KEPERCAYAAN KEPADA KEKUATAN GAIB DALAM MANTRA MASYARAKAT MUSLIM BANTEN

Abstract

This article discusses various forms, functions, and meanings of mantra (magical formula) of Bantenese. How Bantenese understands mantra, what kinds of mantra used, and how Bantenese make use of various kinds of mantra in their life become three main focuses. It is the result of a field research using ethnographic method with the descriptive qualitative design based on anthropological perspective. To analyze the data, structural-functional approach is employed. Library research, participant-observation, and in depth interview are used to collect the data. The mantra tradition in Banten is a part of verbal folklore. Mantra is a tribal sacred prayer containing supernatural powers. The Bantenese mantra is a cultural product of the syncretic elements between local belief and religious traditions. For Bantenese, mantra is one of  oral tradition treasures integrated to other cultural treasures. Its existence is still needed by Bantenese up to the present. In certain cases, the tradition of Bantenese mantra is an alternative of the traditional social institution when the formal institution is no longer able to accommodate their interests and practical needs. The use mantra for various purposes becomes a portrait of the pragmatical life style of Bantenese who still believe in magical powers.