Kanjeng Gusti Ibu Ratu Kidul

The Sacred Bedhaya Ketawang Instrumental

2011-08-02T12:10:00.000-07:00

The Sacred Bedhaya Ketawang

2011-08-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

TEACHING OF IBU RATU

2011-05-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

"Berkiblatlah pada YANG DIATAS, jangan pada Ibu. Ibu juga belum sempurna, masih menjalankan tugas. Hati, pikiran, prilaku, semua harus ditata. Bersahabatlah dengan alam, berbagilah waktu dengan alam. Jagalah alam ini layaknya kamu menjaga raga dan keluarga.

Buang jauh-jauh sifat ke-aku-an mu. Tuntutlah ilmu padi. Janganlah berburu pusaka-pusaka di tempat-tempat kramat, tidak ada gunanya. Tapi jadikanlah dirimu pusaka. Jadikanlah otakmu berlian dan hatimu emas. Itu lebih berguna. Mengajilah pada Al Quran yang ada didalam dirimu, bukan Al Quran orang lain. Bersembunyilah di tempat yang terang...

Eling ngger, eling... Waspodo... Yakin, iklas hadapi hidup ini. Semua sudah ditata rapi, jalani saja apa adanya. Itu yang paling penting."

CONFESSION OF A MYSTIC IN LOVE

2011-05-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

"WHAT U JUST EXPERIENCED WAS AN ANXIETY ATTACK!" SAID THE DOCTOR.

"PHYSICALLY, U R AS HEALTHY AS A BULL. UR HEART IS FINE, ALTHOUGH U DO HAVE SYMPTOM OF GERD, BUT IT WILL GO AWAY ON ITS OWN."

"SO, IF THAT WAS THE CASE , WHAT IS GOING ON WITH ME?" I ASKED.

"WHAT U R SUFFERING FROM IS MORE PSYCHOLOGICAL, NOT PHYSICAL. IT'S A CLASSIC CASE OF PSYCHOSOMATIC." REPLIED THE DOCTOR.

I LOOKED BLANK, AND TO THIS THE DOCTOR EXPLAINED, "WHEN SOMEONE WORRIES, OR STRESSES OVER SOMETHING OF A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, THE WORRIES BECOME ROOTED IN THEIR SUB-CONSCIOUS SO DEEP THAT THE BRAIN WILL SEND THE SIGNALS TO THE STOMACH AND RESULTING IN THE OVER PRODUCTION OF THE GAS CAUSING HEART BURN AND IN TURN THE BODY MIMICS THE EFFECT OF A HEART ATTACK. I CAN RECOMMEND U A SHRINK, IF U WANT."

WTF???? I WANDER INSIDE, SO I'VE BEEN A NUTCASE ALL THIS TIME AND NOT REALIZING IT.

THAT WAS WHAT I FOUND OUT QUITE RECENTLY...

I THOUGHT I WAS HAPPY, SPIRITUALLY CONTENTED, I THOUGHT I WAS FINE. BUT AS IT TURNED OUT, IT'S MORE SERIOUS THAN I REALIZE.

THAT WHOLE CONFRONTATION WAS LIKE A PAINFUL SLAP OF WAKE UP CALL TO MY FACE. I TOOK IT HARD.

I TRIED TO LOOK BACK TO WHEN IT ALL BEGIN. WHAT WAS THE CAUSES OF IT? TRIED TO LOOK FOR THE ANSWER...

I SAT IN ZEN MEDITATION, JUST SITTING, NOT CONCENTRATING, NOT CONTEMPLATING, NOT FOCUSING ON ANYTHING. I JUST SAT FOR THE WHOLE NIGHT. JUST SAT... FACING THE WALL. JUST WITNESSING, JUST WATCHING NOT GETTING CAUGHT IN EVERY STREAM OF THOUGHTS THAT CAME IN AND OUT, JUST WATCHING, FLASHBACK OF MY PAST, ALL THE PAINFUL STUFF, ALL THE HEARTACHES, ALL THE DISAPPOINTMENTS, ALL THE NEGATIVITY, ALL THE DRAMAS, ALL THE WORRIES, AND MOST OF ALL, MY FEAR, DEEP ROOTED FEAR. I SAW WHAT I WAS REALLY AFRAID OF. FEAR OF LOSS, FEAR OF REJECTION, FEAR OF BEING DISAPPOINTED, FEAR OF NOT BEING ACKNOWLEDGED, AND THE BIGGEST FEAR OF THEM ALL, FEAR OF LOVE.

YES, THE TRUTH IS I AM SOOOO AFRAID OF LOVE. THE VERY THOUGHT OF LOVE SCARES ME. I INSTANTLY PUT DOWN MY SHIELD WHENEVER THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO LOVE. TO PROTECT MYSELF. TO PROTECT ME FROM GETTING HURT, TO PROTECT ME FROM BEING REJECTED. MY WHOLE DEFENSE MECHANISM WAS LIKE, I'M GONNA HURT U FIRST BEFORE U HURT ME. IT HAS BEEN LIKE THIS SINCE I CAN REMEMBER. FOR 3 YEARS I'M NOT WITH ANYONE. UNTIL 1 YEAR AGO, SOMEONE CAME INTO MY LIFE AND TEAR DOWN MY WALL, BROKE DOWN ALL MY DEFENSE MECHANISM. THIS PERSON FORCE ME TO FACE MY FEAR, CHALLENGE ME TO LOVE. LIKE A MIRROR, THIS PERSON REFLECTS EVERY PART OF ME THAT I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO DENY MY ENTIRE LIFE. THIS PERSON IS EVERY PART LIKE ME. I WAITED FOR A YEAR FOR THIS PERSON TO OPEN UP TO ME, AND NOW THAT MOMENT HAS ARRIVED... BY NOW I'M SOOO IN LOVE, THAT IT SCARES ME. THAT IS WHEN IT HITS ME, IF THIS WAS TRUE LOVE, THEN WHY IS THERE FEAR AS WELL? THIS IS THE BIG QUESTION!!! THIS IS WHAT ALMOST DRIVES ME INTO A LOONY HOUSE.

THIS PROCESS OF MEDITATION WENT ON FOR HOURS, TO THE POINT WHERE I COULDN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE. I WAS THINKING TO MY SELF, IF DEATH IS COMING TO GET ME NOW, SO BE IT! I DROPPED EVERYTHING, TOTALLY LETTING GO. I WAS IN TOTAL SURRENDER...

THEN, SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY HAPPENED.... AMIDST ALL THE MAMBO JUMBO OF THOUGHTS THAT WENT INTO MY MIND, SUDDENLY I SAW A SEPARATION. THERE WERE THE THOUGHTS, THEN AT THE SAME TIME THERE WAS THE WITNESS, WHO IS THINKING NOW, WHO IS FEELING ALL THIS FEAR, I KEPT ASKING, KEPT ASKING, KEPT ASKING.... THERE'S THE FEELING, THERE'S THE THOUGHT, BUT THERE'S NO ONE FEELING, THERE'S NO ONE THINKING... TOTAL SILENCE, JUST THE WITNESSING, JUST THE WATCHING.

THEN, EVERYTHING WAS CLEAR.... LIKE A CRYSTAL, EVERYTHING WAS CLEAR...

ALL THIS TIME, IT HAS BEEN THE EGO!!! YES, IT WAS THE EGO FEARING. IT WAS NOT ME, IT WAS NOT LOVE, IT WAS THE EGO. IT WAS THE EGO THAT WAS AFRAID OF LOVE, AFRAID OF DISAPPOINTMENT, AFRAID OF LOSS, AFRAID OF REJECTION... IT HAS BEEN THE EGO ALL ALONG... JUST LIKE A DARK ROOM AT A SWITCH OF THE LIGHT, EVERYTHING DISAPPEARS. THE EGO DISAPPEARS...

ALL THAT'S LEFT WAS THIS BLISSFUL STATE OF AWARENESS. IT WAS SO PEACEFUL. FULL OF LOVE. I REALIZED I HAD IDENTIFIED WITH THE EGO TO BE MY THOUGHTS, MY FEELINGS, EVERYTHING. BUT IN REALITY, THE EGO IS ILLUSORY, NOT REAL. 'I AM' REAL, I AM THE DIVINE, THE WITNESS...

SO WHO'S AFRAID OF LOVE NOW? HOW CAN I BE SO AFRAID OF LOVE? I AM LOVE! ALWAYS HAVE BEEN! IT DOES NOT MATTER WHETHER OR NOT MY LOVE IS BEING RETURNED. THE EGO WOULD HAVE KILLED TO HAVE IT'S LOVE RETURNED! BUT HOW CAN I BE AFRAID OF NOT BEING LOVED IN RETURNED? THAT'S LIKE THE OCEAN ASKING FOR A PINCH OF SALT! I LAUGHED OUT A BIG BELLY LAUGHTER!

JUST LIKE THAT!!!
NEVER BORN, NEVER DIED...
HOW CAN THE OCEAN ASK FOR A PINCH OF SALT?
LOVE IS FORMLESS...

SAMPAIKANLAH PADA IBU

2011-05-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

sampaikanlah pada IBU
aku pulang terlambat waktu ku akan menaklukkan malam
dengan jalan qalbuku

sampaikanlah pada BAPAK
aku mencari jalan atas semua keresahan keresahan ini
kegelisahan manusia

rentanglah
malam yang dingin
laut yang lepas

berbagi waktu dengan alam
kau akan tau siapa dirimu yang sebenarnya
hakikat manusia

tak pernah berhenti berjuang pecahkan teka-teki malam
tak pernah berhenti berjuang pecahkan teka-teki keadilan

akan aku telusuri jalan yang setapak ini
smoga kutemukan jawaban

I AM NOT THAT WHICH IT IS AS IT IS... HERE AND NOW!

2011-05-02T04:28:00.000-07:00

Hello there...

I sincerely apologize for not updating my blog for awhile... But as everything has a reason, likewise, a lot has happened.

Like Plato once said,"When I was young, I knew everything. When I grew older, I knew a little. Now in my old age, I knew nothing..."

