Representing Dayak Mysticism As Cultural Identity In Achmad Benbela’s Parang Maya

Abstract

This study aims to describe Dayak mysticism practices represented in Achmad's novel Parang Maya: Perang Santet di Tanah Keramat (Parang Maya: The War of Black Magic in Sacred Land) using Niels Mulder's (2013) perspective on mysticism. This study is a qualitative study using literary anthropology theory. The data source for this study is the novel Parang Maya: Perang Santet di Tanah Keramat by Achmad Benbela. The research data consists of verbal data in the form of words, phrases, sentences, dialogues, monologues, text excerpts, and paragraphs that describe Dayak mysticism in the data source. The data collection techniques used in this study include reading, note-taking, and library techniques. The data analysis technique used is descriptive interpretive. The results show that Dayak mysticism in the novel Parang Maya: Perang Santet di Tanah Keramat is represented through a layered structure that refers to Niels Mulder's stages of mysticism, namely sarengat and tarekat. The practice of Dayak mysticism at the sarengat stage is evidenced by acts of obedience to customary institutions without involving inner rituals, such as respect for ancestors, belief in heirlooms, interpretation of sacred spaces, and belief in supernatural figures of authority. Meanwhile, Dayak mysticism practices at the tarekat stage are represented through structured rituals involving the use of mantras and sacred media as well as inner consciousness as a means of interacting with supernatural powers.