Ganja !

Rick · 17th November 2006, 01:00 AM

Why is it present on a keris ?

Is it an expression of faith ?
A construction technique?
A lock for the spirit in the blade?
Why is it there; what does it mean; what is its true use?

VVV · 17th November 2006, 12:58 PM

Rick,

I don't think anyone of us can prove the reason for the ganja being there so why not have a poll?
I vote for alt. 3, the spiritual reason.

Michael

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Why is it present on a keris ?

Is it an expression of faith ?
A construction technique?
A lock for the spirit in the blade?
Why is it there; what does it mean; what is its true use?

David · 17th November 2006, 01:38 PM

As Michael points out, proof of any theory will be awfully hard to come by. This is a great question though, one that i have yet to receive a fully satisfactory answer to. One of the problems we are going to run into here is the difference between what the keris has become over the centuries and what the original intent on the design may have been. Certainly the keris is what it is today so answers that apply spiritual meaning to various parts of the keris are no doubt true for the practitioner. But i don't know how we will ever be able to get a grasp of original intent with any certainty.

Alam Shah · 17th November 2006, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

This is a great question though. One of the problems we are going to run into here is the difference between what the keris has become over the centuries and what the original intent on the design may have been. Certainly the keris is what it is today so answers that apply spiritual meaning to various parts of the keris are no doubt true for the practitioner. But i don't know how we will ever be able to get a grasp of original intent with any certainty.

I ditto David's comments, but nevertheless, support Rick idea to discuss and get opinions. Even if it would not be conclusive or certain.

Alam Shah · 17th November 2006, 02:00 PM

Let's refresh ourselves and go back to basics, shall we.

What is a ganja?
From Bambang's Ensiklopedi Keris...
Ganja is the bottom-most area of the keris forming the base. At the centre of the ganja is a hole for the "pesi" (tang) portion. The blade and the ganja forms a union that cannot be seperated.
Many cultural aspect indicated that it is a symbolic union of lingga and yoni.
The ganja represents yoni while the blade with it's pesi represents lingga.
In ancient culture, the union of lingga and yoni represents fertility, eternity and power.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Why is it present on a keris?

Perhaps, a design element that form part of the physical and also magical aspect of the weapon, with its multiple symbolism, rituals and construction element.
Note: Earlier talismanic blades (sajen) does not seem to have this feature.
Ref:Talismanic Indonesian Blades

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Is it an expression of faith?

I guess, initially it might be (and very well still is). But as time goes by, with influence from a few different religions, the keris evolves and the meaning of might have changed through time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

A construction technique?

Personally, I think so but I cannot prove it but if you look at blades through the ages, you'll see quite a lot of evolution and styles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

A lock for the spirit in the blade?

Hmmm... perhaps? Personally, I guess not, but to enpower the blade, perhaps? Open for discussion...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Why is it there; what does it mean; what is its true use?

This, I think Michael has my sentiments as well. "I don't think anyone of us can prove the reason for the ganja being there".

Rick · 17th November 2006, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VVV

Rick,

I don't think anyone of us can prove the reason for the ganja being there so why not have a poll?
I vote for alt. 3, the spiritual reason.

Michael

Done Michael .

This may be an unsolvable question; but it's worth some discussion; so please share your choice after you vote .

Rick

VVV · 17th November 2006, 03:48 PM

Now I don't know how to vote anymore because you have two spiritual alternatives?

But I go for the lock of the spirit which is closest to what I think is the reason.
I think it's talismanic with a lot of different symbolism.
Kind of to balance the spiritual forces of the Keris.
As Shahrial brought up the Linggam/Yoni dualism is one probable factor (on the other side of the ganja it's the pesi/ukiran = same thing).
I also find it probable that it is a kind of lock, as well as a protective shield from, the Naga, or metaphysical forces in the Keris.
But I am sure that there are several other reasons and explanations/speculations?

Michael

Rick · 17th November 2006, 04:28 PM

Yikes!
Sorry to complicate things Michael.

The first option refers to the entire keris as a spiritual expression of life i.e. the ganja and pesi being a male female concept and all that entails.

The other refers to the belief held by some that an empu can imbue a keris with certain powers and the ganja acts like the stopper on a bottle holding the power in the keris.

Multiple answers are fine .

VVV · 17th November 2006, 04:48 PM

I have alread voted now and there was only one alternative possible per vote.
Maybe it should have been only two alternatives then?

1) Metaphysical reasons (symbolism, lock etc.)
2) Physical reasons (construction, practical function etc.)

Michael

View Poll Results: The Ganja ?
An expression of faith, spiritualism ?	0	0%
A construction technique ?	4	57.14%
A lock for the spirit in the keris ?	3	42.86%
Other .......	0	0%
Voters: 7. You may not vote on this poll

17th November 2006, 01:00 AM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,262	Ganja ! Why is it present on a keris ? Is it an expression of faith ? A construction technique? A lock for the spirit in the blade? Why is it there; what does it mean; what is its true use?

17th November 2006, 03:48 PM	#7
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Now I don't know how to vote anymore because you have two spiritual alternatives? But I go for the lock of the spirit which is closest to what I think is the reason. I think it's talismanic with a lot of different symbolism. Kind of to balance the spiritual forces of the Keris. As Shahrial brought up the Linggam/Yoni dualism is one probable factor (on the other side of the ganja it's the pesi/ukiran = same thing). I also find it probable that it is a kind of lock, as well as a protective shield from, the Naga, or metaphysical forces in the Keris. But I am sure that there are several other reasons and explanations/speculations? Michael Last edited by VVV; 17th November 2006 at 04:20 PM. Reason: Made my choice

17th November 2006, 01:38 PM	#3
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,027	As Michael points out, proof of any theory will be awfully hard to come by. This is a great question though, one that i have yet to receive a fully satisfactory answer to. One of the problems we are going to run into here is the difference between what the keris has become over the centuries and what the original intent on the design may have been. Certainly the keris is what it is today so answers that apply spiritual meaning to various parts of the keris are no doubt true for the practitioner. But i don't know how we will ever be able to get a grasp of original intent with any certainty.

17th November 2006, 04:28 PM	#8
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,262	Yikes! Sorry to complicate things Michael. The first option refers to the entire keris as a spiritual expression of life i.e. the ganja and pesi being a male female concept and all that entails. The other refers to the belief held by some that an empu can imbue a keris with certain powers and the ganja acts like the stopper on a bottle holding the power in the keris. Multiple answers are fine .

17th November 2006, 04:48 PM	#9
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	I have alread voted now and there was only one alternative possible per vote. Maybe it should have been only two alternatives then? 1) Metaphysical reasons (symbolism, lock etc.) 2) Physical reasons (construction, practical function etc.) Michael