So where do I begin?
I'm just gonna spill... Straight to the heart of the matter... What you'll read might shock you to the core of your being. The trational orthodox Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, reading this, or the atheists out there, or those with strong unrelenting opinions and perceptions, or those with strong likes and dislikes, or those who automatically think society is based on truth, or those who think their current thought processes are already the highest level of truth, may not be ready for this article. If you're not ready, or not interested, that's solely your choice and there's nothing wrong with that. Just a friendly warning.

We don't have a clue as to what Enlightenment is, many spiritual seekers have misguided ideas about what it is, and many spiritual teachers also don't have the correct understanding of what it is. But because "I" personally have stood on the brink of Enlightenment (but feared to follow through) "I" have a much greater understanding of what it is, and how to get there, than most others. So no, I'm not Enlightened, and even if I was, I couldn't say that I was because there would no longer be an individual ego/mind, and if there is no ego/mind, there is no individual "I" to claim anything. If this is completely beyond your current level of understanding, keep reading and it should become clear what is meant.

So to clear matters up, we're just going to spell it out in a very simple, clear, and lucid manner. Enlightenment is.. the PERMANENT dissolvement/cessation of ALL thoughts, thinking, concepts, and emotions of the ego/mind. In case you missed it, the key words there are "permanent" and "all". Enlightenment is the ceasing of all concepts, all notions, all ideas, all symbols, all words, all intellectualizing, all emotions, all thoughts, and all thinking. In order to let all of them go, one must be fully aware of them, and one must be watching them rather than being identified with them. When you watch them non-judgementally and without words or emotions, they dissipate into nothingness. When you watch them, you are Awareness, not the mind, and when you are wholly and completely Awareness, the very energy behind thinking is let go of.

Enlightenment is NOT the development of psychic abilities, is not astral travelling, is not channeling entities, is not a temporary trance state, is not an artificially induced altered state of consciousness, it has nothing to do with "new age" anything, it doesn't involve the past or the future, it doesn't belong to any one specific religion, it doesn't involve rituals, it doesn't involve conspiracy theories, it has nothing to do with UFO's or aliens, it doesn't involve so-called "ascended masters", it doesn't involve playing with the law of attraction (karma), it doesn't involve visualization, it has nothing to do with vibrations or energy, it has nothing to do with science, it doesn't involve sex (tantra), it has nothing to do with crystals, colors, or vortexes, and it certainly doesn't involve codes, mysteries, or "secrets" of ANY kind. The surreal is not real. There's a reason that Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Plotinus, Lao Tzu, Muhammad, Ramana Maharshi, Nisargardatta Maharaj, Meister Eckhart, and many Zen Masters never taught any of these things. Some of these things are outright false and harmful, others are just simply irrelevant to personal growth, and some of these are quite beneficial to the average person, but when it comes down to Enlightenment, every last bit of everything needs to be un-learned and let go of.

Reality (Awareness) with a captial "R" has no shape or form whatsoever, and is beyond ALL intellectual concepts. The real Truth is eternal and changeless. It has always been relevant, and it always will be. Real spirituality involves bettering ONSESELF by ways of selflessness/Love and higher levels of awareness/truth that help us LET GO of concepts and thoughts because it's concepts and thoughts that obstruct peace (of mind). Spirituality is not the introduction of even more concepts, unless those concepts help us let go of concepts. Peace of mind is silence of mind. Which means that thoughts, thinking, perceptions, views, attitudes, emotions, concepts, opinions, beliefs, and attachments are the source of suffering. Many people say "I wouldn't want to live life without my emotions or thinking" (and that's okay if it's okay with them), but they don't realize that's the ego/mind talking, and if one were even for a brief moment to personally experience exquisite, ineffable, and profound Peace/Silence, one would certainly no longer hold that point of view.

Essentially, you are not the mind and body of change (relative truth). You are the still, silent, unchanging Absolute; the Awareness that is aware of the mind and it's comings and goings, when a deliberate point of being aware of it is made. Watch the mind. That Awareness is changeless, timeless, shapeless, formless, and infinitely eternal. It has no beginning or end.

If you're able to watch the mind, then you are not the mind. How many minds do you have? Are you the mind, or are you the observer watching the mind? Only one of them is real. Just like the heart or lungs, the ego/mind is going and going all by itself. In other words, you are not the thinker of thoughts. Take 5 minutes to watch the mind and see for yourself. You can't control it. You can't stop it by controlling it, but you can stop it by watching it and losing interest in it. You are not the body and it's senses. You are not the mind and it's thoughts. You are the infinitely silent Awareness that is aware of them. One is not subject to the countless faulty workings of the ego/mind when one stops identifying the automatic random repetitive thoughts of the mind as being "me". The very nature of the ego/mind can be summed up in one word... DRAMA. And what is drama? It's the absence of peace (of mind).

Still want enlightenment?

MESSAGE FROM THE GREAT SOUTH...

2010-06-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

Last eve of Friday Kliwon, Kanjeng Ibu descended and delivered the message below:

"Sang Hyang Sira, Sang Hyang Udel, Sang Hyang Dampar (Jawa Barat, Jawa Tengah, Jawa Timur) Merambat sampai ke semua kepulauan NUSANTARA BARU, Cemara Putih menandakan pusat dimana semua perabadan dunia akan berkiblat Ke Majapahit III / Nusantara Baru."

"Tongkat-tongkat kepemimpinan, peran-peran Orang Tua sudah dipindahkan ke generasi penerus. Cakra Tritunggabuwana Dewi sudah digenggam. Bendera Majapahit sudah berkibar di langit. Garuda Raja Wali mengitari ufuk timur tempat Putra Fajar (Soekarno) bertahta, bersatu dengan Dewi pemomong alam Ibu Dewi Kusumaning Ayu Ratu Kidul yg sudah menyediakan tahta untuk penerus atau pemomong alam baru."

"Di ajang 2012, akan dimulai pemilihan penguasa atau pemomong laut selatan, laut utara, laut timur, laut barat. Berikut juga penguasa-penguasa gaib di 8 penjuru mata angin yg akan turun tahta untuk diteruskan oleh putra putri pertiwi yang sudah siap dinobatkan. Pesan untuk generasi muda: Tanamkan jiwa kecintaan akan tanah air, tuntutlah ilmu sampe ke negeri seberang, tapi budayakanlah di bumi pertiwi. Kembalikan jati diri bangsa ini dengan membangkitkan jati diri atau hakekat sejati anak-anak kita, didiklah untuk percaya diri, welas asih, adil dan bijaksana."

The return of the Kings!

THE GOLDEN ERA RETURNS

2010-01-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

Kanjeng Ibu Ratu Kidul in Green

Right on the eve of the new year 2010, Jan 31st 2009, I meditated. It was also a full moon with an eclipse occurring exactly at 01.00 am. A rare occasion indeed. What could it mean I wonder...

Then, right around 11.45 pm, I started meditated. I began by relaxing the physical plane. Slowly, but surely, I detached. Every cells of my body began to let go in to total and utter Silence and Surrender. Seconds later, I arrived at the ultimate space less reality. Total no-thingness! Utter Blissfulness! This is probably what death feels like I wander.

Then suddenly right above me, I saw the moon ascended. Small at first, then it grew bigger and bigger into a beautiful golden ball with magnificent rays of golden, blue and green light.
From the center of the moon appeared a silhouette in the shape of a beautiful and elegant lady dresses in total golden garment, complete with the tall majestic golden crown and accessories. At this point, I could smell the pure scent of Jasmine and Night Queen.
Straight away I recognize it was Kanjeng Ibu Ratu Kidul ascending. I was surrounded by Her aura of peacefulness and compassion. I looked up to see her face, but all I could see was this majestic rays of light and a beautiful smile. I bowed down in respect, both hands together in praying position.

Next, I could hear a hauntingly beutiful voice chiming in full confidence and calmness.
It spoke in a language I didn't understand on the physical plane, however, here I could understand it completely. It was an ancient language of Inggil spoken only by Emperors and Empresses of Java. This was Her message:

"Putraku, Putra Pertiwi. Ageman IBU sudah berganti dari hijau ke emas. Hijau melambangkan Pertumbuhan, Emas melambangkan Kejayaan. Negeri ini sudah memasuki zaman keemasan. Sebagai Taman Sari dunia, semua akan berpusat ke Ibu Pertiwi. Berbahagialah kalian yang sudah manunggal dengan alam. Inilah masa Kejayaan. Jaga raga, jaga keluarga. Semua sudah menemukan Hakekat sejati masing-masing."

After She delivered the message, I was suddenly shaken and awaken, back in my meditating position.

Kanjeng Ibu Ratu Kidul in Gold

THE SACRED HYMN OF BEDAYA KETAWANG

2009-11-26T05:39:00.000-08:00

The Sacred Hymn of Bedaya Ketawang:

Kahayoman beteng cepurining kedhaton,
Wahyaning pepuji, Awujud wragane sarira ruruh respati,
Para kenya, Endahing warni pilihan pinilala,
Ginanda wida sarining sarwi sekar.
Para biyada, Sami badayan alenggot bawa,
Membat mentul tinon raras, Munggweng samadyaning Sasana Sewaka,
Hamestu mangastuti Hyang Suksma.

Linut kukusing dupa nglandheng kumelun,Arum meleg amenuhi.
Ringrangining gangsa, Hararas asemu wingit,
Nuwuhaken raosing manah anglangut,
Tumalawung tanpa tepi,
Angambah alaming samadi.

Sumenggrenging rebab,
Kumenyut anggarit manah,
Memela memelas asih.
Swaraning sindhen
Binarung ing gerongan,
Sumamar lamat-lamat,
Anglangut membat-membat,
Kawawa anglolosaken bayu.

Wasan para endhang
Nyata pindha pratima kencana,
Malenggot bawa, Lelah lalon, Luwes kewes, Membat mentul,
Kadi angganing kusuma katiyub ing samirana monda.

Sasolah bawanipun mara semu
Kadi pasemoning sekar layu,
Hanrenyuhaken manah
Nanging ugi nengsemaken pandulu.
Swaraning sindhen
Ngelik ing ngawang-awang,
Ungeling tetabuhan
Alon kambang-ambang,
Rebabipun ngulung merit
Anggarit-nggarit manah.

