The Wisdom of Java: Daily Wisdom for a Peaceful, Happier, and Motivated Life

By Ahmad Dzikran

This book discusses the 12 principles of life rooted in moral, ethical, and philosophical principles still applicable in the modern era, specifically within the Javanese culture. There is a belief that if Javanese people successfully apply these 12 principles of life, they will achieve a safe, peaceful, and harmonious life, not only individually but also as a society.

Furthermore, these 12 daily wisdom and inspiration can be applied in your daily life, regardless of where you are. The values contained within these principles are universal and can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, regardless of cultural or geographical differences. By practicing these 12 principles, you can attain personal harmony and peace, leading to a more meaningful life and moving away from excessive materialism.

Make the book "The Wisdom of Java" your guide to achieving a better and happier motivated life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Digibooks
• Release date: Feb 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224521746

Ahmad Dzikran

Hello, my name is Ahmad Dzikran. Actually, I am a freelance architect, but I also love to write. Therefore, I have written several books in Indonesia and Malaysia, two of which have become best sellers. They are "Kuasai Dirimu" (Best Seller Indonesia for 5 consecutive years) and "Kalimah Allah Milik Siapa" (Best Seller Malaysia 2013).I have already published several e-books and books on Amazon, such as "Wisdom of Java," "Wisdom of Bali," "Hasta Brata," and others. Hopefully, more titles will follow soon. Just wait and see.You can contact me through my personal Instagram account @ahmaddzikran or the publisher @digibooks.info.

Book preview

The Wisdom of Java

Daily Wisdom For A Peaceful, Happier, and Motivated Life

Ahmad Dzikran

@ahmaddzikran

Copyright © 2016, Ahmad Dzikran. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of very brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

About The Cover

Gunungan (mountain) wayang is a triangle-like shaped leather puppet in the theatrical performance of Wayang (shadow puppet play). In the below-center section, there is a picture of a palace gate guarded by two giants holding a sword and a shield. In the Javanese Wayang Kulit show, Gunungan is played or used as a palace. On the top of the entrance gate, there is a picture of a tree entwined by a dragon.

The Gunungan has three sides: the good (positive) side, the evil (negative) side, and the shadow side. The overall shape of the mountain (Gunungan) reveals severalsteps at the base that lead to the two doors of the temple. On each side of the doors stand two Raksasa, or giant gatekeepers guard the spiritual temple. At the beginning of the performance, when the music begins to play, the Dalang (the puppet master who operates all wayanWayangacters and tells the story) would symbolically open the temple doors and invite his audience to enter the magical world of Wayang. From then on, the audience should be ready to have their perceptions changed.

Inside Gunungan there are also pictures of various animals in the forest. The whole picture depicts the circumstances in the wilderness. In other words, Gunungan symbolizes the state of the world and everything in it. Before the Wayang Kulit isplayed, the Gunungan is plugged into the center of the stage, leaning slightly to the right, which indicates that the show has not started yet, much like a world without any kind of life. Once played, the Gunungan is revoked and lined up on the right.

The conical shape of Gunungan symbolizes human life, that with more knowledge and increasing age, they should be ever more narrow (golong gilig), through the union of soul, feeling, thought, and deed (manunggaling jiwa, rasa, karsa and karya). In short, human life is nothing but the way to the One Above (God).

The following are the explanation and meaning of the images inside Gunungan:

A Palace Gate and two guards named Cingkoro Bolo Bolo and Upoto. These two guards are the symbol of the human heart which have two tendencies: good and evil. The shield and godho (a Javanese traditional weapon used during warfare) represent the keepers of the dark and bright side of the world.

Forest (trees) and the beast in the Gunungan are symbols of various human characters.

The Tree that grow throughout the body and spread to the top of the Gunungan symbolizes all of human behavior and thought that should grow and move forward (dynamic), so they would be useful and give colors to the world and universe (Urip iku obah, Obaho sing ngarah-arah). The tree also indicates that God has given shelter and protection for human life in this world.

The Bird means thathuman beings should make the world and the universe beautiful spiritually and materially.

The Bull means that human beings should be strong, agile, resilient, and tough.

The Monkeys indicate that people should be able to distinguish which is right or wrong, or sweet or bitter, the way monkeys always choose good, ripe, and sweet fruit.

The Tiger symbolizes that human beings should be the leader for themselves, be able to act wisely and control their worldly desire to achieve a better life and be useful for themselves, others, and the universe. Otherwise, there are bad consequences to pay. Everything will perish, just like the Gunungan when reversed, a red color will appear.

