From Manuscript to Moral Ecology: The Manifestation of Memayu Hayuning Bawana in Serat Kandha Bumi

Abstract

Memayu hayuning Bawana is a Javanese outlook on life that contains the values of preserving, maintaining peace, to achieve world safety. The aim of this study is to explain and describe the embodiment of the Memayu Hayuning Bawana concept found in Serat Kandha Bumi as a guideline to the Javanese. The method used is descriptive qualitative. The data source in this study is Serat Kandha Bumi, which contains 53 pages in the form of gancaran. The data consists of text excerpts from Serat Kandha Bumi and interpretations of their meanings that demonstrate the concept of Memayu Hayuning Bawana. Data collection techniques were carried out through in-depth and repeated reading and interviews with ancient manuscript experts. Data analysis techniques used Miles and Huberman techniques. The results of this study show that the concept of Memayu Hayuning Bawana concerns 1) relationships between humans that are realized with an attitude of compassion; a sense of empathy; ewuh pekewuh; and aja dumeh, 2) Relationships between humans and nature through sacred rituals and the elements of water and vegetation in rituals, 3) Relationships between humans and God through prayer, accepting destiny, and acknowledging the power of God. This research expands the study of the Memayu Hayuning Bawana concept which is sourced in Fiber Kandha Bumi as an ecological and social ethical framework that can be used as a life guide to create a better life.