Wusana sawarnining wewujudan saya surem,
Sepen tanpa sabawa,
Sepi nyenyet
Punapa ta ingkang mentas kapiyarsa?

CINTA IBU PERTIWI

2009-10-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

What else can I ask for?

The Universe has been so kind to me. Since Kanjeng Ibu Ratu chose to come into my life, every little moment, every single second, there's reason to it. There's reason to my existence. There's reason to why I was put here on this earth.
I had been shown and showered with the greatest love and kindness from the Universe.
I have come to realize that whatever things happen in my life, good and not so good, are there to teach me. And Ibu is ever gentle, kind and patient in guiding me. Always! No exception.
Some times I'm thinking, who am I really.... for a holy being like Kanjeng Ibu Ratu to take care of me and to love me unconditionally?
I am only a human being full of its imperfection. Still She's there! (Itulah kebesaran GUSTI).
This is Her message every time I'm down, "Mbok ya dijalankan saja. Sudah ada yang mengatur dan diatur, kamu hanya menjalankan saja. Yakin dan Iklas. Aku juga hanya menjalankan tugas, aku juga belon sempurna, kesempurnaan itu milik siapa?"
Tears would just start rolling down my cheek. Then I would feel, a sense of calmness and protection. And I would know that I'm ok!

CINTA IBU ITU SEPANJANG MASA...

KANJENG RATU KIDUL & PANEMBAHAN SENOPATI

2009-08-10T04:20:00.000-07:00

This is a painting I completed awhile ago now, depicting Kanjeng Ratu Kidul as a spouse to Panembahan Senopati of Mataram. I hope you enjoy it!

MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSE

2009-07-29T02:55:00.000-07:00

Last night I was in deep meditation....

As soon as I entered 'samadhi', the great Universe opened up and Kanjeng Ratu discended in unison with all 'Orang Tua' and delivered a message.

Below is the message from the Universe:

“Sing digolekke wis rampung, alam wis manunggal. Kemanunggalan alam terwujud pada hati nurani yg sebenarnya. ‘AKU’ adalah GUSTI, GUSTI adalah ‘AKU’.

Semua ORANG TUA, KANJENG IBU, BAPAK PANEMBAHAN, EYANG SEMAR tidak lain adalah perwujudan sifat-sifat mulia dari ‘AKU’ yg tiada berawal dan berakhir. Manunggalnya kawula dengan GUSTI, Orang Tua dengan anak cucunya, cinta dengan kasihnya, agama dengan umatnya, keyakinan dengan keiklasannya, bangsa dengan negaranya. Inilah ‘Aku’ se ‘Aku-Akunya’.”

The earth shook and I exploaded, until everything came back together taking form in the shape of a key...

STATUE OF KANJENG RATU KIDUL

2009-07-23T19:36:00.000-07:00

In the borderline between Tirtomoyu and Wonogiri, Central Java, I was surprised to discover a statue of Ratu Kidul, scaling to real human size.

The statue depicts Kanjeng Ratu riding on a 'Kereta Kencana' guided by Nyi Roro Kidul with six horses. These are some pictures..... Hope you love them as much as I did taking them..

KHAYANGAN DLEPIH

2009-07-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

Dlepih is located 30 Km southeast of Wonogiri in the little village of Tirtomoyo in Central Java. It is a place for supernatural tourism. The story dated back in the 16th century, when young Danang Sutawijaya meditated to acquire divine revelation to become King of Mataram. He was successful and crowned as the first ruler of Mataram Kingdom with the title of Panembahan Senapati. In the village, there's a beautiful stream calls Pasiraman Kahyangan. According to the legend, it was the place where the first Monarch of Mataram Panembahan Senapati, met with Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, The Rules of South Sea of Java.

The legend tells that one day, Panembahan Senapati was sitting together with Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, and all of a sudden, there arrived Senapati's servant named Nyai Puju bringing offering to the king. Upon the arrival, Ratu Kidul was surprised and realized her meeting with the King had been discovered by a human being ( kamanungsan ). Ratu Kidul then hurriedly tried to hide by pulling Panembahan Senapati's hand, but because it was so sudden Ratu Kidul accidently pulled the King's praying beads, which was still in his hand at the time, broke the string and as a result, the beads fell into the stream (Kedung Pasiraman).

Ratu Kidul then said, "Whosoever could find the beads in the stream will attain (begja kemayangan), because the praying beads used by Panembahan Senapati possesses spiritual powers and will protect the user".

Remaining of this post will be written in Bahasa:

Untuk memasuki kawasan Kayangan Dlepih dari arah utara ke selatan akan di jumpai beberapa petilasan yang sarwa sela “ serba batu “ sebagai bentuk :

1. Sela Bethek, petilasan berupa batu besar yang pada bagian atasnya berbentuk seperti atap dapat untuk berteduh. Sekelilingnya berpagar bethek, anyaman bilah bambu. Kekhususan petilasan sela bethek, tempat itu dipercaya sebagai tempat tinggal Nyai Puju beserta keturunannya yang ditugasi oleh Panembahan Senapati untuk menjaga Kayangan Dlepih. Kemudian tempat itu menjadi pusat penempatan sesaji raja-raja trah Mataram juga di situ sehingga tempat itu disebut juga Sela Pacaosan.

2. Sela Gapit, berupa dua buah batu besar yang pada bagaian atasnya saling bersentuhan ( gathuk tetangkepan ) sehingga juga disebut Sela Penangkep. Jika dilihat dari arah utara, bentuknya seperti gapura.

3. Sela Payung, berbentuk batu sangat besar yang pada bagian atasnya manglung “ melelai “ ke tepian kali menyerupai payung. Petilasan ini dipercaya sangat keramat, kekeramatannya didasarkan atas hal-hal sebagai berikut:

Pada zaman dahulu tempat itu menjadi semadi Panembahan Senapati, oleh karena itu tempat ini disebut juga Sela Pasemeder. Ada kepercayaan bahwa di Sela Pasemeden tersebut sebagai tempat diterimanya Wahyu Kraton Mataram. Setelah berhasil mendirikan kerajaan Mataram, Penembahan Senapati pada waktu-waktu tertentu masih datang bersemadi di Sela Pameden. Untuk waktu-waktu kemudian Sela Payung digunakan untuk menempatkan Perangkat Pelabuhan.

4. Sela Gilang, bagian petilasan Kayangan Dlepih yang dianggap paling keramat, berupa batu pipih mendatar yang mempunyai kekhususan tertentu, yaitu :

Dulu sebagai tempat bersujud Panembahan Senapati, disebut juga Sela Pasujudan. Konon menurut legenda Sela Gilang menjadi tempat pertemuan Panembahan Senapati dengan Penguasa Laut selatan (Kanjeng Ratu Kidul) Menjadi tempat Panembahan Senapati menenteramkan hati (ngenggar-ngenggar penggalih). Kayangan Dlepih ini, sampai sekarang masih dipergunakan masyarakat untuk tirakat dan olah batin serta napak tilas Sang Panembahan.

RATU GALUH MANGKU ALAM

2009-05-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

If you ever venture to Kebun Raya Bogor (Bogor Botanical Garden), towards the back of Istana Bogor, near Ciliwung Stream not far from the Red Bridge, you will find a complex of Tomb encircled by green fence.

Inside the complex, you will find 3 tombs or 'petilasan'. The main tomb is the most unique one, as you will see it is the only tomb in Indonesia and probably in the whole world, marked with a golden Crown. This is believed to be the tomb of Ibu Ratu Galuh Mangku Alam, wife to the great Monarch of Pajajaran, Prabu Siliwangi. The story tells that towards the end of Pajajaran Empire, the whole kingdom 'silem' or dissapeared without a tarce. Centuries later it appeared again in the South Sea, to be exact, at Parangkusumo Beach south of Jogjakarta.

The legends said that after dissapearing from Pajajaran, Ratu Galuh Mangku Alam transformed and appeared in the South Sea as Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, Ruler of the South Sea of Java.

Tomb of Ibu ratu Galuh Mangku Alam

The golden Crown that graces the tomb

KANJENG RATU KIDUL FOR THE KERATON SURAKARTA

2009-05-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

This is my latest painting of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, completed just a week ago. In this painting, Ibu Ratu is depicted wearing the full formal attire of a Javanese Queen. The major color theme for this painting is mainly blue, to symbolize the color of Aristrocracy, or in Bahasa it is refer to as 'darah biru' or blue blood. Notice the necklace is in the shape of 'Wijaya Kusuma', a mystical flower that is closely related to the Kings of Java. This painting is to be presented to the Sultan of Solo in July. Details will be posted in due time...

PAINTING OF KANJENG RATU KIDUL AT KOTA GEDE

2009-05-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

This painting was found at Kota Gede, old city of Mataram, where Kanjeng Panembahan Senopati, the first Monarch of Mataram Islam rests in peace...

Kanjeng Panembahan Senopati was the first King of Jawa to have an encounter with Kanjeng Ratu Kidul.

The full story can be found in 'BABAD TANAH JAWI'.

MYSTICAL PICTURE OF KANJENG RATU KIDUL

2009-05-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

This is the original photo of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, that inspired one of my paintings awhile ago.

The story behind this photo originated from a friend of mine who also practises Kejawen. In year 2000, year of the Dragon. One night he was meditating, and a negative appeared out of nowhere, he looked at it to find out that it was the negative of the photo of Indonesia's first President Soekarno. When he took to develop it, the negative became the photo of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul you see here. Magic??? You decide...

LATEST PAINTING OF IBU RATU KIDUL

2009-05-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

It seems never ending when it comes the paintings of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul....

This is the latest addition to my collections of Kanjeng Ratu's paintings. The inspiration for this painting is taken from the legend of Joko Tarub and Dewi Nawang Wulan. You have probably heard of this folklore. Joko Tarub, was a farmer who stole a shawl (selendang) that belongs to the goddess, Dewi Nawang Wulan, when she decended from the heavenly realm with six other goddesses to bathe in a spring near his fields. Joko Tarub saw this and hid her shawl under the rice in the bottom of his granary. Without it, she could not fly back. She agreed to stay with him with one condition, that he should never watch her cooking rice. With her magical powers, she cooked only a single grain of rice that would feed an entire village, therefore the rice in his granary would never finish. Joko Tarub was curious about this and one day, he peeked in the rice pot. Immediately, she lost her magical power and had to begin cooking the rice from the granary for their meals. When she got to the bottom of the granary, she found her shawl and flew back to the heavenly realm...

