FAQ’s
about Javanese Mysticism and the Keris
DOES THE KERIS REALLY WORK?
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If
you’ve wondered how “keris” is pronounced,
then you’ve stumbled upon one of my personal
obsessions. The western world almost always spells
the Indonesian dagger as “kris” and pronounces
it as the common name “Chris”; but the Javanese
spell the blade “keris” and the pronunciation
is different when using the Javanese dialect—though
most of the western world would default to the
western pronunciation of “kris.” I wanted to
know the authentic pronunciation, though, so
I dug a bit (wouldn’t Maeve?).
I’ve seen
several arguments: Sounds like “crease” or “kĕris”
or “kâris.” Recently, I read a few accounts that
may point to the true pronunciation: “k’rēse,”
with a little trip over the r. Or maybe
I just like it because it rhymes with Therese.
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Thinking that something has power is often enough
to create an effect; in science, this is called the
placebo effect. This universal truth is what I latched
onto in order to introduce the keris. It’s the power
of belief.
Hypnosis works in much the same way. If you’ve read the book and understand
the connection of post-traumatic stress disorder, then you might be interested
to know that hypnosis is sometimes used to treat PTSD.
IS THE KERIS ART, A SPIRITUAL OBJECT OR A WEAPON?
Some would say all three. It was made to be a thrusting weapon and was commonly
worn to ward off trouble. To be cherished as a piece of art, a keris should
be well made and in good condition. The value a keris may have as
a spiritual object depends entirely upon the beliefs of the owner.
WHAT MAKES A KERIS MORE POWERFUL, MYTHOLOGICALLY SPEAKING?
Well, mythologically speaking, a keris can bring good tidings or
disastrous luck, depending upon the empu’s intention while the blade
is forged. Other elements are said to make a keris more powerful,
too.
- It should be in good condition.
- It should be of a respectable age (the older, the better).
- Its dapur (style) and pamor (mix of metals) should
complement the owner’s personality and desires. Certain counting methods
can help determine compatibility between an owner and a blade.
- It should contain meteoric metals. Blending of metals from the earth
and sky were supposed to result in a particularly powerful weapon.
- A hole toward the base of the keris, in an area called the sogogan,
is supposed to help illuminate the future.
- A keris with pamor tiban, its pattern left to chance
(fated), is thought to be especially powerful when it includes the image
of a man.
 WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?
If you’re interested in learning more about Javanese mysticism, visit the
Joglosemar website. There, you can read more about eling, a real empu,
the keris, wayang
shadow puppets and much more.
Artindonesia, which hosts an online magazine called Pawartos-Jawi, is another
site ripe with information about Javanese culture and its quiet, contemplative
people.
You can learn more about the keris itself at Paul’s Keris Page.
• Javanese mysticism and
the keris
• Alvilda
• Castine, Maine
• Rome, Italy
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