Mamayu Hayuning Bawono

As it is already explained that the concept of 'mamayu hayuning bawono' which prevails to this day is one of the most important pillar in Kejawen.

It is impossible to understand and furthermore to practice Kejawen without implementing this principle. In short, the meaning of it: to preserve the world for the welfare or benefit of mankind.

Some Javanese who preserve traditional way of life, in proper occasions would say that human life should be always in good, safe and prosperous condition if everyone practices the principle of 'mamayu hayuning bawono' whole-heartedly.

In Java, these words are very popular and exposed repeatedly by leaders from official and traditional domain, as well as by pinisepuh (elderly wise people).

In order to understand the essence of its correct meaning, herebelow is the explanation.
'Mamayu hayuning bawono' lit means to preserve the beauty of the world, it can be interpreted as: to do properly to make the welfare of the world with all its contents.

Take note of the words: hayuning bawono (hayu-ayu- beautiful; bawono-world). Javanese perception that world is beautiful, the world itself as a nature is good, beneficial to human and other living-beings. It must be treated, conserved and protected in the best manner.

By whom? Of course by human as the most responsible inhabitans, who have received a lot of things from the kind world. Human should never forget that their existence is inseparable with existence of the world.

The environmentalists are correct when they say: "If you do any harm to the world, to the environment, you do harm to yourself". Human beings are the central factor to keep the world in good order. Certain rules have to be adopted to guarantee the best existence of the world with all its contents.

Everybody should be aware, as a part of 'Bawono' (world), must have a good conscious moral to preserve the world for the benefit of mankind. it is a conditue sine qua non to protect the existence of life itself in the Universe. The Kejawen outlook states that no one excepts the Creator of life, the Creator of the Universe, God the Almighty or Gusti is able to create life. A human has to respect, worship her/his Creator. This is a vertical relation between human with God. A human has to make a proper collaboration with other human. This is a horizontal relation between human-beings. A human has to know the nature with correct attitude.

He/she has to know the usefulness of nature and the power of nature. Every part of nature, has its specific character and usefulness. That's why, a seeker of true knowledge (ngelmu sejati) sometimes meditate in various places to search noble wishes.

A human with noble character (satrio) should be ready to help the needy. A satrio (a responsible broad-minded person with honest mind) should know to fulfill her/his duties a.o. by:

1. Giving a good example of his action to be beneficial for others and for the country.
2. To be a good protector of the needy
3. Helping the needy
4. Wisely to forgive others' mistakes

A satrio is a believer, in worshipping God, he is using 'olah roso' by practising true feeling. True feeling (spiritually) is roso sejati, which can be achieved thru the process of samadi. To meditate at midnight outside the house for several minutes, to stay under the sky amidst the nature is very useful to acquire true feeling. It is an effective way to draw the four elements of life: wind, water, fire and land.

To help others is noble, but before a person is able to help others, he/she must do regular spiritual exercises to become spiritually strong, the best if he/she could be a human who has harmonious relation with God.