I completed this painting in a week... So enjoy!

IBU PERTIWI

2009-04-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

This is a new painting I completed just a week ago, entitled "IBU PERTIWI".

A long and interesting story went behind the creation of this painting. I was originally going to name this piece "Ibu Ratu Galuh Pakuan", but during the process of painting, the incense stick I lit died half way, and it happened twice.

So I went into concentration to find out what did I do wrong, and I recived a "sasmita" or order to name this painting "Ibu Pertiwi".

The result is what you see here....

KAPAS

2009-04-05T23:36:00.000-07:00

KAPAS, that is what it should be called.... Is the highest of the five "Maung" or huge cats that decended from Siliwangi and therefore automatically became guards for Kanjeng Ratu Kidul. There're five great Cats:

1. KAPAS

2. BELANG

3. KUMBANG

4. ABU-ABU

5. TUTUL

The painting you see here is KAPAS, completed in 3 nights on the eve of Jumat Kliwon.

KANJENG IBU RATU KIDUL ON MALAM SATU SURO

2009-03-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

This painting was completed last night around 1.30 am. It depicts Kanjeng Ibu Ratu Kidul on the eve of 1st Muharram/Suro (Islamic Calender). This was excactly how She appeared at Parangkusumo the night I was there for the celebration on Malam Satu Suro...

AMANAT KANJENG IBU RATU KIDUL

2009-02-26T20:36:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Kanjeng Ibu descended in concentration and delivered some powerful messages. The message is as written below...

"Putra, Putriku, Putra, Putri Pertiwi... Jaga sikap, jaga tindakan, jaga pikiran, jaga hati, jaga badan, jaga keluarga... Tentara Siliwangi sudah turun, ORANG-ORANG TUA sudah turun. Tahun 2009 merupakan tahun perubahan, perubahan dalam KESADARAN tertinggi, menjelang 2012. Nusantara sedang menuju ke masa keemasan, harta benda duniawimu tidak akan berarti. Tutur kata, Kebijaksanaanmu yang akan berarti. Tuntutlah ilmu PADI, semakin berisi, semakin menunduk. Carilah Aku di Akunya Aku, JANGAN mengaku bila sudah ketemu! Biarlah ORANG TUA mencari anak-anaknya, bukan anak-anak yang mencari ORANG TUA, sehingga kalian tidak salah jalan. Sudah banyak yang mengaku, memburu, dan akhirnya hilang segalanya. Camkan hal itu! Tingkatkan KESADARAN tertinggimu. Yang dituntut hanya KEYAKINAN dan KEIKHLASAN mu".

"Putra, Putriku, sudah berkumpul semuanya... Jalankan tugas-tugasmu dengan YAKIN dan IKHLAS. ORANG TUA mu yang akan membimbing. Persiapkan raga, iman dan pikiran. Konsentrasi... Dengan izin dan kuasa YANG MAHA ILLAHI, kalian akan mampu menjalankannya. Doakan sesamamu, bulatkan CINTA KASIH mu... Selendang Kasih ku akan meneduh kalian."

After delivering the speech, there arised soothing scent of jasmine and champaka, followed by a sudden gush of wind... And She was gone....

I opened my eyes...

A MOMENT IN KERATON KIDUL

2008-12-21T20:13:00.000-08:00

According to legends and some sources...

The South sea of Java is believed to be the place of 'Keraton Kajiman', a Palace that can't be seen by the physical eyes. The main gate of the Palace is situated at Parangkusumo Beach. Kanjeng Ratu Kidul is the one and only Queen and Ruler of all 'lelembut' or supernatural beings. So powerful, that She is able to concentrate all her powers at the Palace. This is why the South sea is believed to be sacred and posseses great spiritual power. 'Keraton Kidul' is always linked to the Keraton in Mount Merapi and Keraton Yogyakarta. This is because the 3 Keratons always support each other, this can be in the form of formal and even casual visits.

This relationship is strengthen by the 'Labuhan' ceremony every year.

Moreover, the people of Yogyakarta believe in 'Lampor'. Lampor is an event where armies of lelembut or spirits from Keraton Kidul and Keraton Merapi visiting each other or the Keraton Yogyakarta. According to the Javanese belief, these spirits ride on their coaches and horses and the sound of Lampor is heard once every 35 days right around 'maghrib' or around twilight. The sound is described as the sound of wooden wheels of the coaches and jingling of the bells. The relationship between Keraton Kidul and Keraton Merapi is believed to be like a big family. This is no different from the Keraton Yogyakarta, because Kanjeng Ratu Kidul is believed to be 'Eyang' or ancestor from all the Sultans of Yogyakarta.

The governmental structure of Keraton Kidul is similar to that of Keraton Yogyakarta. A King or Queen will govern the kingdom with the assistance of the 'Patih' or ministers and 'abdi dalem' or eunuchs. Kanjeng Ratu Kidul is assisted by two ministers. The first one is Nyai Riyo Kidul, she acts as 'Patih Lebet'. Patih Lebet is responsible for all matters within the Keraton, this includes governing all the eunuchs and organizing ceremonies in the Keraton. The second minister is Nyai Rara Kidul, which acts as 'Patih Jawi'. Patih Jawi is responsible for commanding all the soldiers of the kingdom. Besides the two ministers, Keraton Kidul also has a few trusted eunuchs. They are Kyahi Taman Wakul, Kyahi Jangkung Sari, Jaka Lelana, Jaka Wasesa, Jaka Waspada, Jaka Sembrana, Jaka Jomenggok and Dhadhung Awuk.

THE 110 NAMES & TITLES OF KANJENG RATU KIDUL

2008-12-21T18:49:00.000-08:00

Kanjeng Ratu Kidul has a lot of names and titles...

But there's actually 110 names of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul written on records.

And these 110 names are:

1. Kanjeng Ibu Ratu Kidul Sekaring Jagad.

2. Kanjeng Ibu Ratu Samodra Kidul.

3. Kanjeng Ibu Ratu Segoro Joyo.

4. Bathari Ardho Nariswari.

5. Bathari Artati.

6. Bathari Mawiryawan.

7. Bathari Promotatyo.

8. Bathari Limpadpatari.

9. Bathari Prokosito.

10. Bathari Cokrowarti.

11. Bathari Hentoyoso.

12. Bathari Maharso.

13. Bathari Satyo.

14. Bathari Drawelo.

15. Bathari Panulu.

16. BAthari Sasmoyo.

17. Bathari Socito.

18. Bathari Gurilap.

19. Bathari Pramudiko.

20. Bathari Pramudito.

21. Bathari Bisomo.

22. Bathari Maribowo.

23. Bathari Ratnowadu.

24. Bathari Kusumowicitro.

25. Bathari Condromoyo.

26. Bathari Subosito.

27. Bathari Poromarto.

28. Bathari Pronomiyo.

29. Bathari Pranwo.

30. Bathari Pramusito.

31. Bathari Tirto Marto.

32. Bathari Moho Bisono.

33. Bathari Wigoto.

34. Bathari Sudarpo.

35. Bathari Basworo.

36. Bathari Mahayu.

37. Bathari Sundoriyo.

38. Bathari Probonorowoto.

39. Bathari Prabasworo.

40. Bathari Dumilah.

41. Bathari Sahono.
42. Bathari Ngupaksomo.

43. Bathari Lumobo.

44. Bathari Pahayu.

45. Bathari Hanowo.

46. Bathari Saroyo.

47. Bathari Yumono.

48. Bathari Pujobroto.

49. Bathari Pudyosatoto.

50. Bathari Kapono.

51. Bathari Widiyuto.

52. Bathari Mapito.

53. Bathari Sanodya.

54. Bathari Binowo.

55. Bathari Prabu Dumilah.

56. Bathari Nguposondo.

57. Bathari Pratanjono.

58. Bathari Gurnito.

59. Bathari Kamuro.
60. Bathari Payuwoho.

61. Bathari Niyoso.

62. Bathari Kulandoro.

63. Bathari Satiti.

64. Bathari Sadoko.

65. Bathari Ludono.

66. Bathari Padhopa.

67. Bathari Benggolo.

68. Bathari Tumitah.

69. Bathari Rasiko.

70. Bathari Nirmolo.

71. Bathari Pragiwaksono.

72. Bathari Suboso.

73. Bathari Madrenyo.

74. Bathari Pangusodo.

75. Bathari Parigrobo.

76. Bathari Nugroho.

77. Bathari Mahajeng.

78. Bathari Srediyo.

79. Bathari Hupodrowo.

80. Bathari Maderdyo Nyamuho.

81. Bathari Papayu Sarupo.

82. Bathari Hasmoroloyo.

83. Bathari Kasampatan.

84. Bathari Avalokitesvara.

85. Bathari Sakirno.

86. Bathari Halyuno.

87. Bathari Pawitro.

88. Bathari Kanoyo.

89. Dewi Welas Asih.

90. Dewi Pamuryan.

91. Dewi Kencono Sari.

92. Dewi Sanggromowijoyo.

93. Dewi Songgobuwono.

94. Dewi Songgolangit.

95. Dewi Cinde Wine.

96. Dewi Kandito.

97. Dewi Ajar Cemoro Tunggal.

98. Dewi Pradnyo Poromito.

99. Dewi Tanurogo.

100. Dewi Sekar Madhapi.

101. Dewi Ratu Mas.

102. Dewi Mawar Sari.

103. Dewi Putri Sri Wulan.

104. Dewi Retno Suwidi.

105. Dewi Angin-Angin.

106. Dewi Ratu Ayu Pagedhongan.

107. Dewi Nawangsih.

108. Dewi Nyai Modo.

109. Dewi Ayu Sawiji Sekaring Jagad.

110. Kanjeng Gusti Kusumaning Ayu Ratu Kidul.

ONE SOUL MANY LIVES

2008-12-11T19:32:00.000-08:00

As dusk approached, I positioned myself comfortably... Sitting in meditation. It was 'malam Jum'at Kliwon'. Like usual, I lit 3 incense sticks and once the sweet fragrance of champaka and jasmine spreaded the room, I was ready. I shut my eyes... Breathing in, breathing out... Observing...

