sleep should be minimized. One | | | | merit. It is done on the 9th day of the month of |
| should preferably stay in one's room for the | | | | Zulhijah. This non-obligatory fast is supposed to wipe |
| designated period--normally for 24 hours. During the | | | | one's sins created within a two-year period--the year |
| twilight and night hours, the room should preferably | | | | before the fast and the year after.The Eighth-day |
| be without physical illumination. The room itself should | | | | FastAnother single-day fast is the one done in the |
| be dark. In this austerity it is permissible to visit the | | | | month of Zulhijah, just a day prior to the Arafah-day |
| WC (located in other parts of the house), unlike the | | | | fast.The Tasu'a and Asura FastThis fast takes place |
| next difficult discipline.PatigeniLike the above, one | | | | on the 9th and 10th day of the month of |
| may not eat, drink or engage in any sexual activities. | | | | Muharam.The Al-Baidh (Full Moon) FastIt is recorded |
| In addition, one may not sleep, get out of the room, | | | | that the Prophet enjoyed fasting in this period and |
| or have any physical illumination during night hours. | | | | encouraged others to do so. This is a three-day fast |
| One has to be in complete seclusion in a dark room. | | | | during the full moon. |