Keeping a keris for protection

[Pusaka]

Personally I think a keris is and can be thought of as a Jimat.

http://drgrotte.com/BalineseMedicine...ntraforAmulets

[David]

Originally Posted by Pusaka

Personally I think a keris is and can be thought of as a Jimat.

http://drgrotte.com/BalineseMedicine...ntraforAmulets

"Because the jimats is created and consecrated specifically for one individual it can never be transferred to another"
In this respect at least i would have to say that a jimat is the polar opposite of a keris.

[Pusaka]

"If possible, the consecration of the jimats through the mantras is best when completed either on the new moon, full moon or a particularly auspicious day called Kajeng Kliwon that occurs every fifteen days. Consecration proceeds as follows:

1. Bringing the jimats into being with its accompanying mantra, using the name of the recipient as well as visualization
2. making the jimats alive with the Penguripmantra,
3. following with a joining mantra,
4. concluding with the Pasupati mantra that imbues the jimats with sakti

The jimats is then worn next to the skin by the recipient, who is instructed with additional information on the responsibilities of honoring, respecting and maintaining the live state of the jimats. If these instructions are not followed the jimats will cease to contain living energy."


Above was what I was referring to, the isi (or whatever you prefer to call it) would be created in a similar way. Also its questionable as to whether a keris was made for one person or not. That is why some would prefer a new keris rather than an old one

[David]

Originally Posted by Pusaka

Also its questionable as to whether a keris was made for one person or not. That is why some would prefer a new keris rather than an old one

Is it? Surely a specific keris is initially designed with a single person in mind, but the idea that it will then be passed on down through the family as a direct line of power and a means of accessing that family's power and history seems implicit to the keris and it's cultural application.
Seems a strange statement from a guy who calls himself Pusaka.
There may indeed be similarities with the way jimat is imbued with sakti, but i think that it in the nature of the way this particular type of magick works. Certain many keris were made solely as talismans, but then keris have always had many other positions to fill in Indonesian life. I am not saying that some may not have functioned as a type of jimat in some cases, but to say that is what a keris is seems a bit off the mark to me.

[PenangsangII]

The isi of a keris is transferable to the next owner, provided we treat the isi in the same manner that the original owner/s did. Further, when we buy a keris, we have the so called akad or solemn, and its not exactly buying a keris, but rather marrying to a keris by offering "mahar" or "mas kawin".

[Alam Shah]

Originally Posted by PenangsangII

The isi of a keris is transferable to the next owner, provided we treat the isi in the same manner that the original owner/s did. Further, when we buy a keris, we have the so called akad or solemn, and its not exactly buying a keris, but rather marrying to a keris by offering "mahar" or "mas kawin".

I've heard that not all keris 'isi' is transferable to the next owner. For example, the pusaka class, 'isi' would only serve the blood line of the initial owner or family.

[David]

Originally Posted by Alam Shah

I've heard that not all keris 'isi' is transferable to the next owner. For example, the pusaka class, 'isi' would only serve the blood line of the initial owner or family.

For the most part i agree with you Shahrial. Certainly if i were to buy a true pusaka item that was in one family for generations i would never consider that keris to now be my pusaka, or believe that i could then pass that keris onto my son an maintain any kind of unbroken chain of power from the original family ownership. However, while i do believe that "blood may be thicker than water", i think perhaps intention may be at least as thick as blood. I can envision a scenario where a keris might be passed on to someone who is not actually a part of the original owners bloodline. Perhaps an adopted son or someone who has become like a son to the keris holder and/or his family. If it is given in this spirit and accepted with these understandings i believe it may be possible to maintain an unbroken chain of power in the keris.