It was all dark, it was the beginning of time, the Alpha but never the Omega. Slowly but surely I started to separate and hover above my body, lingered for awhile, then I felt a sudden jerk, and I was on the shore... The wind was blowing intensely, the waves seemed to roll in slow motion, the sky was magenta violet and deep blue. Through the majesty of it all, I didn't hear anything, as if I was in an empty space, just the clarity of silence.

Suddenly, from my left, I saw someone running from the shore towards the sea. I noticed, it was a man in his twenties, tall, well built, he had the nicest, strongest chest and shoulder blades I have even seen. His skin was fair and seemed to glow radiantly under the moon light. He was wearing what seemed to me, a set of garments worn only by someone of high aristrocracy and princely status in ancient Java. On his head sit a golden crown similar to those worn by the characters in the story on WAYANG (Shadow Puppets). On the side of both his temples, right above his ears, I saw a pair of SUMPING TELINGA (ear pieces). He was topless, only wearing a set of very elaborated necklace that almost looked like a breast piece. Gold bangles in the shape of dragon encircled both sides of his upper arms. On the back side of his waist I saw a KERIS tucked in the belt and the cloth piece. Overall he looked like the characters one would find in the WAYANG story of MAHABARATHA. I zoomed in closer to look at his face, and to my surprise, he looked very much like me, only stronger jaw bones, bigger eyes and thinner lips, with the same prominent cheek bones as mine. His expression was very masculine but his eyes possessed a tremendous quality of compassion.

I followed as he ran towards the sea, I mean literally, he was running on the water. As he approaches the center, suddenly the water underneath his feet started to separate to form a road leading to the KERATON. It all looked so familiar, the golden GAPURA (gate). There were 7 main gates leading to the main court of the palace. He ran towards the main court and once inside, he slowed down and kneel respectfully in front of a throne, and bow down. Next thing I know was from above the throne, appeared a bright and beautiful white light, in the center there appeared another light the color of blue with a halo of green. As it approached down towards the throne, the light transformed into a beautiful and majestic shape of a female figure. Next thing I saw was the Kanjeng Ibu sitting on the throne gracefully.

Telepathically, Ibu Spoke to the man I had been following, "Putro! Wis wektune...!!".
To my surprise, all of a sudden, my body was pulled so quickly to merge with the man. We became one and flew at the speed of light into a womb... I was yanked so quickly the next thing I know is, I was back in my room. I opened my eyes, looked at the clock, it was almost 3.30 am.
Took me awhile to collect myself... What just happened?? I felt like I had just woken up from a very deep sleep, all jet lagged and serene.

I realised that I had been shown the last few moments of Arya Setha's eternal life before he took on a human life. It was all very clear. I was all making alot of sense now, How? When? Where? One day... It will unravel...

PUTRI SUNDA GALUH PAJAJARAN

2008-11-30T18:38:00.000-08:00

Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, the Goddess of the Southern or Indian Ocean, is one of the most discussed characters in the Javanese spirit world. The mythology surrounding this goddess, who is also known under a variety of other names, is made more complex by having been influenced by elements of varying origin. She is, , a figure whose "position in the state cult and in popular religion in... Java would require a monograph-length study"
Obviously, a complete study of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul is beyond the scope of a journal-length article. Instead, attention will be paid here to two major elements relating to her, namely her origin as a princess from Sunda (West Java) and her relationship with Panembahan Senapati, the sixteenth-century founder of the Islamic state of Mataram II(1) in Central Java. Subsumed under these are, among others, questions of her charisma and her association with the color green. It will be shown that, although her relationship with Senapati brought her into great prominence in Java relatively recently, her mythological roots are both much older and go much further afield, to South, Southeast, and East Asia.

A PRINCESS OF SUNDA
As a Sundanese princess, Kanjeng Ratu Kidul is generally said to have been the daughter of a ruler of the West Javanese kingdom of Pajajaran, although the accounts differ as to who her father was: Prabu Mundingsari, Prabu Munding Wangi, Prabu Siliwangi or Prabu Cakrabuwana. Another kingdom, that of Galuh, is mentioned as well, with the thirteenth-century Prabu Sindhula as her father. Other places of origin mentioned are the kingdom of Kediri in East Java, ruled by the legendary seer King Joyoboyo, and an even older kingdom, Koripan, also in East Java, ruled by King Airlangga. Of all these, however, Pajajaran is most often mentioned.
The reason for Kanjeng Ratu Kidul's transformation from a princess of the court into the Goddess of the Southern Ocean also varies. The most common explanation is that she was a beautiful young woman who, due to magic used by an evil stepmother or a jealous co-wife, contracted a skin disease, forcing her to leave the palace and seek refuge in the forest, where, some say, she meditated. Some tales have her accompanied by her mother.

Other stories say that she declined to marry, refusing one suitor after the next, until her father finally became angry and banished her from the palace, causing her to enter the forest. Still other versions combine elements from these stories and have her contract leprosy on the eve of her marriage or subsequent to having been banished for refusing to marry.
A third set of tales has her meditating in the forest for reasons unconnected with those mentioned above. In doing this she gains great powers and is able to perform miracles, as well as shift her shape between female and male. Her propensity for meditation was her reason for refusing marriage, leading to her exile.
Once banished to the forest, she wandered around until she came to the cliffs overlooking the southern (Indian) ocean. Here, according to a minority of the authors, she threw herself into the waves in desperation, after which she "was drawn into the depths of the ocean to a sumptuous palace and crowned Queen of the South Seas", from where she now rules over the spirits of Jaya. Most authors, however, tell how she heard voices of spirits or gods, urging her to enter the broiling waves so that she might regain her former beauty and become the queen of the spirit world.

Finally it is told that Ratu Ayu (the Beautiful Queen) of Galuh gave birth to a daughter, or alternately that Ratu Kidul was born able to speak, saying "I am the ratu ayu who controls all the spirits of Jaya. My palace is in the southern ocean". The long dead king Sidhula then appears, proclaiming her to be his grandchild who will not take a husband. However, at the end of time a Muslim king will appear who will rule over Java and be her husband.
With the exception of this last version, the story tells of a princess, usually Sundanese, who is exiled from the court and banished to the forest. She wanders to the south coast and enters the waves of the ocean to become queen...

MESSAGE FROM KANJENG IBU RATU KIDUL

2008-10-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

On the eve of "Hari Raya Idul fitri" or "malam Takbiran" 30th September 2008.
Me and 5 other spiritualists went to Parangkusumo to meditate. The location we chose was about 100 meters away from Cepuri. It was around 12.30am when we got there. There were Mas Wahyu (who was leading the meditation), Mas Bambang, Mas Widodo, Mas Jawanto, Pak Joko and my self included. Once we found a comfortable location, away from everything else, we each positioned ourselves comfortably and I lit a handful of Jasmine scented insence sticks before we started to meditate...

I didn't know what the others experienced, but I will tell you what I experienced..

The moment I closed eyes, I started observing my breath... every strings of breath that went in and out of my nose... in and out, in and out... The wind coming from the sea became very still, as if I was in an empty space. The sound of the wave rolling to the shore became further and further away... Until there was nothing else, nothing but total awareness of my surrounding.

Suddenly I felft a powerful force, pulling me down to the ground, as if the earth opened up to receive me, although physically I was sitting intactly on the sand. Then I heard a loud explosion from the sea, this happpened 3 times during the meditation. I was as calm as my surrounding..

Back to observing my breath... in and out, in and out... questions and thoughts starting to asire and then sink away, arise, then sink away... This happened for awhile.. Until I felt a gush of wind blowing from the sea that was so powerful, and it stopped right before us.. Next, I felt the presence of somewhat a very majectic and enigmatic being, so powerful and compassionate at the same time. I felt the whole core of my being was vibrating and starting to float above the sand I was sitting on.. In an instant, I realized that we have been graced by the presence of Kanjeng Ibu Ratu Kidul in the background as a protector of our surrounding. If you ask me what did she look like, my answer is "I don't know!". I could only feel the presence in a form of very beautiful rays of lights.. Towards the end of my meditation, I saw a bright light coming from the middle of the sea towards me, it went right through me, pushed me back that I nearly fell.

Suddenly I heard a loud explosion right in front of me, and when I opened my eyes, the insence sticks I lit earlier burst into flames.. Although the wind was blowing very strongly, the flames just got bigger and bigger until it burned out the whole insence sticks..

Slowly I came back to this dimention, and I saw the rest of my friends had also finished their meditation. We got up and walked back towards Cepuri where we parked our car. No one said a word, I guessed they were still absorbed by their own experiences.

In the car, I asked Mas Wahyu what had happened? I explained the phenomena I experienced during the meditation, and to my surprised, Mas Wahyu and Pak Joko confirmed that was what happened! Mas Wahyu explained that Kanjeng Ibu Ratu Kidul and other Holy Beings were presence, Kanjeng Ibu Ratu Kidul proclaimed that She will act as a protector and guide to my Spiritual practise, wherever, whenever I may be, She will always be there to guide and protect. However, I have to journey alone, I have to realise my original nature by myself, I have to look inward, there's no need to search anywhere but inside.. The flames that bursted out of the insence stick was a physical manifestation of Kanjeng Ibu Ratu Kidul's message, that I had to burn all my attachments to the ego, to everything that has forms and no forms, burned down all the 5 skandhas. The flame symbolises the pure Ultimate Awareness, the insence symbolises impermanence...

...I AM A NO-SELF THAT MANIFESTS IN ALL THAT IS...

MYSTERY OF CEPURI

2008-09-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

If you ever venture to Parangtritis Beach, take a detour to Parangkusumo Beach. This beach is located 28 km south oh Jogjakarta, and it has its own beauty and mystery. Not far from Parangkusumo Beach you will find a pair of rocks surrounded by brick walls. This complex, which is perceived to be sacred and mystical by the locals, is called CEPURI.

