Sphatika: Jurnal Teologi

Konflik Legitimasi Sulinggih Sapta Rsi Jawa di Sidoarjo Jawa Timur

2025-06-13T05:14:01+08:00

This article examines the legitimacy conflict experienced by the Sulinggih of Sapta Rsi Jawa, specifically Romo Rsi Hasto Dharmo Eko Telabah, in providing spiritual guidance to the Hindu community in Indonesia. Despite having actively and widely provided religious services with an approach rooted in Javanese tradition, formal recognition from the local Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) has not yet been fully obtained. This qualitative research utilizes data from questionnaires distributed to East Javanese Hindu figures, digital footprints, and literature reviews, with a focus on the textual analysis of the Lontar Siwa Sasana and sociological perspectives on authority. The findings indicate that the aguron-guron (discipleship) and diksa (initiation) processes of Sapta Rsi Jawa, which differ from the standard procedures of the PHDI, are the root of the issue. On the other hand, the community feels a tangible benefit from the services of Sapta Rsi Jawa, which fill a void in spiritual guidance by imparting local wisdom. This article concludes that there is a clash between the charismatic-traditional legitimacy possessed by Sapta Rsi Jawa and the bureaucratic-legal legitimacy held by the PHDI. The recommendation proposed is the necessity for dialogue, mediation, and the application of the Desa Kala Patra principle to achieve harmonization for the benefit of the entire Hindu community.

Teologi Kemakmuran Dalam Kitab Sarasamuccaya

2025-09-09T09:51:38+08:00

This article discusses the theology of prosperity from the perspective of the Sarasamuccaya as an essential Hindu text. The study emphasizes that prosperity is not merely material achievement but a balance between dharma, artha, kama, and moksa. Using a hermeneutical approach, this research reveals that the Sarasamuccaya provides an ethical and spiritual framework in managing wealth while highlighting dharma as the foundation for achieving well-being. The findings indicate that true prosperity must be grounded in dharma, leading humans to both worldly happiness and spiritual liberation (moksa).

Hiranyagarbha sebagai Arketipe Penciptaan: Kajian Hermeneutik Kosmologi Mānava Dharmaśāstra dalam Perspektif G. Pudja dan Tjokorda Rai Sudharta

2025-08-20T09:08:06+08:00

Cosmology is not only a part of scientific knowledge, but can also be affiliated with religious knowledge, such as the Hindu religion, for example. In the Hindu view, cosmology not only discusses the universe in a material sense (sekala), but also all forms, both material and non-material (niskala). Hinduism affirms that there is a real, formless existence called Brahman, which is a metaphysical monistic reality yet rich in personification. In other words, cosmologically, this universe is one of His various forms, or in the dimension of the Mānava Dharmaśāstra teachings, it is called Hiranyagarbha. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the role and meaning of Hiranyagarbha as a universal archetype of creation in Hindu cosmology, with a focus on the narrative found in Chapter 1 of the Mānava Dharmaśāstra. This research explores how this concept is formulated and interpreted, especially in the context of Hindu theology in Indonesia through a hermeneutic lens. Using a qualitative approach and a philosophical-hermeneutic analysis method, this study examines primary and secondary texts to interpret the meaning contained behind the creation verses. The main finding shows that Hiranyagarbha is not merely a mythological entity, but an archetype, a universal fundamental pattern from which reality manifests. The interpretations carried out by translators and academics in Indonesia, such as G. Pudja and Tjokorda Rai Sudharta, become an important bridge that connects classic cosmological narratives with modern monotheistic theology, by explicitly equating Hiranyagarbha with the concept of Brahman or Hyang Widhi Wasa. This study concludes that this hermeneutic act not only translates the text, but also contextualizes and provides strong theological relevance for contemporary Hindus.

Pemahaman Tentang Hakikat Diri

2025-11-05T14:49:37+08:00

This study critically explores Śaṅkarācārya's interpretation of the True Self (Ātma) within the framework of Advaita Vedānta as presented in Tattvabodha. It examines the non-dualistic perspective that affirms the identity of the Self and the Supreme Reality (Brahman), while addressing the epistemological challenges involved in understanding this unity. Tattvabodha is presented as outlining the foundational step toward liberation (mokṣa) and self-realization. The teachings are not merely metaphysical but also provide solutions to dualistic dilemmas, carrying ethical implications that foster empathy and an awareness of universal Oneness. This analysis underscores the enduring relevance of Śaṅkarācārya's insights in contemporary life, highlighting their timeless significance and opening pathways for further interdisciplinary research.

Regulasi Adat dan Realitas Modern

2025-11-27T18:14:57+08:00

This study aims to analyze the dialectic between the spiritual obligation of Pitra Yadnya and the challenges of modernity, which are manifested in the Ngaben policy in crematoriums and its impact on the socio-cultural structure of Balinese Hindu society. The phenomenon of Ngaben in crematoriums, often termed as Ngaben Efisien or Ngaben Aluh, emerged as a real response to modern realities: limited land, soaring costs, and demands for efficiency in time and energy, which collectively threaten the tradition of mutual cooperation and the authority of the Traditional Village which is tied to the implementation of magnificent rituals. This study adopts a qualitative method with a critical policy analysis approach and is based on Giddens' structuration theory, which is relevant to observing how individual actions (choosing a crematorium) shape new social structures. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews with key informants selected purposively and snowballing, including crematorium managers, Jero Mangku (religious leaders), Prajuru Desa Adat (traditional village officials), and families who choose mass Ngaben or crematorium. Furthermore, participant observation and document study of the Awig-Awig and the Lontar Yama Purwana Tattwa were used to explore the theological legitimacy of the new practice. The research findings indicate that although the crematorium has been theologically legitimized by the reinterpretation of the lontar, this practice generates social tensions that erode communal cohesion, but also empowers migrants, thus demanding customary policies that balance the ritual and socio-economic dimensions.

