Commoners' School in Majapahit Era: The Womb of Ancient Java Civilization

Summary

This video delves into the rich history of the Kadewaguruan, an ancient educational system in Java that played a pivotal role in shaping Indonesia's classical civilization. It explores how this system, rooted in religious and philosophical teachings, supported key figures like King Airlangga and Gajah Mada during turbulent times. The Kadewaguruan not only preserved knowledge but also helped foster political and spiritual growth in Javanese society. Despite political turmoil, it continued to thrive, eventually evolving into modern institutions like pesantren. The video highlights the profound impact of education on civilization and the preservation of cultural identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The classical era of Indonesia saw the rise of powerful kingdoms, but the role of education in shaping these civilizations is often overlooked.
• 😀 Kadewaguruan was an ancient Javanese educational institution that not only provided religious teachings but also played a critical role in shaping leaders and society.
• 😀 After the destruction of the Medang Kingdom, Airlangga sought refuge in the forests, where the kadewaguruan community supported him and helped restore his rule.
• 😀 Kadewaguruan institutions were located in remote and sacred areas, emphasizing their importance in religious and philosophical education.
• 😀 The education at kadewaguruan included practical knowledge in statecraft, sociology, and governance, which were crucial for leaders like Airlangga and Gajah Mada.
• 😀 Kadewaguruan was independent, with its structure resembling that of a village, managing social affairs, rituals, and security.
• 😀 Kadewaguruan played a key role in preserving and transmitting knowledge through written texts, such as lontars, ensuring the survival of cultural heritage.
• 😀 Despite the decline of Majapahit, the educational institutions of kadewaguruan remained resilient and adaptable, even influencing the development of pesantren in later periods.
• 😀 The philosophy and teachings of kadewaguruan were deeply rooted in Javanese spirituality, focusing on deontology, theology, and achieving union with the Supreme Reality.
• 😀 The history of kadewaguruan highlights the importance of education in preserving national identity and fostering tolerance, which continues to be relevant today.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Kadewaguruan in the history of ancient Java civilization?

The Kadewaguruan played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting knowledge, particularly in religious and philosophical teachings. It was an educational institution that not only nurtured spiritual development but also helped in building and maintaining kingdoms like the Majapahit, supporting key figures like Airlangga and Gajah Mada.

How did the Kadewaguruan contribute to Airlangga’s rise to power?

After the Mahapralaya incident, Airlangga fled to the slopes of Mount Penanggungan, where he found protection and support from the Kadewaguruan. This community not only helped him survive but also played a pivotal role in rallying support for his coronation and subsequent military campaigns, leading to the establishment of a powerful kingdom in East Java.

What is the structure of the Kadewaguruan, and how is knowledge transmitted within it?

The Kadewaguruan had a hierarchical structure with multiple levels of learning. The Dewaguru, the central teacher, led the institution, and students were divided into groups based on their level of knowledge. Senior students and junior ascetics were organized into different mandalas, similar to the structure found in palaces and temples in East Java.

What subjects were taught in the Kadewaguruan?

Education in the Kadewaguruan focused on religious studies, philosophy, theology, and yoga. Students first learned basic principles of good living, spiritual purification, and ceremonial practices, before advancing to more complex subjects like the concept of the Supreme Reality and union with the supreme deity, Paramashiva.

How did the geographical location of the Kadewaguruan influence its teachings?

The Kadewaguruan were often located in remote and sacred areas, such as the slopes of mountains or in forests, to maintain the secrecy and sanctity of their teachings. These locations, such as Mount Penanggungan, were believed to be places where gods resided, providing a spiritually conducive environment for learning.

What was the role of Kadewaguruan during the decline of Majapahit?

Despite the political instability and the eventual fall of the Majapahit Empire, the Kadewaguruan remained resilient and continued to thrive. It became a source of spiritual and intellectual support for commoners, preserving knowledge and fostering cultural continuity during this turbulent period.

What characteristics allowed Kadewaguruan to survive through different political changes?

The three main characteristics that ensured the survival of Kadewaguruan were its independence, its structured knowledge system, and its role as a repository of knowledge. These institutions were autonomous, with their own social and ritual responsibilities, and served as safe havens for intellectuals even as political regimes changed.

How did the Kadewaguruan contribute to the preservation of Javanese literature?

The Kadewaguruan were key in preserving Javanese literary traditions, especially through the copying and re-development of lontars. They safeguarded religious texts and also produced new literary works, which included important historical narratives like the Pararaton and Lontar Calon Arang.

How did the concept of Kadewaguruan evolve with the arrival of Islam in Java?

As Javanese society transitioned to Islam, the Kadewaguruan concept evolved into the pesantren, a traditional Islamic school. This evolution reflects the continuity of the educational system in Java, even as it adapted to the changing religious landscape.

What lessons can we learn from the role of Kadewaguruan in shaping civilizations?

The rise and fall of civilizations are deeply tied to the role of educators and the educational systems that support them. The Kadewaguruan helped shape key figures in Javanese history, such as Airlangga and Gajah Mada, demonstrating the importance of education in maintaining national identity, fostering tolerance, and promoting social harmony.