What is real? Perhaps it lies in the concrete and tangible evidence of the existence of a person,... more What is real? Perhaps it lies in the concrete and tangible evidence of the existence of a person, or the occurrence of a historical event (or the profane dimension of reality). Yet intangibles (or the sacred dimension of reality) such as what we believe and what we feel are equally valid bases of our reality. Focusing on possibilities about the existence of Hang Tuah, warrior par excellence of the Malay world, the essay addresses issues of reality and existence. Initially, definitions of what is "real" and "reality" are explicated. Subsequently, drawing on Mircea Eliade's ideas on the sacred and profane dimensions and based on hermeneutical principles of interpretation, the discussion explores the possibility of the existence of Hang Tuah. The discussion moves from a literal understanding (the text), to the literary language of Hikayat Hang Tuah (the subtext), to metaphysical considerations (the metatext). The essay presents a viewpoint of a traditional Malay society which participates in a sacred universe. Using the secular view as counterpoint, the essay explores different dimensions of time and space in the spiritual reality of Hang Tuah. It concludes that in order to constitute a holistic view of reality, both the corporeal and the incorporeal dimensions are necessary.
Abdullah Hussain's novel, Interlok, has been the source of discussion and conflict among various ... more Abdullah Hussain's novel, Interlok, has been the source of discussion and conflict among various factions in the multi-ethnic and multireligious community of Malaysia. As an alternative to some of the current negative impressions of the book, and accusations directed at the author, this essay presents a view of the novel and of the author's motivations. It draws on two elements, evidences from the text itself, and an inward level or esoteric interpretation of the text. From an approach of Hindu religious and spiritual doctrines, and universal metaphysical truths from a Traditionalist perspective, it concludes that a fair and unbiased textual analysis which foregrounds Truth allows a genuine reader to understand what the author actually wrote, and to see beyond the conflict and accusations.
Poetry has always played an important role in sustaining languages, as well as in conveying both ... more Poetry has always played an important role in sustaining languages, as well as in conveying both the "outward" or literal and the "inward" or hidden meaning of words. The classic poem from the oral tradition of the Malay world, Syair Siti Zubaidah Perang China, conveys the nature of relationships between different cultures and traditions. One aspect of this relationship is the apparent conflict and war between the people of Kembayat Negara (or Malay-Muslims) and those of China (the Chinese tradition). However, in the process of translation of the text from Malay to English, a harmonious engagement between the Malay and the Chinese cultures has been unravelled. The contention is that through a hermeneutical reading of the text, and through observation of the exacting demands of literary translation, rich reflections of acceptance of "the other" are found, at a level that might otherwise have remained hidden. By revealing the meanings beyond the apparent theme of war and conflict, this paper offers a model for the translation of classical Malay poetry.
What is real? Perhaps it lies in the concrete and tangible evidence of the existence of a person,... more What is real? Perhaps it lies in the concrete and tangible evidence of the existence of a person, or the occurrence of a historical event (or the profane dimension of reality). Yet intangibles (or the sacred dimension of reality) such as what we believe and what we feel are equally valid bases of our reality. Focusing on possibilities about the existence of Hang Tuah, warrior par excellence of the Malay world, the essay addresses issues of reality and existence. Initially, definitions of what is "real" and "reality" are explicated. Subsequently, drawing on Mircea Eliade's ideas on the sacred and profane dimensions and based on hermeneutical principles of interpretation, the discussion explores the possibility of the existence of Hang Tuah. The discussion moves from a literal understanding (the text), to the literary language of Hikayat Hang Tuah (the subtext), to metaphysical considerations (the metatext). The essay presents a viewpoint of a traditional Malay society which participates in a sacred universe. Using the secular view as counterpoint, the essay explores different dimensions of time and space in the spiritual reality of Hang Tuah. It concludes that in order to constitute a holistic view of reality, both the corporeal and the incorporeal dimensions are necessary.
Abdullah Hussain's novel, Interlok, has been the source of discussion and conflict among various ... more Abdullah Hussain's novel, Interlok, has been the source of discussion and conflict among various factions in the multi-ethnic and multireligious community of Malaysia. As an alternative to some of the current negative impressions of the book, and accusations directed at the author, this essay presents a view of the novel and of the author's motivations. It draws on two elements, evidences from the text itself, and an inward level or esoteric interpretation of the text. From an approach of Hindu religious and spiritual doctrines, and universal metaphysical truths from a Traditionalist perspective, it concludes that a fair and unbiased textual analysis which foregrounds Truth allows a genuine reader to understand what the author actually wrote, and to see beyond the conflict and accusations.
Poetry has always played an important role in sustaining languages, as well as in conveying both ... more Poetry has always played an important role in sustaining languages, as well as in conveying both the "outward" or literal and the "inward" or hidden meaning of words. The classic poem from the oral tradition of the Malay world, Syair Siti Zubaidah Perang China, conveys the nature of relationships between different cultures and traditions. One aspect of this relationship is the apparent conflict and war between the people of Kembayat Negara (or Malay-Muslims) and those of China (the Chinese tradition). However, in the process of translation of the text from Malay to English, a harmonious engagement between the Malay and the Chinese cultures has been unravelled. The contention is that through a hermeneutical reading of the text, and through observation of the exacting demands of literary translation, rich reflections of acceptance of "the other" are found, at a level that might otherwise have remained hidden. By revealing the meanings beyond the apparent theme of war and conflict, this paper offers a model for the translation of classical Malay poetry.
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