Wayang Ramayana: Philosophical Values and Asta Brata
The Ramayana Wayang, a Balinese art tradition, presents the epic story of the Ramayana through shadow puppet performances. Beyond entertainment, this performance carries moral values and life philosophies, including the teachings of Asta Brata, eight principles inspired by nature that guide leaders to become wise, just, and ethical.
The Balinese shadow puppet theater, known as wayang kulit, is a traditional Balinese cultural art form. This tradition, inherited from the pre-Hindu era, serves as a medium for communication and worship. In addition to its high aesthetic value, wayang kulit is rich with moral teachings and life philosophies. One of the most popular types of wayang kulit in Bali is the Wayang Ramayana.
The Wayang Ramayana typically performs episodes from the epic Ramayana. The performance uses a screen (kelir), an oil lamp (blencong), and is accompanied by dynamic gamelan batel pewayangan music tuned to the five-tone slendro scale. These performances are often secular entertainment arts. The stories enacted range from Kiskenda Kanda to Uttara Kanda, with each performance lasting about three to four hours.
Episodes of Wayang Ramayana
Frequently performed episodes of the Wayang Ramayana include:
- The Battle of Sugriwa and Subali
- The Capture of Kumbakarna
- Anggada's Mission
- The Fall of Meganada
- Hanuman's Journey
- Anggada's Heroism
- Anoman Watugangga
- The Disappearance of Rama
Personnel and Musical Elements
A hallmark of Wayang Ramayana is the inclusion of monkey troops (palawaga) whose movements and music vary by scene. A Wayang Ramayana performance is supported by 14 individuals, consisting of:
- 1 dalang (puppeteer)
- 2 assistants to the dalang
- 11-12 gamelan musicians (Gamelan Batel Pewayangan)
The Gamelan Batel Pewayangan ensemble comprises:
- 4 sets of gender wayang instruments
- 1 pair of small drums (kendang kecil)
- 1 kajar (small gong)
- 1 kemong
- 1 kempur (gong)
- 1 tawa-tawa (small gong chime)
- 1 pair of cengceng (cymbals)
- 1 rebab (spike fiddle)
- 1 suling (bamboo flute)
Philosophical Values of Wayang Ramayana
Jro Mangku Dalang I Made Lamu (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
According to Jro Mangku Dalang I Made Lamu, the stories of Wayang Ramayana consist of seven books (sapta kanda), portraying the life journey of the King of Ayodhya, Sri Ramadewa. The story recounts Rama's battle against Ravana, the King of Lanka, to rescue his wife, Dewi Sinta, with the aid of monkey troops.
The wayang reflects human life, with the dalang symbolizing God as the orchestrator of life. The performance teaches introspection and mastery over both the tangible (skala) and intangible (niskala) worlds. Its components represent the elements of life:
- The kelir symbolizes the sky (akasa)
- The banana trunk base represents the earth (pertiwi)
- The lamp symbolizes the sun
- The puppets symbolize humans
- The kopak (box) symbolizes the home
Jro Mangku Dalang I Made Lamu (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
The Wayang Ramayana performance becomes a medium to convey universal values relevant to human life. In the context of leadership, it embodies the teachings of Asta Brata.
Asta Brata Leadership Teachings
Leadership in Hindu philosophy is extensively discussed in sacred texts, including the Manawadharmasastra. One of the core teachings is Asta Brata, eight principal doctrines conveyed by Sri Rama to his brother Bharata. This teaching uses natural elements as symbols of leadership principles:
- Indra Brata: A leader should be like rain, providing prosperity, refreshment, and authority.
- Yama Brata: A leader must uphold justice based on laws for a harmonious society.
- Surya Brata: A leader should resemble the sun, inspiring and energizing the people.
- Candra Brata: A leader should be like the moon, bringing light and coolness to their subjects.
- Vayu Brata: A leader, like the wind, should be present among the people and understand their needs.
- Bhumi Brata: A leader should be like the earth, steadfast, supportive, and providing welfare.
- Varuna Brata: A leader should be like the ocean, wise and capable of calming turmoil.
- Agni Brata: A leader, like fire, must be firm in principles and able to eliminate injustice.
Sri Rama as the Ideal Leadership Figure
Balinese Shadow Puppet, Character of Sri Rama (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
In the Ramayana, Sri Rama embodies the ideal leader. He not only exemplifies the principles of Asta Brata but also demonstrates integrity, resilience, and responsibility toward his people. As a king, Rama faced numerous challenges, including 14 years of exile and the war against Ravana. In every situation, he displayed exceptional courage, wisdom, and sacrifice.
Rama’s sacrifice in rescuing Sinta also illustrates leadership grounded in compassion and commitment to righteousness. He symbolizes a leader who illuminates the world, akin to the dalang bringing light to the night through wayang performances. These values provide lessons for humanity on becoming wise and enlightened leaders in daily life.
