Javanese Chanting and the Buddhayana Spirit in Preserving Buddha Dharma

Fitriyani Fitriyani; Dharma Yuga Putra Sanjaya; Wulia Purnama Sari; Finantyas Tegar Manggala Putri; Dedi Irawan

doi:10.60046/jgsb.v4i1.289

Authors

Fitriyani Fitriyani Buddhist Education Department, Jinarakkhita Buddhist College of Lampung, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3258-5194
Dharma Yuga Putra Sanjaya Buddhist Education Department, Jinarakkhita Buddhist College of Lampung, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1204-5583
Wulia Purnama Sari Buddhist Education Department, Jinarakkhita Buddhist College of Lampung, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8351-9543
Finantyas Tegar Manggala Putri Nutrition Science Study Program, Respati University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6213-460X
Dedi Irawan Peace Studies of Doctoral Program Department, Mahaculalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3948-1713

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60046/jgsb.v4i1.289

Keywords:

Javanese Chanting, buddhayana, Buddha Dharma, local wisdom, buddhist ritual

Abstract

In Buddhist religious practice, Javanese chanting is a manifestation of local cultural adaptation and an essential means of upholding Buddha Dharma within the community. In order to maintain the continuity of Buddha Dharma at Buddhayana Temple, this research seeks to investigate the function of Javanese Chanting as a legacy of the Buddhayana spirit. A case study methodology was used in the descriptive qualitative research. The interactive model of Miles and Huberman was used to analyze the data, which were gathered via interviews, observation, and documentation. This model consists of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results demonstrate that Javanese Chanting is more than just a ritual; it is also a cultural and spiritual means of promoting faith (saddhā), aiding in the comprehension of Buddhist teachings, maintaining the use of the Javanese language in religious practice, and promoting social cohesion among members of the Buddhist community. Additionally, the practice mirrors the Buddhayana spirit by being inclusive and flexible in response to local culture, serving as a kind of upāya-kauśalya in preserving the continuity and relevance of Buddha Dharma in today's world. By illustrating how local knowledge may aid in the preservation of religious customs in a diverse environment, this research advances the conversation about religion and culture.