Air dan Kehidupan

2025-11-26T06:42:45+08:00

The water crisis is an ecological issue currently confronting Bali, even though in Hindu teachings water is regarded as a sacred element symbolizing purity, life, and well-being. Water plays a central role in various ritual practices, which is why Hinduism is often referred to as a Tirtha-based religion. However, rapid tourism development and modernization have fostered a shift in community orientations toward nature, including a diminishing reverence for water sources. This study aims to explore the relevance of Hindu ecological principles in responding to Bali’s water crisis. The research utilizes a qualitative-descriptive approach with philosophical and ecotheological frameworks, integrating Hindu ecological concepts with the perspective of deep ecology. The findings indicate that water holds a central position in the religious and cultural life of Hindu communities in Bali as a symbol of purification, protection, and divine grace. It is emphasized that the sacred value of water can serve as the foundation for ecological ethics in contemporary water resource management. The study's contribution lies in offering a framework of ecological awareness based on spiritual principles that can guide sustainable development policy formulation in Bali. Honoring water from upstream to downstream is essential to maintaining ecological balance. However, population growth and the increasing demands of tourism have intensified the exploitation of water sources, resulting in declining water quality and availability. Thus, Hindu ecology provides a basis for conservation through the application of the Mandala concept, the preservation of Alas Angker (sacred forests) and sacred trees, and the strengthening of the Subak irrigation system. These efforts require individual awareness, support from customary and religious institutions, and strong political will from the government to restore Bali’s natural harmony.

Transformasi Tutur Taru Pramana ke dalam Fragmentari Solah Tutur Taru Pramana

2025-05-23T05:11:04+08:00

Tutur Taru Pramana is one of the classical manuscripts that tells the story of various types of plants that can be used as herbal medicine. Essentially, Tutur Taru Pramana is an oral narrative text that describes dialogues between characters within the text, such as the character Sang Prabhu Mpu Kuturan, a powerful healer who possesses the knowledge to communicate with plants.

This study aims to examine the transformation of oral literary works into a fragmentary performance art, as a form of adaptation and modification of literary works into a performance medium. Data collection was conducted through reading, translation, and observation methods, using techniques such as note-taking, direct translation, transcription, and interviews. The data were analyzed using a qualitative method supported by descriptive-analytical techniques and examined through Sapardi Djoko Damono's theory of transformation or intersemiotic transfer. The results of the analysis are presented using both formal and informal methods, through deductive and inductive techniques.

The findings of this study reveal the transformation process of Tutur Taru Pramana into the performance Fragmentari Solah Tutur Taru Pramana, which involves reduction, adaptation, and modification. The results of this research are expected to serve as a reference for similar studies and to foster gratitude for the environment, empathy toward others, and efforts to maintain the balance of plant ecosystems.

Stimulus dan Respons dalam Teori Belajar Behaviorisme

2025-05-23T15:24:13+08:00

The development of science is supported by the emergence of various theories of knowledge put forward by experts. These theories and knowledge are based on philosophy, as the forerunner of all science. One of them is the theory of behaviorism, which was born from the point of view of the philosophy of education put forward by various western philosophers. Meanwhile, if viewed from a historical line, the development of eastern philosophy has existed earlier than western philosophy. As an eastern-based education, education in Indonesia can be explored and in accordance with western research, especially regarding learning theory. In this study, the researcher reviews how the elements of behaviorism theory in the perspective of Vaiśeṣika Darśana, as a school of eastern philosophy. This research is a qualitative type of research and is studied through a qualitative descriptive method. It uses a literature study approach in collecting relevant information. The results of this study show the linkage of elements of behaviorism theory especially operant conditioning theory proposed by B.F. Skinner involving stimulus and response in learning with padārtha in Vaiśeṣika Darśana. The existence of stimulus and response aspects is found as padārtha specifically in the object of karma described in Vaiśeṣika Śūtra. In its realization, stimulus and karma are identified in the actions taken by the teacher in the learning process, in the form of providing material, assignments, learning models and class rules. In the learning process, the teacher acts as a stimulus presenter so that students can respond in accordance with the teacher's expectations.

Tari Joged Pingit dalam Perspektif Teologi Hindu

2025-12-01T16:26:18+08:00

Joged Pingit is a sacred dance categorized as tari wali, performed exclusively at Pura Taman Limut in Desa Pakraman Pengosekan, Ubud. The dance is deeply connected to the spiritual legacy of Dang Hyang Nirartha and Ida Pedanda Sakti Magelung, who bequeathed the sacred gelungan (headdress) as a medium of divine presence. This study examines the theological meaning of Joged Pingit through the framework of Hindu theology, specifically the dimensions of tattwa (philosophical understanding), susila (ethical values), and acara (ritual practices). Using a qualitative method with observation, interviews, and descriptive-analytical interpretation, the study reveals three core theological meanings: (1) the cosmological meaning, representing the harmony between the macrocosm and microcosm through symbolic movements and ritual space; (2) the soteriological meaning, in which the dance acts as moksa karma—a path of liberation through selfless offering; and (3) the ethical-spiritual meaning, teaching self-control, purity of mind, devotion, and reverence toward divine and ancestral energies. Thus, Joged Pingit functions not only as a sacred performance but also as a medium for spiritual cultivation and the preservation of cosmic balance in Balinese Hindu society.