HOW FOLLOWERS OF JAVANESE MYSTICISM READ THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES : AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL LITERARY STUDY

This article is a study of how followers of Javanese mysticism read the signs of the times, using an anthropological literary approach. The article presents the results of a study about the ways in which followers of Javanese mysticism use ngelmu titen. Ngelmu titen is the esoteric knowledge and wisdom that is used to read and understand the signs of the times by making use of the life philosophies that a person adheres to. The approach used in this research is an anthropological literary approach, or a literary approach which uses cultural considerations as its basis. The results of the study show that followers of Javanese mysticism refer to the signs of the times as wangsit, or secret messages. Wangsit have a mysterious nature and can only be understood by certain followers. A wangsit is a spiritual experience that is subjective in nature and can be expressed in the form of a Javanese poem or tembang. The power of a wangsit is believed by followers of Javanese mysticism as a sign of the times. Its goal is to make people take greater care. Wangsit can always be interpreted in a number of different ways. A wangsit that is related to the onset of disaster can strengthen the beliefs of the community so as not to panic.