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