Muhamad Fauzi Zakaria
Memayu Hayuning Bawono is a noble philosophy of the Javanese people that translates to "Beautifying a beautiful world." This concept is deeply rooted in Javanese culture and serves as a spiritual guide for maintaining harmony among people and between humanity and the universe.
Memayu Hayuning Bawono, in a broader sense, refers to a way of life that individuals should follow to enhance personal piety, foster social relationships, and express gratitude for the blessings received from God through the creation of the universe and its resources. The three dimensions, individuals, society, and nature interact and influence one another.
Humans do not exist in isolation; they share the world with others who have equal rights to live and pursue their livelihoods. Efforts to meet life’s needs require social interaction among people, but they also depend on the universe as a source of resources. Often, attempts to sustain human life face various challenges, including conflicts between individuals and natural disasters, which can hinder people from fully meeting their needs.
In the context of Memayu Hayuning Bawono, humans, as the subjects responsible for the disorder in the universe, must exercise wisdom in managing themselves, their relationships with others, and their interactions with nature. This is essential for maintaining the harmony of the universe, ensuring it remains as beautiful as when it was created by Gusti Kang Murbeng Dumadi.
The universe that was born in a beautiful state must not only be maintained but also continually enhanced so that there is a harmonious relationship between the universe and its inhabitants, especially humans. This harmonious relationship can be reflected in the creation of a society that upholds tolerance, fosters mutual cooperation, and prioritizes environmental sustainability.
Javanese society embraces the concept of jagad alit and jagad agung as interdependent realities. Jagad alit refers to the individual, while jagad agung encompasses society and the broader world. Individuals (jagad alit) find inner peace, happiness, and prosperity through their connection with society and nature (jagad agung). In turn, jagad agung achieves peace, harmony, and security through individuals who have managed to overcome egoism, greed, and avarice. This reciprocal relationship between the small universe (jagad alit) and the great universe (jagad agung) is both essential and harmonious. The alignment between humans and the universe is founded on their shared identity, which originates from Gusti Kang Murbeng Dumadi (God).
From the perspective of the sociology of religion, the term "Memayu Hayuning Bawono" presents significant opportunities for creating a society that is mutually cooperative and supportive. Talcott Parsons (1902-1972), in his theory of Structural Functionalism, explained that humans are interconnected in ways that contribute to social order. This order arises from shared values within communities. These shared values can stem from a universal awareness that has previously been established, such as a belief in human rights, a consciousness of our interconnectedness as beings created by God, and a sense of dependence on nature, among others.
Memayu Hayuning Bawono, as a philosophy of life, is not exclusive to the Javanese culture; rather, it offers noble teachings that encompass universal values supporting global solidarity, transcending the identities of any particular community. If all people recognize their role as humans who rely on nature, this understanding can serve as a bridge, reconnecting previously severed divisions.
Recently, racism and xenophobia have reemerged in the West, highlighting the ongoing erosion of solidarity among humans. The misguided belief in superiority and inferiority, which is ultimately insignificant, is often used to justify behaviors that can lead to increased conflict. In today's challenging conditions, it is evident that we need the collective strength of the entire global community to overcome these issues.
Memayu Hayuning Bawono serves as a reflection of appropriate social practices, especially given the current pandemic conditions. There is a growing need for teachings on universal values that foster a sense of shared destiny among humanity, with the hope of creating a positive impact on others.
Humanitarian responsibilities should not rest solely on the government or health authorities. It is a collective duty that must be inspired and revived by communal values, such as the spirit of Memayu Hayuning Bawono.
Tabik
Written by: Muhamad Fauzi Zakaria. He is a student of the Department of Religious Studies at the State Institute for Islamic Studies (IAIN) Kediri
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