The Concept of Sang Hyang Tunggal – In the treasury of Javanese Hindu mythology, there is a deep and complex concept of divinity. One of the important concepts that is the foundation of this belief is Sang Hyang Tunggal.
Literally translated, Sang Hyang means “God Almighty”, while Tunggal means “single” or “one”. Thus, Sang Hyang Tunggal is simply interpreted as God Almighty or the Single One.
Conceptualization of the One God
The concept of Sang Hyang Tunggal did not suddenly appear in Javanese Hindu mythology. It is the result of a long process of assimilation and syncretism between the native beliefs of the archipelago and Hindu teachings that entered the archipelago around the 4th century AD.
Before the arrival of Hinduism, the people of the archipelago most likely believed in animism and dynamism. They worshiped ancestral spirits, natural forces, and various gods and goddesses. When Hinduism arrived, the concept of the Almighty God in the form of Brahman began to be introduced. This concept was then adapted and combined with local beliefs, thus giving birth to the concept of Sang Hyang Tunggal.
Sang Hyang Tunggal himself is not depicted in a specific physical form. He is better understood as an abstract being, an infinite power that is the origin and support of everything in the universe. He is eternal, unaffected by space and time, and is the source of all forms of life.
The One God and the Gods
Although positioned as the Almighty God, the concept of Sang Hyang Tunggal in Javanese Hindu mythology does not necessarily negate the existence of other gods and goddesses. In the concept of Trimurti adopted from Hinduism, there are three main gods: Brahma (Sang Hyang Brahma) as the creator, Vishnu (Sang Hyang Wisnu) as the preserver, and Shiva (Sang Hyang Siwa) as the destroyer.
These three gods, along with other gods and goddesses, are considered as manifestations of the power of Sang Hyang Tunggal. They carry out their respective functions and roles in maintaining the balance of the universe.
Creation of the Universe according to Serat Centhini
One of the important sources that tells the concept of Sang Hyang Tunggal is Serat Centhini, a Javanese literary work written in the 17th century. Serat Centhini tells the process of the creation of the universe from a Javanese Hindu perspective. In this story, it is told that before the universe existed, there was only a limitless void called “Wakingan”. Within Wakingan resides Sang Hyang Tunggal.
From Wakingan, Sang Hyang Tunggal then radiated Nur Cahaya (divine light). This Nur Cahaya then solidified into Wujud (substance) which then transformed into Lokatmala (the universe). This creation process was accompanied by the emergence of the gods and goddesses, who were then tasked with managing and guarding Lokatmala.
Sang Hyang Tunggal in Javanese Community Beliefs
The concept of Sang Hyang Tunggal is not only understood philosophically, but also has a real impact on the lives of Javanese people. This belief is reflected in various aspects of life, such as:
- Religious ceremonies: In Javanese Hindu religious ceremonies, prayers and offerings usually begin with the invocation of Sang Hyang Tunggal as a form of respect to God Almighty.
- Lineage of the gods: The gods in Javanese Hindu mythology are often described as descendants or emanations of Sang Hyang Tunggal. This shows that all the power and existence of the gods come from Sang Hyang Tunggal.
- The concept of “manunggaling kawula Gusti”: This concept literally means “the union of servants with God”. This is a spiritual concept that aims to achieve closeness to Sang Hyang Tunggal through prayer, meditation, and living a good life.
Comparison with the Concept of God in Hinduism
Although the concept of Sang Hyang Tunggal has similarities with the concept of Brahman in Hinduism, there are some fundamental differences. Brahman in Hinduism is described as the absolute unmanifest reality.
He cannot be defined or personified. While Sang Hyang Tunggal, although understood as an abstract being, is still considered the source of all manifestations, including the gods and goddesses.
Sang Hyang Tunggal is a concept of divinity in Javanese Hindu mythology which means “God Almighty”. This concept is the result of assimilation and syncretism between the original beliefs of the archipelago and Hindu teachings. Sang Hyang Tunggal is not depicted in physical form, but is understood as an abstract form, an infinite power that is the origin and support of the universe.
Although Sang Hyang Tunggal is the Almighty God, this concept does not negate the existence of other gods and goddesses. The gods and goddesses are considered as manifestations of the power of Sang Hyang Tunggal. This concept has a great influence in the lives of Javanese people, reflected in various aspects such as religious ceremonies, the genealogy of the gods, and the concept of “manunggaling kawula Gusti”.
The concept of Sang Hyang Tunggal has similarities with the concept of Brahman in Hinduism, but there are differences in terms of manifestation. Brahman is described as the absolute unmanifest reality, while Sang Hyang Tunggal is considered the source of all manifestations, including the gods and goddesses.
The concept of Sang Hyang Tunggal shows human efforts to understand and give meaning to the existence of God Almighty in the context of Javanese culture. This concept is an important part of the spiritual and intellectual treasures of Javanese society that needs to be preserved and studied.