The rocks were believed to be the place where Kanjeng Panembahan Senopati, first Monarch of the Mataram Kingdom, used to meditate, as well as the place where he met Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, Ruler of The South Sea of Java, for the very first time. Cepuri is considered to be an important place for spiritual and cultural events by the people of Jogjakarta. Visitors are not allowed to go in and out of this complex as they pleased. Foot wears has to be taken off before entering CEPURI, and the precept of SILENCE is observed. Most of the visitors come from different places and towns. It is underlined that the place is not an object of worship, but it acts more as a place of worship. Visitors do not pray to these rocks, but to The Almighty. The gate is opened daily, and it gets very crowded on certain nights like Tuesday Kliwon and Friday Kliwon. Some visitors who come to this place with impure intentions and if they disrespect the local traditions, they are warned, as it has happened, some do get possessed by unclean spirits. However for those who come with pure intentions, they will be protected and their prayers answered. This acts as a prove that there is Higher Energy at work and it also reminds us not to be disrespectful towards all divine creations in the Universe.

MANTRA

2008-09-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

I AM THAT I AM

I AM THE LIGHT

I AM THE UNIVERSAL LOVE

I AM POWERFUL, MAGICAL, BEAUTIFUL

COMPASSIONATE, WISE, FAIR AND JUST

I AM THE UNIVERSE

I AM THE DIVINE LIGHT AND LOVE

I AM THE BUDDHA, DHARMA AND SANGHA

I AM LOVE

I AM LIGHT

I AM HEALTH

I AM LUCK

I AM FOR ALL ETERNITY

BEING OF LIGHT

2008-09-15T02:15:00.000-07:00

Nggoleki wujud Sampurnaning Kanjeng Ibu Ratu Kidul iku ora bakal ono rampunge. Amerga wujud kan bakal sampeyan weruhi iku sakjatine gambaran soko laku batine sampeyan piyambak, siji lan sijine bakalan nemu wujud kang bedo. Amergo gaib iku ora ono aturane…Nyuwun ngapunten…..yen, aku moco opo sing ditulis konco-konco, eyang, guru besar iku glambangke atine sampeyan podho. Sakngertiku wong kan nyinau kejawen/sundakawiwitan iku jembar atine, sabar lakune, adem tanggane, landep batine. Mbok bilih mekaten njih mas gantharwa salam kagem sedoyo ikang wonten mriki!

LIGHT OF COMPASSION

2008-09-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

Kanjeng Ibu Ratu Kidul.....

In order to move into the time and place that is the universe.. The Universe of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, I have to understand myself.. my purpose.. my original nature.. WHY?

Kanjeng Ratu Kidul is LIGHT that can't be concepted into the limit of our human conciousness.

"Gate Gate, Para Gate, Parasam Gate, Bodhi Svaha!!"
Gone, gone, gone even more beyond the beyond.. Beyond the other shore..
The shore of ultimate flowering of consciousness..

These are merely words.. for no-thing can contain IT.
I'm stupid.. I know that I don't know that I know.. Who knows?
Every string of breath that goes in and out.. Who is living in the house?
The only way smoke goes is up! And yet, the only way water flows is down!
Kanjeng Ratu Kidul is just a name, a title.. Now ask myself, Who owns that name?
I can only know who owns that name when I know who owns my name!
I can only understand the true nature of Kanjeng Ratu kidul, when I understand my own true nature.. Which in fact is the same true nature! The original nature!
But how do I even try to understand? Who Understands?
Looking at the tip of my nose, breath goes in and out... Isn't it Grand??
Moment to moment, breath by breath.. Right here, right now..

And Voila!! The jasmine scent.. the purity of the air.. the sound of gamelan and the coach.. the majesty of her aura.. Beyond anything seen in the world!!
Neither here nor there..

HYM FOR KANJENG RATU KIDUL

2008-07-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

DANDANGGULO PANEMBROMO KATUR
KANJENG IBU RATU KIDUL SEKARING JAGAD

NJENG GUSTI RATU KIDUL JALADRI
NGATURAKEN BEKTI MRING PADUKO
MINONGKO TONDO BEKTINE
PORO WAYAH SADARUM
INGKANG SEWON MRING PADUKO
SEMBAH BEKTI NGAKSOMO
INGKANG KITO SUWUN
BAGAS BOGA WASTRO SONO
SARI BOGA SEKAR WASTRO PUNANG SAJI
KAPASRAHNO SUMRAMBAH

MRING KI AMONG ROGO SABDO JATI
SUKMO BIWORO MYANG SUPIT URANG
WIDODARI DEWO KABEH
PRO PANGREH GAIBIPUN
GUSTI WINDU SUKMA SEJATI
EYANG SUDUK UDAL-UDAL
EYANG ARGO LAWU
MYANG PANGERAN SAWOJAJAR
TUNJUNG SEKARSARI WARKHANTIL BATHARIWAROTO KIBLAT PAPAT

Translation:
HYM FOR KANJENG IBU RATU KIDUL SEKARING JAGAD

TO HER MAJESTY QUEEN OF THE SOUTH SEA
EXPRESSING DEEP RESPECT FOR YOUR HIGHNESS
AS A GESTURE OF DEEP GRATITUDE
ALL DESCENDANTS GATHER TO MEET YOUR HIGHNESS
RESPECT FOR ALWAYS
WE ASK FOR YOUR BLESSING
FOR GREAT HEALTH AND ENOUGH FOOD AND CLOTHES
TO BE BESTOWED EVERYWHERE
TO THE ONE THAT LOOKS AFTER THIS BODY
AND SPIRIT CALLED
SUPIT URANG
ALL GODS AND ANGELS
ALL RULERS OF THE SPIRIT REALMS
GUSTI WINDU SUKMA SEJATI
EYANG SUDUK UDAL-UDAL
EYANG GUNUNG LAWU
AND PRINCE SAWOJAJAR
BATHARI TUNJUNG SEKARSARI WARKHANTIL
EVENLY TO ALL FOUR DIRECTIONS

Dalam Bahasa Indonesia:

DANDANGGULO PANEMBROMO UNTUK

KANJENG IBU RATU KIDUL

KEPADA KANJENG RATU LAUT SELATAN

MENGHANTURKAN HORMAT KEPADA PADUKA

SEBAGAI TANDA TERIMA KASIHNYA

SEMUA CUCU

MENGHADAP KEPADA PADUKA

HORMAT SELALU

YANG KAMI MINTA

SEHAT JASMANI CUKUP SANDANG PANGAN

DISERAHKAN SAMPAI KEMANA-MANA

KEPADA YANG MENJAGA RAGA

SERTA NYAWA YANG BERNAMA SUPIT URANG

BIDADARI DEWA SEMUANYA

SEMUA PENGUASA GHAIB

GUSTI WINDU SUKMA SEJATI

EYANG SUDUK UDAL-UDAL

EYANG GUNUNG LAWU

DAN PANGERAN SAWOJAJAR

BATHARI TUNJUNGSEKARSARI WARKHANTIL

MERATA KEEMPAT PENJURU

THE LABUHAN CEREMONY AT PARANGKUSUMO

2008-07-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

The offering in Parangkusumo to Kanjeng Ratu Kidul is considered as very important ritual for the Yogyakarta Karaton. She has promised to always protect Panembahan Senopati and his descendants and the Mataram Kingdom in time of difficulties. Upon the advice from his wise and spiritually powerful advisers, among other Ki Juru Mertani, Panembahan Senopati was meditating in Parangkusumo, on the beach of the South sea.
The strong meditation had caused a gara-gara (natural disorder), affecting "chaos" in the South Sea Kingdom. She came to the Great Ruler of Mataram by saying that all his wishes were granted by God the Almighty. More-over she vowed her promise sincerely. Thus the agreement had been made, according to the legend of Babad Tanah Jawi (The Legend of the land of Java).
The link between the Kings of Mataram with Kanjeng Ratu Kidul strengthens the legitimacy of the Sultans.
Kanjeng Ratu Kidul is believed to have a powerful and loyal Patih (First Minister) by the name of Nyai Roro Kidul. So the offerings are sent to Kanjeng Ratu Kidul called Pengajeng (leader) and to the Patih, called Penderek (follower).
In the morning the ceremony began under the court official (abdi dalem) in charge, accompanied by many court employees and a lot of people. The offerings are ready. The Jurukunci (gate-keeper) of Parangkusumo solemnly says: Please permit me, my lordly Ratu Kidul. I would like to present the Labuhan offerings for you from your Grandson, the Venerated Lordly Sultan Hamengku Buwono X of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat. Your grandson requests your blessing, his secured long life, his highly honored kingship, his secured country and people of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat.
The complete set of offerings have been thoroughly prepared in the Karaton of Yogyakarta and brought by the assigned court employees to Parangkusumo.
The Pengajeng offerings for Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, consist of:
2 cloths as lower garment with design of cinde sekar.
1 green breastcloth, Gadung design
1 brestcloth with motif bangun tulak (dark blue with white color in the middle).
1 orange bright red breastcloth
1 breastcloth of papasan mateng (dark blue with red in the middle)
1 breastcloth of gadung melati (green with white color in the middle)
1 breastcloth of dringin – yellow cotton with woven gold thread
1 cloth of cangkring motif
1 cup of perfume
1 cup of body lotion
1 packet of incense
1 bottle of fragrant incense
1 small bag containing ten red guilders
The Penderek offerings for Nyai Roro Kidul, consist of:
1 waistband of red cotton, woven with golden thread
1 breastcloth, dark-brown with yellow part in the middle
1 breastcloth-green with white part in the middle
1 breastcloth dringin, yellow with golden thread
1 cloth for lower garment of poleng design (checkered)
1 cloth of tuluh watu motif
1 waistband of bangun tulak motif, dark blue, white part in the middle
1 piece of white cotton
1 packet of incense
1 cup of perfume
1 cup of body lotion
1 bottle of fragrant incense
1 small bag containing 5 red guilders
2 packets of withered flowers
2 small boxes containing hairs and nails of the Sultan
2 wooden trays
1 pandanus mat, which has been used by the Sultan, or a piece of cloth used to protect royal heirlooms, and an umbrella which has been used by the Sultan.
After spelling some sacred mantras, the offerings are brought toward the sea-Segara Kidul. The situation is solemn and mystical. Slowly with full confidence, the court employees bravely walk deeper and deeper into the sea, ignoring the huge waves and strong ocean currents. All the offerings "taken up" immediately by the sea. They are floating, being played by the ocean waves. As the ritual is an open ceremony, on the shore, there are many onlookers not only local people but also travelers from other parts of the country as well as foreign tourists.
Some of the offerings are brought back by the waves to the shore. Some try hard to have some parts of the offerings, believing these offered items have invisible power for safety, a good health, better life etc.

