Under the watchful eyes of the Elders 🫣
I found solace in their acceptance as I humbly sought their company and indulged in the beauty of song and *poetry.
In that moment of our initial meeting, a profound sense of familiarity enveloped me, as if our connection transcended time and space...
Could be soul recognition..
Could be past life memories.
Could be precognition.
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*In the Javanese tradition:
Poetry=sung-word.
Not spoken-word.
No poetry without singing and
there's no singing without the **gamelan.
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**Gamelan ꦒꦩꦼꦭꦤ꧀ is a traditional ensemble music originating from the Land of Java, derives its name from the Javanese word, gamel ꦒꦩꦼꦭ꧀, means 'to hammer'. Most of the instruments of gamelan ensemble are struck with wooden mallets, padded sticks or hammers.
In the rich tapestry of Javanese folklore, the gamelan is said to have been created by Sang Hyang Batara Guru, the eminent Supreme God. It is of note that the oldest representation of the gamelan can be traced back to the intricate bas-relief adorning the 8th century Buddhist marvel of Borobudur in the heart of Central Java.
The gamelan instruments developed into their current form during the Majapahit Empire (1293 to circa 1527). Inscriptions and manuscripts from that period reveal that the kingdom even had a government office in charge of supervising the performing arts, including the gamelan.
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Kak Nani: Sultan Agung's counsel to the children of Mataram -
The children of Agung are they who observe the following ten (10) :
1. Seek knowledge
2. Read the Quran
3. Read (other than the Quran)
4. Write
5. Ride a horse
6. Dance with poise
7. Play gamelan musical compositions (Gendhing)
8. Understand poetry (Tembang Gedhe/Sekar Ageng) and the ancient Javanese language (Kawi/Jawa Kuno)
9. Master the knowledge and strategies of war
10. Live in the present moment while honouring tradition, politeness and fine manners.
#sedinoingponorogo #jde #javanesediasporaevent #diasporajawa #jawa #java #jawasaklawase
📸 Usman Hadi Rahardjo