Spiritual Dimensions of Carok: Transpersonal Analysis of Madurese Honour Defense

Mohammad Takdir; Fadil Fadil; Basri Basri

doi:10.15575/jw.v11i1.51730

Authors

Mohammad Takdir Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Malang and Universitas Annuqayah, Indonesia
Fadil Fadil Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Malang, Indonesia
Basri Basri Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Malang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15575/jw.v11i1.51730

Keywords:

Carok, Madura, Spirituality, Transpersonal Psychology

Abstract

Carok, a traditional honour-based practice of violence in Madura, Indonesia, is often misunderstood as mere physical aggression, despite its embedded spiritual dimensions, including rituals, mystical beliefs, and sacred symbolism. This study aims to elaborate on the spiritual meaning of carok behavior among Madurese people from a transpersonal psychology perspective. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 informants, including former perpetrators, blaters, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and family members. The phenomenological analysis used to interpret subjective experiences about the spiritual dimension in carok behavior. The findings indicate that spirituality is expressed through pre-carok rituals (prayer, fasting, blessing-seeking), mystical beliefs in the sacred sickle (celurit), and the conceptualisation of death as a spiritual victory rather than a defeat, demonstrating the synthesis of physical action with transcendent consciousness. This study redefines carok as a transpersonal phenomenon that merges bodily action with spiritual consciousness, contesting reductionist interpretations and enhancing indigenous psychological frameworks.

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