CORONATION OF KANJENG GUSTI RATU LAUT KIDUL

2008-07-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

In this entry, I gonna tell you a story about the Coronation of Kanjeng Gusti Kusumaning Ayu Ratu Laut Kidul (popularly known as Kanjeng Ratu Kidul). The day She was crowned a 'Ratu' or Queen, one and only ruler of Segara Kidul. As for how and where I get the information from, I prefer to keep it a secret. After all, this is a legend right? And it should be treated as that.

Coronation of a king or queen on a throne, is usually a spectacular and historical event in the life of the king or queen themselves, especially for the kingdom and its people. Like in our world, this is also the case in 'Alam Ghaib' or spiritual dimension. Coronation is considered to be very sacred and important and should be remembered and celebrated each year.

Like any important event that needs long and detailed preparation, the coronation of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul was also the same. After all, this the coronation of a holy and powerful being, carried out by 'priyagung' and highest Gods And Goddesses in Hindu-Javanese cosmology. The Coronation took place hundreds and hundreds of year ago, and there has never been any other coronation taking place since then.

Who was involved?

For a historical event like this, one would assume that the party involved would be all the great beings such as gods, goddesses, kings and queens of the spirit realm. Also attended were the ancient kings of Java who has passed into the other world, as well as the great sages and high priests. So WHO was the most important figure that played an important part in the coronation?

According to sources, Kanjeng Ratu Kidul was coronated by the King of all 'Devas' or gods, therefore the most highly respected guests were the Devas from the spirit realm (kind of like the Elves in 'Lord of the Ring'). Who were these gods and goddesses? And most importantly who were this King of the Devas? During the era of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, which was around 12th-13th BC, majority of the people in Java were mainly influenced by teachings of Hindu and Buddha. This teachings acknowledge the existence of holy beings or entities from the spirit realms called 'Deva' or 'Bathara' if they are male and 'Devi' or 'Bathari' if they are female.

Day of the Coronation

According to Javanese calendar, there are 2 types of days. The first 1 is the seven days count, which is the same as the regular calendar (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday). The second type of day is the 5 days count, which consists of Wage, Kliwon, Pahing & Pon. Counting from the the Javanese calendar, the coronation fell on 13 October 1235 Monday Legi, and if counted fom our calendar, Kanjeng Ratu Kidul would have been crowned a Queen for 770 years on 13 October 2005. Unlike any other kingdoms in the spirit realm of Java that existed since time indefinite, the Kingdom of Kanjeng Ratu kidul was established by the queen herself and her followers.

Who Coronated the Queen?

Kanjeng Ratu Kidul was coronated by the King of Devas in Javanese terminology, is called 'Pukulun Bathara Manikmoyo'. For those who are familiar with the stories of 'Wayang', might know of this Highly regarded being. The coronation was highlighted with the placing of the crown on Kanjeng Ratu's head by 'Pukulun Bathara Manikmoyo' himself. One can only imagine how spectacular and sacred the event might have been, witnessed by the great devas & kings of the spirit realm. The crown can be described as clear gold in color that emits bright golden rays of lights, and it is not an ordinary crown. It has very powerful spiritual energy in the spirit realm.

The feature of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, seen in our world, can be described as a woman in her 30's, in other words, neither too young nor too old. She has an ideally curvy body shape, not too skinny and not too big either with the height of approximately 160 cm. Ideal for a Sundanese Lady. Her face shape is oval, with flawless mid tone yellow skin. She also has a pair of beautiful eyes and high bridge of the nose ideal for an asian woman. Generally, if you see her you would say she's beautiful. Beautiful in a very elegant and sophisticated way, not beautiful as in sexy. For those who has had an encounter with her said that, if the meeting is formal, she will appear dressed in a traditional javanese garment the color of green worn only by someone of high aristocrasy, similar to the dancers in Keraton. On her head sits a beautiful crown over Her long flowing tresses. On the left and right of her ears she wears 'sumping' ear piece in gold, to the upper part of both arms, She wears bangles the shape of dragons circling the forearms. She also wears a beautiful necklace that extends to the belt (please refer to the painting).

LEGEND OF KANJENG RATU KIDUL

2008-05-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

If you ask any Javanese person who is Kanjeng Ratu Kidul? They would undoubtedly tell you that she is the Ruler of the South sea of Java.

The legend began in the West Java Kingdom of Pajajaran under Prabu Siliwangi, a wise legendary King who ruled West Java between the late 15th century to the beginning of 16th century. Prabu Siliwangi had a beautiful wife, Queen Mayang Sari, and a daughter by the name of Princess Kadhita whom he loved dearly and whose beauty had caused great jealousy among the King's concubines. The concubines got together and conspired against her with the help of an evil witch to get rid of her by casting an evil spell that caused their skin to develop sores and boils to the point beyond recognition.

Queen Mayang Sari and Princess Kadhita ran away from the palace because of their unbearable pain and horrifying look. They wandered in the unforgiving forest until one day the Queen could no longer struggle and died leaving Princess Kadhita by herself, confused and upset. Princess Kadhita continued her journey deep into the South until she arrived at the South sea of Java. There, not knowing where else to go and who to turn to, she found a cave (now, Gua Langse) praying and meditating to the Almighty to end her suffering.

Suddenly, a big wave came approaching from the sea as if to answer her prayers.

Along with the wave, a soothing voice was heard telling Kadhita to bathe and immerse herself deep into the South sea. Upon hearing this, Kadhita jumped into the sea and was carried to the middle of the ocean. She was never seen again.

Not long after that, a few villagers who lived along the shore reported to have seen a beautiful woman dressed in an elegant garment the color of green worn only by someone of highest aristocracy, complete with a majestic golden crown on her long flowing black hair ascending from the ocean, and disappeared back into the ocean.

Ever since the incident, the people believed that Princess Kadhita had become the Ruler of the South sea of Java with the title of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul.

The Princess eventually got involved in a love affair with the first monarch of Mataram, Kanjeng Panembahan Senopati, from which the great Kings of Mataram in Yogyakarta and Surakarta were born. The relationship Kanjeng Ratu Kidul had with Panembahan Senopati can be described in a more spiritual rather than literal sense, in Javanese (kawin mistik/nikah batin).

According to an American who embraces Theosophy, explained that this beautiful, mystical entity from the depth of the South sea of Java can be categorized as a 'Dewi Alam" or Goddess of Nature who resides as the Goddess of the South sea of Java. Therefore, 'Ratu kidul' can also be describe as a being created by The Almighty lives in 'Alam Ghaib" or the other dimention unseen by our physical eyes.

BARBIE GOES SOUTH

2008-05-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

It doesn't matter whatever you wanna call a case like me... Obsessed? Nuts? Out of my mind? Whatever it is, I admit I am..I was wandering around in a mall one day and un-intentionally went to the toy store. I just happened to be in the Barbie section, when all of a sudden, I saw a very particular looking Barbie doll, it was a limited collectors edition and it costed about Rp. 399.000,-Quite interestingly, the doll has black hair and she's wearing a beautiful mermaid type evening gown in the color of green (Are you thinking what I'm thinking?) The creative juice in my head started flowing, and I decided to buy the doll. After that I rushed to the hardware store and got some glue and metallic ornaments, went home, and the result is what you see here, a beautiful doll of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul...Hope you love it as much as I do.

WHAT DOES SHE LOOK LIKE?

2008-05-27T22:43:00.000-07:00

Mungkin kita pernah bertanya, seperti apakah wujud Kanjeng Ratu Kidul?

Banyak versi-versi cerita yang menceritakan tentang wujud dan kecantikan Kanjeng Ratu Kidul. Saya pribadi tidak mengakui bahwa saya sudah melihat wujud dan kecantikan Beliau, tapi perhatikan satu hal, entah siapapun yang melukis Beliau, dan bagaimana Beliau digambarkan, akan selalu ada kemiripan di wajah Beliau, seperti tulang pipinya yang memberikan kesan kewibawaannya, hidungnya yang mungil dan mancung, serta bibirnya yang penuh dan selalu menyunggingkan senyum mistis seperti lukisan Mona Lisa. Diatas ada beberapa lukisan Kanjeng Ratu Kidul yang dilukis oleh seniman-seniman lain untuk perbandingan... It'll be interesting to compare the faces on my paintings too!

MY PAINTINGS OF KANJENG RATU KIDUL

2008-05-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

This painting depicts Kanjeng Ratu Kidul ascending from the South Sea.

This is the first painting of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul I completed, it was inspired by Basoeki Abdullah's painting.

This painting depicts Kanjeng Ratu Kidul in the midst of the ocean.

This painting depicts Kanjeng Ratu Kidul walking on the sea.

This painting depicts Kanjeng Ratu Kidul in her full attire of high Aristocracy .

(This painting is now in Room 308 Samudra Beach Hotel, Pelabuhan Ratu)

This painting depicts Kanjeng Ratu Kidul in her everyday attire.

This painting depicts Kanjeng Ratu Kidul with Guards.

This painting depicts Kanjeng Ratu Kidul at her favourite bathing place.

MY LATEST PAINTING OF KANJENG RATU KIDUL

2008-05-27T20:47:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you the story behind this painting.. A friend of mine who also practises Kejawen found a negative from nowhere in year 2000, the year of the dragon, and when he developed it, it turned out to be a foto of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, with a ‘Naga’ or dragon behind her. He showed me the foto last week, and I was so inspired to paint it. So on the eve of ‘Jumat’ or Friday Kliwon (believed to be a sacred night in Javanese Calendar) I started the ritual of painting.. I made a ’sesajen’ or offering of black un-sugared coffee and seven incense sticks to all ancestors and ‘Penguasa Gaib’ facing South and ask for the blessing from Ibu Ratu Kidul so the process will be a smooth and successful one.. Three days later, I completed the painting.. It’s what you see here, it depicts Ibu Ratu standing gracefully in the midst of the sea with a Naga behind her, notice the ’sari’ from the waist down, is the color of Indonesian Flag, Red and White..Hope you enjoy it!
Try and feel the energy from the painting, it's ecstatic!

