Socyberty: Self Empowerment and Ancient Javanese Art of Archery

The traditional Javanese archery is also a kind of meditation. Not only does the archer learn shoot the target but he also learn to do something with his heart.

Ancient Traditional Javanese archery is called “Panahan”. It is derived from noun base “panah” or “bow and arrow.” The verb to shoot with arrow is “manah”. But, “manah” also means “heart”. Todays, the traditional Javanese archery activities are held in Javanese Sultan Palace in Jogjakarta and Surakarta, Mid Java, Indonesia. In ancient Javanese archery, an archer practice to shoot the target and also manage as well as empower his heart.

Javanese tradition also adopts Indian epic philosophy, such as Mahabharata and Ramayana, which are combined with Javanese pagan philosophy and presented in Wayang performance. Many knights (ksatria/ satria) in the epics, such as Arjuna, Rama, and Karna, had archery skills. It means that knight/ satria is the one who has skill to shoot with arrow as well as manage his heart.
The traditional Javanese archery is also a kind of meditation. Not only does the archer practice to focus on the target but he also learns to empower his heart, synchronize his mind, body, arrow and bow, and expand his heart/ mind to the target. In this noble art, we learn that the energy follows the mind.

So, is the philosophy of “manah” still applicable in modern era? In ancient Javanese archery, we learn to shoot the target with our heart. To put our heart to our work and goal will give energy to our effort. It agrees with the saying written in Bible: “treasure lies where your heart belongs”.

Whatever job or work that you do, do with your heart. When you cook, teach your children, work at office, do it with love and heart and you will find the energy.

Sumber: Sociberty.com