Saking Tuhu Manah Guru : The Noble Message of Pupuh Ginanti in Responding to a National Moral Turmoil

The Moral Challenge of the Indonesian Nation

The Indonesian nation is currently facing a serious challenge in the form of moral degradation that is visible in various aspects of life. Phenomena like corruption, intolerance, violence, and the ethical decline of the younger generation have made many people worried. Amid this chaos, there is an issue that is often considered trivial, especially by the younger generation, yet has a significant impact on the country's development.

Aside the visible disorder that is currently escalating, a lack of respect for teachers and parents is a frequent issue in the news. In this situation, the Balinese cultural heritage of pupuh, specifically the Pupuh Ginanti "Saking Tuhu Manah Guru" emerges as a reflection of noble values that can serve as a guide to improve the nation's character and morals.

Pupuh Ginanti as a Balinese Cultural Heritage

AI Ilustration : Lyrics of Pupuh Ginanti - Saking Tuhu Manah Guru (Source : Personal Collection)

Pupuh Ginanti is a type of macapat traditional song that has specific rules (guru wilangan and guru lagu) called Padalingsa. Each stanza consists of six lines with an 8i, 8a, 8i, 8a, 8u, 8a pattern. Padalingsa that shows numbers (Guru Wilangan) in pupuh dictates how many syllabels can be done while we are matembang (singing), and inadvertently dictates the length of the pupuh itself. The alphabets (guru lagu) dictates how the vocal sound in each sentence can be ended with. 

Examples of Padalingsa in Pupuh (Source : Personal Collection)

This beautiful structure makes it pleasant to hear and easy to remember, since Pupuh Ginanti is also categorized as "Sekar Alit", which is a literature arts that is usually sung by youngsters. In Balinese tradition, within the same context, Pupuh Ginanti is often used to convey advice, ethical teachings, and life values.

Moral Message in Pupuh Ginanti

One of the most well-known and frequently mentioned Pupuh Ginanti is "Saking Tuhu Manah Guru," which contains a deep message about the role of knowledge in life and the obligation to respect and obey teachers. Here is the translation of the "Saking Tuhu Manah Guru" lyrics into English:

"The teacher, with full attention and sincerity,"

"Gives advice to their student."

"Knowledge is like a weapon,"

"That can be used daily."

"Especially to make a living,"

"To seek a livelihood as long as you are alive."

Moral Message in Pupuh Ginanti

The lyrics of this pupuh emphasize the importance of valuing knowledge and having a sincere heart in respecting teachers. We are taught to appreciate the knowledge given to us by our teachers, as this knowledge will be used in our daily lives, to make a living, and to become a better person, both physically and spiritually.

Additionally, there is a message for all readers; a teacher is not just a figure who teaches in school, but also a parent, leader, and anyone who guides us in life. With just one stanza, Pupuh Ginanti "Saking Tuhu Manah Guru" is able to convey the message about how sincere a teacher is in providing knowledge to their students. Therefore, as students, we must respect and obey the advice and guidance given. By obeying and respecting teachers, one is taught to have humility, discipline, and a respectful attitude toward knowledge.

The Relevance of Pupuh Ginanti to the Current State of the Nation

This meaning is very relevant to the current situation, where many young people are beginning to lose respect for authority figures. This pupuh reminds us that without respect for teachers, knowledge will not bring blessings, and morality will lose its way. This is evident from recent news reports showing students who often defy and even threaten their teachers when they are given advice.

Compared to Indonesia's current situation, Pupuh Ginanti "Saking Tuhu Manah Guru" can be an antidote to moral degradation. The teachings it contains encourage everyone to return to ethical values, appreciate knowledge, and place teachers and parents as life role models rather than viewing them as just people who like to dictate. By re-instilling the noble values of this pupuh, the Indonesian people can cultivate a nationally loyal character that is more honest, disciplined, and ethical. Both formal and non-formal education can use pupuh as a medium for character learning.

The Eternal Value of Pupuh Ginanti That Has To Be Preserved

 It can be said that "Saking Tuhu Manah Guru" is a Balinese literary heritage that holds an eternal moral message. The noble values it teaches can be a mirror and a cure for the moral chaos currently plaguing the nation. By reviving this pupuh through education, cultural studios, and daily life, the Indonesian people are invited to re-establish ethics and morality, which are the foundation of civilization, and can even form a stronger structure than before.