HOW IT ALL STARTED

2008-05-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

Kanjeng Ratu Kidul by Basoeki Abdullah

In this entry, I’m gonna share with you how it all started. My fascination about KRK or Kanjeng Ratu Kidul..I still vividly remember like it was yesterday, when I first saw KRK’s painting for the very first time. I was in grade 3, I came across a picture of a beautiful painting, by this Artist named Basuki Abdullah. The painting depicts a beautiful woman, dressed in a traditional javanese garment the color of green worn only by someone of high aristocrasy. On her head sits a beautiful crown in gold, her hair is long and blown by the wind. She emerges, and kind of just floats on the sea. I was so mesmerized, that I dreamt about it. The next day I asked my ‘mbok’ or servant who is this charismatic woman in the painting. Without any hasitation, she told me that it is Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, Ruler of Segara Kidul (South sea of Java).Since then, I collected news paper clippings, articles in magazines, and many more pictures of her. I also bought a lot of books available back then about the subject. I studied everything about KRK, her history and her relationships with the Sultan’s of Java. As I learnt more about her, It arose in me the desire to paint my own paintings of the Queen. In the next 15 or more years I did countless drawings and sketches, I perfected my artistry skills at Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne, Australia and attained a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts and a diploma in Performance Art. I started to produce many paintings of my own.I’ve heard about the infamous room 308 in Samudra Beach Hotel, Pelabuhan Ratu, my entire life, and been dreaming of visiting the place ever since. But didn’t actually come true until October 19, 2007.It was exactly 1 week after the Lebaran Holiday, that I finally decided to go to Pelabuhan Ratu and pay my visit to room 308 at Inna Samudra Beach Hotel. Borrowing a car from the office, Aida, Aan, her husband, a driver and myself drove to Pelabuhan Ratu. We left Jakarta at around 7.30 pm, the whole journey went smoothly, and it took about 4 hours by car. We arrived at the hotel at approximately 12.00 midnight. I could feel the energy surrounding the hotel the minute I walked in, it was a mixed feeling of excitement and kind of ‘there and not there’, in other words it felt like a heavy jetlag mixed with that feeling you get after you get up from a very comfortable sleep.We were greeted by Pak Abidin, a friendly middle aged gentleman, as we approached the reception. I told Pak Abidin, the purpose of our stay here at the hotel, and he seemed to understand straight away. I wanted to get the room next to 308, but as it turned out both 307 and 309 were occupied. Finally Pak Abidin recommended room 311, which wasn’t bad at all, considering it was only a few doors away from room 308. After we checked in, we were escorted to our room. I straight away prepare myself for the cleansing ritual by bathing in sea-salt water and said some prayers. At around 1.00 am, Pak Abidin came to our room with a tray full of ’sesajen’ or offerings which I had requested earlier, and escorted us to the mysterious room 308. I was excited beyond belief… Pak Abidin knocked 3 times before opening the door, and the minute he opened it, I could feel the energy coming from the room, and the mixed aroma of jasmine and incense. Inside, the room was decorated with elaborate details of wallpaper design, to the right there’s a bed covered with beautiful green satin spread embroided with gold treads. To the center of the room you can see a big painting of ‘Ibu Ratu’ emerging from the water painted by a famous Artist , arranged as the main shrine. This is not the only painting, as one can see there are more paintings surrounding the walls of the room depicting ‘Ibu Ratu’ in variety of styles and poses. The atmosphere of the room was very surreal, it was nothing like what I felt in an ordinary world (pictures of the room are posted on this blog). After taking a few pictures, I was left alone in the room by my friends to meditate on my own, as I was only allowed 1 hour in the room. Nothing extraordinary happened during the whole hour, but I knew at that moment, my life will not be the same again, in a very good way of course…This is just a brief experience I can share with you fellow seekers of the TRUTH for now, I will keep posting more interesting stories my wonderful experience with the ever enchanted Spirit Queen of the South Sea, Kanjeng Gusti Ibu Ratu Kidul.

WHO IS KANJENG RATU KIDUL?

2008-05-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

Who is Kanjeng Ratu Kidul Sekaring Jagad, or Kanjeng Gusti Kusumaning Ayu Ratu Kidul, or most popularly known as Kanjeng Ratu Kidul?In ‘Bumi Nusantara’ or the land of Indonesia, or in this world, there are two kinds of existence. First one being ‘alam nyata’ or the physical world, the world in which we live in. Second one being ‘alam halus/gaib’ or the world of other dimensions unseen by our physical eyes. Therefore, according to the beliefs of the people living across the shore in the South of Java, ‘Segara Kidul’ or the Kingdom in the South sea, is not the only Kingdom that exists in Bumi Nusantara. There are a lot of other Kingdoms that exist in ‘alam halus’. But the biggest, most famous of all, and what is believed to be the center of all these other Kingdoms is the South Sea Kingdom, or ‘Kerajaan Segara Kidul’.Since centuries ago, and nobody really knows how and when it started, tales about the South Sea including the existence of ‘Kanjeng Ratu Kidul’, or Queen of the South Sea, have been told by ‘petuah’ or old and wise people in Java until today.However, the question is: Are all of this real? And did they really happen? Or are they only stories made up by people based on their fear of the unknown? Or have these people really experienced it for themselves? No one knows, and there has never been any firm confirmation regarding the truth of all this.Through affinity,experience and knowledge of the spiritual world, especially in ‘Ilmu Kebatinan or Kejawen’, some can, and have proven the fact that the world of the South Sea and its Kingdom, does exist. Although we can only experience and even visit the place through ’spiritual eyes’ and of course with permissions from The ALMIGHTY.So, who is this so-called Kanjeng Ibu Ratu Kidul Sekaring Jagad? We can get a pretty clear idea of who she is, if we translate the meaning of her name one by one. ‘Kanjeng’, in the Javanese language is a title addressed to someone of the highest Aristocrasy. Meanwhile, the word ‘Ibu’, can be addressed to a woman who is respected in her community. ‘Ratu’ means, the one and only supreme ruler of a kingdom. ‘Kidul’ in the Javanese language means South and the word ’sekaring’ comes from two words, “sekar” meaning flower, and “ing” meaning from. So ’sekaring’ means ‘the flower from’, and finally the word ‘jagad’ means the universe, or the world. Sekaring Jagad means flower of the universe.Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, for those who have seen and even met with her, said that her name and her physical features, are excactly as it should be. None of the most beautiful woman in our world can compare to the beauty, elegance, charisma, supremacy and even ‘kesaktian’ or spiritual power she possesses.It is written in ‘Babad Tanah Jawi’ (19th century), Panembahan Senopati, builder of the 2nd Mataram Kingdom of Java, went to the South sea in seclusion to meditate and collect all his energy to prepare for his military campaign to fight against the Northern Kingdom. His meditation attracted Kanjeng Ratu Kidul’s attention and she promised to support him. For 3 days and nights, he studied the secret of battle-field strategies and government, until he arrived at the Parangkusumo shore, now South Yogyakarta. Since then it is reported that Ratu Kidul started very close relationships with all of Senopati’s ruling descendants. Through Palaces of Solo and Yogyakarta, offerings are made for her until today.Beliefs about Ratu Kidul to these days is actualized very well. For instance, at the ‘Labuhan’ ceremony, which is a traditional ceremony performed by keraton on the shore of the South sea of Yogyakarta, held on Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono’s birthday (ruling Sultan of Java), according to the javanese calendar, ‘tahun Saka’ (Javanese year), this ceremony is performed for the prosperity of the Sultan and the people of Yogyakarta. These beliefs are also actualized through the ‘Bedaya Lambangsari’ and ‘Bedaya Semang’ dance performance, to celebrate and remember the ‘Ratu’. Another prove is the building of ‘Taman Sari’ complex (Under Water Palace), about 1 km West of Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, which is named Sumur Gumuling. This place is believed as a meeting place between the Sultan and Kanjeng Ratu Kidul.Apart from Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, the myth of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul is also believed by their siblings in Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat. In Babad Tanah Jawi it is written that Kanjeng Ratu Kidul did make a promise to Panembahan Senopati, the first ruler of Mataram, to protect and support Mataram kingdoms, all the Sultans, their families, and people from dangers and disasters. Since these two keratons (Yogyakarta and Surakarta) share the same decendants (Mataram kingdom), like Keraton Yogyakarta, Keraton Surakarta also performs various rituals to Kanjeng Ratu Kidul. One of which is the staging of the most sacret dance performance in keraton, the ‘Bedoyo Ketawang’, performed once a year in remembrance of the coronation of each kings. Nine dancers wearing the traditional javanese bride coatumes invite Ratu Kidul to arrive and wed the susuhunan (king), and it is said that the ‘Ratu’ will appear miraculously in a form of the tenth dancer that glows and shines.Furthermore, the belief of Ratu Kidul also spread throughout west Java. You have probably heard the infamous room 308 on the third floor of Inna Samudra Beach Hotel in Pelabuhan Ratu, which is dedicated specially for Ratu Kidul (pictures of this room are posted on this blog). Whomever wishes to meet with ‘Ratu’ can visit this room. (I have personally experience and been to this room. Stories about this will be posted in due time). You are only allowed one hour in this room. This room acts as one of the ’simbol gaib’ or supernatural symbols used by Indonesia’s first president Sukarno.Till today, in this very modern world, the legend of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul or Queen of the South sea, is one of the most spectaculer legends. A lot of individuals from different walks of life in Indonesia and even other countries have admitted to have met with the beautiful fairy Queen in her traditional javanese garments. Among these individual, one is reported to have met and seen her in flesh, the late Basuki Abdullah, one of the master painters in Indonesia. His experience were poured on to many of his famous paintings of ‘Ratu Kidul’.