The image of the giant head symbolizes the greedy character of a human in daily life. This bad character can transform humans into something very evil, as evil as satan.

The image of Ilu ilu Banaspati (a genie or demon) on the back of a Gunungan symbolizes that life in this world has many temptations, trials, challenges, and dangers that would come at any time to threaten human safety.

The image of the ocean is the symbol of the human mind.

The image of Joglo House (gapuran) represents a house or a country, which is supposed to be a place for a secure, serene, and happy life.

There are many meaningful symbols in every instrument and character of Javanese puppet shows ( Wayang Kulit) because the purpose of the show is basically to inspire people to improve themselves and learn from their mistakes. Life itself is a learning process after all.

DON'T FORGET TO GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK

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If you enjoyed this book or found it useful I’d be very grateful if you’d post a short review on the website where you bought this book . Your support does make a difference and I read all the reviews personally so I can get your feedback and make this book even better.

Thanks again for your support!

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Opening Words

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This e-book contains the wisdom on view of life taught by our ancestors in Java, Indonesia. This wisdom has become a Javanese way of life in the past and is still relevant today.

But the wave of modernity and globalization has eroded many traditional views that are very meaningful and wise. The view that can guide us in this life is the one based on wisdom and prudence, not only based on popularity and wealth.

The values in this e-book will be beneficial for you and show you the right path in life, making your heart calmer, happy, er and more grateful.

The traditional philosophy of the Javanese community must be studied, read, and disseminated continuously by the community so that the wisdom values will not be lost in time. For this reason, I present to you all: The Wisdom of Java.

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Table of Contents

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About The Cover

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Opening Words

I. Live Is Lit(Urip Iku Urup)

II. Maintaining the Peace of the Earth, Eradicate Cruelty(Memayu Hayuning Bawana, Ambrasta dur Hangkara)

III. Every Hatred, Anger, and Hard-heartedness Will Be Crushed by Tenderness, Wisdom, and Patience(Sura Dira Jayaningrat, Lebur Dening Pangastuti)

IV. Fighting Without Needing to Bring Masses; Winning Without Demeaning or Humiliating; Getting Powerful Without Relying on One's Physical Prowess, Fortune, or Ancestry; Being Wealthy Without Being Trapped into Materialistic Attitude.(Ngluruk Tanpa Bala, Menang Tanpa Ngasorake, Sekti Tanpa Aji-aji, Sugih Tanpa Bandha)

V. Do Not Easily Get Tempted By Anything Glamourous And Beautiful, Do Not Quickly Change Your Mind because You might Regret it In the End(Aja Milik Barang Kang Melok, Aja Mangro Mundak Kendo)

VI. Don’t Get Angry Easily When Calamity Comes, And Don’t Get Sad Easily When Losing Something (Datan Serik Lamun Ketaman, Datan Susah Lamun Kelangan)

VII. Do Not Easily Be Fascinated, Do Not Easily Be Disappointed, Do Not Easily Be Surprised, And Do Not Easily Be Spoiled. (Aja Gumunan, Aja Getunan, Aja Kagetan, Aja Aleman)

VIII. Do Not Obsess Or Confine Yourself With Positions, Wealth, Material Possessions, And Worldly Pleasures. All Of These Are Transient And Can Disappear At Any Time.(Aja Ketungkul Marang Kalungguhan, Kadonyan lan Kemareman)

IX. Don't be arrogant since you might be wrong, and avoid hurting others because you might end up suffering yourself. [Aja Kuminter Mundak Keblinger. Aja Cidra Mundak Cilaka]

X. Don't be arrogant with your power, strength, and knowledge(Aja Adigang, Adigung, Adiguna)

XI. Whoever Has A Noble  Aspiration, Life Will Be Directed Throughout Life(Sapa Weruh Ing Panuju Sasad Pager Wesi)

XII. Life's Difficulties Do Not Stand In The Way of Achieving the ultimate goal.(Alang-alang Dudu Aling-aling, Marginig Kautaman)

Epilogue: Human Paradox

About The Author

New Ebook Available Soon!

1)  The Wisdom of Bali (Indonesian Wisdom Series #2)

2) Hasta Brata (Indonesian Wisdom Series #3)

I. Life is Lit (Urip Iku Urup)

Life is Lit (Urip Iku Urup), embodying the notion that our mere presence should illuminate the lives of those around us. The brilliance of our existence lies in the profound benefits we bestow upon others. Each act of kindness, no matter how modest, possesses immeasurable significance. Above all, we must